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WHO IS HOWDY?
“Howdy” is the wonderful, freckled face goodwill ambassador for agriculture at The Fair. With the assistance of students from the Miami-Dade County agriculture programs and the co-operation of our agri-community, he has developed an educational program that helps the local community gain a better appreciation and understanding of those who produce, distribute and inform us of a basic need - - food and the environment.
WHAT DOES HE DO?
Each year, he provides a first Howdy or hello to agriculture for 750 third graders who take field trips to The Fair. They are guided by Ag Ambassadors (Miami-Dade County high school students) and learn about the wonderful world of plants and animals. From The Fair’s Howdy, children receive a first gentle glimpse of hamburger or pork chops on the hoof and learn where milk comes from.
At The Fair, the World of Agriculture houses horticulture projects, cows, hogs, lambs, sheep, poultry and rabbits that students have entered for exhibition and are judged for awards (ribbons and trophies).
WHERE?
All Howdy tours are conducted at 9:30 am, 10:30 am and 11:30 am on selected days at The Fair’s World of Agriculture before the opening of the midway and front gate at 3:00 pm. Buses are escorted on the fairgrounds and met by an Ag Ambassador who has been assigned to a particular group of third graders and chaperones.
WHY?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has made us all aware of the importance of basic knowledge of agriculture. Children should be well versed in each vital link in the food chain and plant production. As a licensed Agricultural Showcase, County and State fairs have a responsibility to provide a strong awareness of its own part in the agricultural overview which affects every one of us.
