The launch of a new poultry farming exhibition that was expected to bring about 5,000 visitors to Stratford this November has been cancelled.

Jordon Underhill, founder and general manager of the Canadian Poultry XPO, said the decision was made after consulting with staff at the Stratford Rotary Complex, as well as government and public health officials.

“All of those things that have been great economic drivers in the past are now obviously not worth it when you weigh the potential health risks,” Underhill said. “Our neighbours are the permanent residents in Stratford, and the last thing we’re going to do is expose those people to international guests that are coming to exhibit.”

Along with his wife, Donna, Underhill also manages the annual Canadian Dairy XPO, which had also been cancelled earlier in the year.

Both events – industry showcases that provide farmers a chance to network and discover innovative ways to improve their operations – are expected to continue next year. The dairy expo, which has been running for eight years, is scheduled for April 1-2. The poultry expo is expected to take place Nov. 3-4.

Besides the public-health risks, Underhill said travel restrictions are making the planning of large-scale industry exhibitions a daunting task, but two international agricultural events taking place in Atlanta and Germany in early 2021 could offer insight on how these types of showcases can be done safely in the future.

“We feel very strongly that both the (Canadian) dairy expo … and poultry expo will come back stronger than ever,” he said. “Farmers have an appetite to reconnect with each other and also with international innovations that can improve their operations, so we just have to figure out when we operate in 2021 the new parameters to ensure that it’s safe both for the people attending the show and also the City of Stratford.”

In the meantime, Underhill said he will focus on his cattle farm and fundraising for the Canadian Mental Health Association, which offers resources specifically for farmers. Some exhibitors who were offered a rebate on their participation fees when the events were cancelled have opted to donate that money instead, and Underhill said he’s already been able to collect $30,000.

“Farming is a challenge in a good year and, a lot of times, you feel alone and so we want to make sure we’re supporting our farmers,” he said. “With the very bad, there’s always something good and you’ve got to stay positive and drive on.”