A Change in Demographics
Since 1922, the Royal has welcomed millions of people. Visitorship is currently at 300,000 yearly. Billed as “Country Comes to the City,� it is the largest indoor agricultural event in the world. When the Royal opened 97 years ago, 51 per cent of people lived in areas defined by census Canada as rural. In 2011 that number was 18.9 per cent, with Ontario below the National average at 14.1 per cent. Visitor demographics have changed drastically, yet the Royal remains a popular attraction.
Up Close & Personal There are not many opportunities for city folk to get up close and personal with large animals. With a spate of recent farm invasions by animal rights activists, farmers have become more cautious about revealing their location. Add to that biosecurity risks and it becomes clear why the gap between rural and urban lifestyles continues to widen. In this regard, the Royal is a chance for farmers to connect with consumers. While the animals in the show ring might have full stands and a live stream, there are arguably more eyes on them in the days leading up as visitors meander down the aisles in the barns.
40 DECEMBER / DÉCEMBRE 2019 Canadian Jersey Breeder / Eleveur De Jersey Canadien
