2024 Agribition serves as ideal training site for WCVM veterinary students

The annual agricultural trade show, which attracted more than 142,000 people in 2023 and features about 2,500 head of livestock, takes place from Nov. 25 to 30 in Regina, Sask.

“It’s an important event for highlighting agriculture and animal health industries, and I’m really excited to be a part of it,” says Emma Schaeffer, a WCVM student from Moose Jaw, Sask.

Schaeffer, along with her classmate, Trinity Gibney, are in their final year of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program. As part of their clinical training, they’re participating in a two-week clinical rotation that revolves around activities taking place at Agribition. It covers a range of animal health-related tasks including working as part of Agribition’s veterinary team, assisting with cases, and learning more about the critical role that show veterinarians play during major livestock events.

Another important aspect of the rotation is engaging with the public at the WCVM agriculture awareness exhibit and working with high school students as part of an agriculture-focused career exposition.

“I’ve attended Agribition as a young child and as an adult, and there are lots of great learning resources here for all ages. I’m looking forward to being a part of the education process this time around and giving back to an event where I’ve learned so much,” says Schaeffer.

Gibney, who is from Humboldt, Sask., is also familiar with Agribition, and she’s grateful for the opportunity to work with show veterinarians over the week.

“I take a special interest in large animal emergency medicine,” says Gibney. “We’ll be ‘behind the scenes’ for the rodeo events in case of any emergencies, so that will be a unique experience.”

The WCVM’s exhibit in Agribition’s Family Ag Pavilion (located in Arena 1 of the Co-operators Centre) features a variety of animal health visuals and games, offering an engaging experience for visitors of all ages. The main attraction is Agnes, a full-sized Hereford cow and her calf; the two models are used to demonstrate what happens during a normal calving.

For Gibney, assisting with the calving demonstrations and interacting with visitors at the college’s exhibit will give her the chance to enhance her communication skills.

“It’s a great opportunity to connect with others about veterinary education and life as a veterinary student, as well as answer any questions for those who are curious about this profession,” she says.

Gibney and Schaeffer will also interact with more than 600 high school students from across the province during the thinkAG Career Expo, which takes place from Nov. 25 to 28 during Agribition. Organized by Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan, the event showcases the many careers and opportunities in the province’s agriculture and animal health sectors.

Gibney and Schaeffer have worked with WCVM veterinarian Dr. Chris Clark (DVM), their supervisor, to prepare an interactive presentation highlighting lead toxicity in animals.

“Certain toxins are a threat to certain species, but not necessarily others. We’ve developed a case investigation activity that involves lead toxicity in cattle, and then we follow up with a hands-on activity where students match an animal species to the toxic agents that are applicable,” says Schaeffer.

Gibney acknowledges that not all students will have a background in agriculture and wants to provide insight into the relationships between people and animals.

“Toxicities are a present danger for all animals, so I think it’s important to understand the role that humans play in protecting and caring for them,” says Gibney.

Beyond the exhibits targeting students and families, the WCVM is also part of a joint exhibit with the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) College of Agriculture and Bioresources (AgBio) and the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE) in the International Trade Centre.

Schaeffer and Gibney are excited to be part of Western Canada’s largest agriculture event where they can gain practical experience while helping others gain more awareness about animal health and its importance.  

“It will be a lot of fun to share our passions for the many aspects of veterinary medicine, and hopefully, inspire younger generations to get involved as well,” says Schaeffer.

Click here for more details about the 2024 edition of the Canadian Western Agribition.