By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

Consumers of all ages are invited to explore the world of Texas agriculture at stock shows and events this year through Texas Farm Bureau’s (TFB) Doorways to Agriculture exhibit.

The interactive, agricultural learning experience will be on display at fairs, livestock shows and events across the state.

“Doorways to Agriculture does what the name implies—opens doors to agriculture,” TFB Urban Outreach Coordinator Todd Swick said. “The exhibit has hands-on learning opportunities that engage consumers of all ages and helps show how so many things—tacos, office supplies, housing materials and more—relate back to agriculture.”

Doorways to Agriculture is designed to engage consumers about why agriculture is important. Consumers can interact with state-of-the-art touchscreen kiosks, oversized interactive “books” and a theater showcasing videos produced by TFB. The walk-through trailer is full of displays and games that encourage consumers of all ages to learn more about food and fiber.

“The gap between consumers and agriculture is large, but Doorways to Agriculture is designed to show them how important agriculture is in their everyday lives and that it all starts on a farm or ranch,” Swick said.

Most items Americans use every day begin on a farm, whether you live in the country or the heart of a big city. Doorways to Agriculture is TFB’s way of inviting people in to discover all the ways Texas farmers and ranchers impact their life.

The Doorways to Agriculture exhibit includes a miniature model of a cotton gin, which shows the process cotton goes through. Swick said the replica is similar to the original cotton gin invented by Eli Whitney.

Doorways to Agriculture will be on display at:
Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo
Jan. 12 – Feb. 3

San Antonio Livestock Exposition
Feb. 8–25

Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo
Feb. 27 – March 17

Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show – Mercedes
March 7 – 17

Rodeo Austin
March 8–23

Buc Days – Corpus Christi
May 2-12

MooLa Fest – Stephenville
June 1-2, 2024**

West Texas Fair and Rodeo – Abilene
Sept. 5–14

Tri-State Fair – Amarillo
Sept. 13–21

State Fair of Texas – Dallas
Sept. 27 – Oct. 20

Heart of Texas Fair & Rodeo – Waco
Oct. 3–13

Brazos Valley Fair and Rodeo – Bryan
Oct. 18-20

**Tentative Dates

Learn more about Doorways to Agriculture at texasfarmbureau.org/youth/ag-in-the-community.