The views and opinions expressed in the interviews published on Made in CA are those of the interviewees and do not reflect the official policy or position of Made in CA.

The information provided through these interviews is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any products, services, or individuals featured. We strongly encourage readers to consult with appropriate professionals or authorities in the relevant fields for accurate information and advice.

Shaun Kindopp

Canadian Western Agribition (CWA), located in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, is a premier event renowned for being the best beef show on the continent and the largest livestock show in Canada.

It is our mission to deliver an educational, entertaining, and competitive experience showcasing Canadian livestock genetics and agriculture products to the world and continue being a global industry leader in the agriculture marketplace.

The show is anchored by beef cattle and features a diverse array of livestock and an extensive agribusiness trade show. CWA takes place over six days and is a unique blend of agriculture, Indigenous culture, education, shopping, and live entertainment, making it a truly immersive experience and a world-class event. It is also home to the esteemed Maple Leaf Finals Pro Rodeo, hosting four nights of action-packed entertainment!

The event is an international hub of agriculture excellence, hosting over 1,200 international guests from over 63 countries in 2022. CWA is where the world meets.

Tell us about yourself?

Shaun Kindopp has dedicated most of his career to the events sector, gaining expertise in organizing and executing successful events of various sizes. In 2022, he received a headhunting call from Canadian Western Agribition, an organization he had long admired. Without hesitation, Shaun jumped at the opportunity to work for the organization as its CEO.

Shaun’s passion for the agriculture industry has been with him for many years, and he gained firsthand experience helping on his in-law’s ranch in southern Saskatchewan. This experience further fueled his desire to work in the industry and merge his passion for agriculture with his expertise in events.

If you could go back in time a year or two, what piece of advice would you give yourself?

Be you. Embrace your uniqueness and stay true to yourself. Challenge yourself to grow and evolve, but don’t change who you are in the process. Focus on what brings you joy and fulfillment. Most importantly, just be a good person.

What problem does your business solve?

Canadian Western Agribition prides itself on facilitating business opportunities, connecting individuals from various industries, and fostering an environment that promotes collaboration, community, and growth. From hosting trade shows and showcasing livestock and genetics to facilitating international business ventures, we are committed to creating opportunities that help our exhibitors and visitors succeed.

What is the inspiration behind your business?

At CWA, our passion dates back to 1971, when we were first established, and it has continued to drive us forward for the past 52 years. Our goal has always been to create opportunities for individuals and businesses within the industry and to provide a platform for showcasing and celebrating the best of what the livestock sector has to offer. By serving as a champion for this sector, we hope to inspire others to share in our passion and to work towards a brighter future for the livestock industry as a whole.

What is your magic sauce?

Our “magic sauce” at CWA is undoubtedly the people who make up our organization – from our dedicated staff and crew to our invaluable volunteers and, of course, our incredible producers and exhibitors. It’s the passion, hard work, and collaborative spirit of these individuals that have helped us build a community of support and growth within the livestock industry. Our people are what sets us apart and drive our success as we work together to create opportunities, build connections, and celebrate the best of what the industry has to offer.

What is the plan for the next 5 years? What do you want to achieve?

Over the next five years, our plan is to continue growing and evolving as an industry leader. We will remain dedicated to fostering innovation and progress within the livestock sector, with a focus on expanding our reach internationally. Our goal is to offer a diverse range of events that showcase the latest advancements in Canadian Animal Agtech and continue to champion the industry on a national level. To achieve this, we will be working closely with incubators in our hometown to identify emerging technologies and opportunities and to stay at the forefront of industry trends. Ultimately, we want to continue building on our success and reputation as a leader in the industry while remaining committed to the values of community, collaboration, and growth that have driven us forward for over 50 years.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far?

Our biggest challenge has been keeping up with rapidly changing technology. We need to continually evolve and adapt to stay competitive in the industry. This means being proactive in identifying emerging trends and opportunities and taking steps to integrate them into our operations in a strategic and effective way. While this can be a daunting challenge at times, it’s also an exciting opportunity to push ourselves to new heights and to stay ahead of the curve in an industry that is constantly evolving.

How can people get involved?

There are plenty of opportunities to get involved with us at Agribition, and it’s easy to do so! Just visit our website at www.agribition.com to learn more, or check out our “Get Involved” tab for more information. Whether you want to attend our entertaining events, visit our facility, become a partner, conduct business with us, or even exhibit, we have something for everyone. We are always happy to welcome new and smiling faces and show them what we do. So, get in touch with us today and discover how you can get involved!