A grain bin on the site of the Manitoba Stampede grounds isn't being used to store grain — its purpose is to stock funds for upgrades that could determine the future of Manitoba's only professional rodeo.

Manitoba Hydro says the Valley Agricultural Society (VAS) — the group which puts on the Manitoba Stampede — must complete the remainder of an estimated $150,000 in electrical upgrades to comply with today's standards — and it must be done in time for the 2017 show.

To help with the cost of the repairs, Meridian Manufacturing has donated a grain bin that the VAS will be raffling off to help with the cost of electrical improvements.

"We've printed 500 tickets, we're going to be selling the tickets for $100 a piece, we're going to raise $50,000, and that (will) go toward the hydro upgrades that we are currently dealing with," VAS president Pat Schmitke explains.

Phase one of the electrical work, which cost just shy of $50,000, was completed in 2015, but the rest is still to go.

And if they don't have the upgrades done in time?

"That isn't an option," Schmitke says, "we have to have them done. If we don't get them done, we won't have hydro, and we won't be able to have the Stampede, obviously."

Because the Manitoba Stampede is the only professional rodeo left in the province, that means the return on the hydro investment is worth more than just improved electrical systems. It means Manitoba cowboys still have a competition to call home.

"It's not just about Morris, it's about Manitoba," Schmitke says. "Cowboys, spectators, contestants from all around the world come here to compete and watch the rodeo. So it's more than just Morris, it's all about Manitoba tourism."

Raffle tickets can be purchased through the VAS office or Lorne or Chris Hamblin. The draw will be made on the Sunday afternoon show of this year's Manitoba Stampede.