Honoring Alberta’s Agricultural Heritage at Agri-Trade

Alberta’s agricultural journey began nearly two centuries ago, with the first wheat planted around Fort Edmonton in the 1820s. It was the arrival of hardy varieties like Red Fife in the late 1800s that helped establish Alberta as a grain powerhouse. Early farmers, determined to tame the prairie, designed tools like the Red Deer breaking plow, crafted specifically to slice through the tough sod. Over time, horses gave way to tractors, and advancements like seed drills and irrigation transformed Alberta into one of the world’s leading wheat producers by 1915.

Agri-Trade honors this legacy. It’s a celebration of Alberta’s farmers, producers, and artisans, a gathering that reflects the resilience, innovation, and community spirit that have defined the province for generations. This annual event doesn’t just spotlight our history—it brings it alive, connecting Alberta’s storied past with the innovations and collaborations of today.

We at Diony Distillery were thrilled to be part of this year’s Agri-Trade 40th season. We hosted nearly 20 guests for a memorable tour and tasting that captured the spirit of the land and people who make Alberta unique. Our guests enjoyed two of our whiskies paired with chocolate from Berry Bean Chocolates, set against the stunning backdrop of artwork by local artists Brett Heidi and Gordon Hiebert. It was a celebration of craftsmanship, heritage, and the vibrant agricultural roots we’re so proud to be part of.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in honoring Alberta’s legacy. Here’s to future collaborations, continued innovation, and many more Agri-Trade memories to come!