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While the Stampede still has the livestock and horse shows as it did from the beginning, educating the public in a fun, interactive way has “really come to the forefront,” said Cowley.

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A four-year agriculture strategy, approved by the non-profit’s board, addresses using public education, the Stampede brand and facilities, and gathering people, such as industry and thought leaders, to advance discussions on how to feed the planet in future years.

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An artist rendering shows a 20 year vision plan for the Calgary Stampede and area. The plan was released on March 18, 2026. Courtesy Calgary Stampede/ CMLC

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The updated Stampede Park master plan, rolled out in March, envisions a new agriculture building in place of the current one, which was built in 1919. The new building will give the organization a modern place at Stampede Park to host educational opportunities, as well as livestock and horse shows during Stampede and throughout the year.

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“It’s also envisioned that it would be a centre for excellence for agriculture, by engaging industry and partners from academia to activate here on a year-round basis, and further educate people on the importance of agriculture and advance the industry,” said Cowley, adding the concept is currently being developed.

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The building will include everything from classrooms to startup spaces for ag-tech companies, as well as places where people can interact with animals and food, said Cowley.

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“We want it to be a year-round experience,” said Cowley.

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Cowley said it will be a multi-year project, and one the Stampede will ask governments to help fund. It will also seek sponsorships.

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“We think there’s enough value in this, and we feel the Calgary Stampede is positioned very well with our expertise and our brand that we can bring this to life, and it will be meaningful for Canadian agriculture,” said Cowley.

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Miles Wowk, who ranches east of Edmonton and sits on the Alberta Beef Producers board, said the Stampede has done much for agriculture during its long history.

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Alberta rancher Miles Wowk. Seven D Media for Alberta Beef Producers

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No other city in the province gives producers such a platform, said Wowk, who last year spent a week at Cattle Trail, which, during Stampede, features live cattle and tells the story of beef from pasture to plate. Wowk plans to spend more time this July at Cattle Trail, located in the Nutrien Western Event Centre. 

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“Some cities don’t shine such a good light on (agriculture), but Calgary always does.”

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Wowk, who’s encouraged by what the organization is doing to promote the industry, also stressed the importance of the Stampede in educating the public.

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And Calgarians want to learn, he said.

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During Aggie Days, it’s not just the students getting an education — it’s also their adult chaperones, said Wowk.

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“There’s so many things that people don’t know,” said Wowk. “So many questions will resonate with these young people, but also with their caretakers and also with their teachers.”

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A seven-day-old piglet sniffs his way around the enclosure at Aggie Days at Stampede Park in Calgary on April 3, 2014. Brent Calver/Postmedia file

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Kristina Barnes, the Stampede’s agriculture and western events director, said the Stampede has adjusted its programming because so many Albertans are now further removed from agriculture.

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About 50 years ago, roughly one in three people had a regular interaction with a farm animal or a large animal, but now it’s more like one in 50, said Barnes, who usually mentions this when talking to groups during Aggie Days.

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“As our community becomes more removed from agriculture and where our food comes from, that’s why we focus so heavily on programs like Aggie Days or the ag zone at Stampede time, where we provide opportunities for our community to come in, see the animals, see the products, ask the questions of the producers. That’s a great opportunity for them to come and learn for themselves.”