From its opening VIP welcome on Apr.15 at 5 p.m. through the weekend, the ninth snnual “Miami International Agriculture, Horse and Cattle Show” drew more than 40,000 people — families, friends, equine and livestock breeders — to the state’s largest single event devoted to the promotion of the industry.
Initially developed by Miami-Dade District 10 Commissioner Javier D. Souto nearly a decade ago to call attention to the county’s flourishing horse and cattle industry, the event showcases a thriving $3 billion economic engine for hundreds of agriculturally related county farms and ranches.
From its Kid Zone and “Farmville” area where youngsters interact with baby lambs, goats and chickens to the 50th anniversary show of custom Ford Mustangs, the 2016 show at Tropical Park’s Ronald Reagan Equestrian Center provides new and exciting experiences every year for dealers, showmen, breeders and families out for a day of fun.
“The show is different every year,” said Commissioner Souto who noted the addition of more horse activities to delight crowds throughout the three-day weekend, as well as a medieval show, bull riding, horse jumping, polo and team roping exhibitions, in addition to educational exhibits.
Premium cattle are featured at the show coming from Louisiana and a host of Latin American countries, leading to a continuing financial impact by agriculture on the county’s economy, Souto said.
“We are blessed to have such a strong economy in our farmland areas, extending to fruit and potato crops — things we eat — as well as the flourishing production in landscaping and nurseries of trees, flowers and plants.”
