From Bucking Bulls to Bold Ideas at the 2026 Agriculture Show

Over the weekend, the Agriculture and Trade Show Grounds buzzed with life, from dusty arenas and roaring crowds to sleek displays of modern farming at work. While the adult rodeo delivered the high risk thrills many came for, the show offered much more than heart pounding action. It also told a story of how far Belize’s agricultural sector has come, blending deep rooted traditions with new ideas shaping its future. From heritage to innovation, this year’s show proved there’s more than one reason it remains a national favorite. News Five’s Paul Lopez takes us there.

 

Paul Lopez, Reporting

The thrill and excitement of the annual Agriculture and Trade Show Grounds comes from many activities visitors can engage in across the three-day event. The adult rodeo is one of those highly anticipated spectacles for the weekend. Bull riding is a high‑risk sport where riders aim to stay atop a powerful, bucking bull for at least eight seconds.

 

Those who succeed, or get very close, are praised. One rider learned the danger firsthand, carried out of the arena after a bull stomped him, a stark reminder this sport isn’t for the faint‑hearted. The organizers also include rodeo events for children aspiring to compete in the big leagues one day.  Minister of Agriculture Rodwell Ferguson says the sector’s forty‑eight‑million‑dollar growth over the past year was clearly reflected at this year’s show, showcased through its exhibits and hands‑on activities.

 

Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Agriculture

“These events remind us that agriculture is not just an industry, it is a way of life.”

 

And despite temperatures reaching above one hundred degrees in the Capital City, visitors poured in by the hundreds. Some were there to witness the dog show. The dogs may have looked the part, but many struggled with the obstacle course. Still, the weekend packed in plenty more, from an agriculture drone show and classic mechanical rides to the thrill of horse racing.

 

Pablo Cawich, Mayor, Belmopan City

“This show is where knowledge meets practice, where farmers are exposed to new technologies, techniques and ideas. It is where innovation meets opportunity.”

 

Beyond the fanfare and excitement on the grounds, one display tugged at the hearts of visitors, the Rodeo Walk of Fame. Pioneers of the annual rodeo that have passed on received special recognition with their family members present.

 

Rodwell Ferguson

“So the 2026 Rodeo is officially opened and all the gentlemen and females participating, this is  apart of their tradition. I want this to be a part of the tradition, to continue from generation to generation.”

 

Whether it was the roar of the crowd during the rodeo, the emotional tribute paid to rodeo pioneers in the Walk of Fame, or the curiosity sparked by new technology displays, this year’s Agriculture and Trade Show offered something for everyone. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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