The 38th Feria Agropecuaria Nacional 2026 officially opened on Thursday, 12 March with the attendance of President Luis Abinader. The prime livestock event will run until 22 March 2026 at the Ciudad Ganadera (now named in honor of Julio Antonio Brache Arzeno) in Santo Domingo. Organized by the National Livestock Patronage (PNG), this annual event is especially attractive to entire families with children being able to see and touch animals, for a true farm experience.
The fair is the closest thing in the Dominican Republic to a county fair in the United States or the United Kingdom. There is something for everyone. It is the countryside brought into the big city. There are fireworks, food stands, tractors large and small, and animals of all kinds. The fair happens at the Feria Ganadera grounds, located on the west side of the Malecon.
Over 70 agricultural establishments are taking part, and there are over one thousand animals on exhibition, including 278 examples of cattle, bulls, heifers, and cows, along with 400 sheep and goats. And if that was not sufficient, there will horse competitions with over 300 horses taking part in two types of paso fino competition (Higüeyano and Paso Fino), reining and children’s rodeo.
The smells will be of the countryside. Yes, there will be hay, forage, and lots of animal manure, but that is the countryside, and it is good to know.
Ironically, the invited nation this year is South Korea, and many Korean products are for sale. Since Dominican farming is now trending towards technology, there are lots of machines of all sizes on display and some can be seen in use. In addition, there are plenty of cultural activities, food trucks, showrooms, and recreational areas.
Those attending can stock up on bargain prices for local produce at the Inespre sales pavilion. Stalls are offering 65 basic food basket products at subsidized prices.
This year’s edition features South Korea as the guest country, with a heavy emphasis on “smart agriculture” and field mechanization. Minister Francisco Oliverio Espaillat Bencosme was appointed in January 2026. It is his first government appointment. In his private life as a rice farmer, he rented equipment to other farmers to share his experience in mechanizing his own farm. At the Ministry of Agriculture, he has begun to unfold initiatives aimed at increasing productivity and reducing the sector’s reliance on manual labor.
Feria Ganadera events and competitions
While specific times can shift, the general program for the remaining days includes:
Livestock judging: Major competitions for beef and dairy breeds (Zebu, Holstein, etc.) typically occur in the mornings and afternoons.
Dairy events:
Daily milking: Usually scheduled at 5am, 1pm, and 9pm.
18 March: National Yogurt Competition (9am).
19 March: National Cheese Competition (9am).
Equestrian & shows:
Paso Fino competitions: National championships for stallions and mares.
Travesía World Show by Panaca: A world-class equestrian show featured throughout the fair.
Rodeos: Held in the main oval, usually in the late afternoons or evenings.
Canine events: On 22 March the Expo Feria Canina, including obedience competitions and the “Puppy Yoga” session.
“Colores del Campo” painting workshops for children.
Highlights for 17-22 March
Tuesday, 17 March: Judging of dairy breeds (females) from 8:30am; Jumping and skill competitions at 7pm.
Wednesday, 18 March: Judging of Gyr and Girolando breeds (1pm – 7pm).
Thursday, 19 March: Judging of meat breeds (all day); Grooming competition (2pm).
Sunday, 22 March (Closing): Final grand rodeo (6pm) and honey tasting (11am).
Visitor information
• Location: Ciudad Ganadera, Autopista 30 de Mayo (El Malecón).
• Cost: General admission is usually free or at a very low cost, though specific shows (like the equestrian performances) may require separate tickets.
• Parking: Available on-site, but it fills up quickly during the weekend.
Read more in Spanish:
Listin Diario
El Dia
Diario Libre
16 March 2026