The event will feature three days of educational seminars and workshops for both the cattle and horticulture/agriculture industries, covering a wide range of topics including herd health programs, important cattle diseases, import/export processes, to name a few, as well as programs for consumers with topics such as grafting, vegetable gardening, landscape pests and alternative plants and more.  The presentations will include educators from the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), import/export professionals, and international professionals from the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA). This year's symposium will have discussions focusing on breeding, herd health programs, prevalent cattle diseases, along with other very relevant topics. A simultaneous English-Spanish translation service will be available.

 "Agriculture is the second largest industry in the state of Florida with an economic impact of over $100 billion producing some of the most diversified crops in the nation," said Charles LaPradd, Agricultural Manager for Miami-Dade County.  "Currently Miami-Dade County ranks second in the nation for green bean production and foliage production, second largest in the state for agriculture production with an economic impact of $2.7 billion and 39th in the nation for overall agriculture production.  With these statistics, it is a natural fit to host a show of this magnitude to help the local industry increase foreign business, specifically with Caribbean nations, Canada, and countries in Central and South America," he added.

"Last year hundreds of visitors from Latin America visited the event and delegations from Guatemala, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Panama and many other countries purchased cattle, horses, genetic materials, tractors, trucks, and other equipment," said Miami-Dade Commissioner Javier Souto.  "This year, we're expecting to attract regional agri-business interests from the Southeastern United States, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Australia and as far away as China, and far exceed the number of visitors we enjoyed last year."

Miami International Agriculture & Cattle Show will also feature a farmer's market with a large variety of produce and products on sale.  In addition, there will be three days of family entertainment including equestrian shows featuring Paso Fino horses and obstacle courses, live music, pony rides, great food, and activities for all ages.  Admission is free.  For more information on the Miami International Agriculture and Cattle Show, please visit the website at www.miamicattleshow.com. 

Miami-Dade Parks creates outstanding recreational, natural and cultural experiences to enrich you and to enhance our community for this and future generations.