SEDALIA, Mo.)—The Missouri State Fair celebrated youth in agriculture on Saturday, Aug. 17. The annual Sale of Champions highlighted the day, along with the inaugural Best of Missouri Sale, raising a total of over $350,000 for youth involved in agriculture.
The Grand Champion Steer was exhibited by Beau Ann Graves of Chillicothe. Beau Ann is the daughter of Preston & Samantha Graves and is a member of the Chillicothe FFA Chapter. Her 1,370-pound crossbred steer sold for $50,000 and was purchased by BTC Bank, Wheeler Auction & Real Estate/Wheeler Angus Farm, Youth in Agriculture and hometown supporters.
The Grand Champion Barrow was exhibited by Cole Murphy of Houstonia. Cole is the son of Brent & DeEtta Murphy and is a member of the Sweet Springs FFA Chapter. His 281-pound crossbred hog was purchased for $31,500 by Edward Jones, Youth in Agriculture and hometown supporters.
Jillian Vogelsmeier, of Sweet Springs, exhibited the Grand Champion Market Lamb. Jillian is the daughter of Matt Vogelsmeier and Rachal Vogelsmeier and is a member of the Sweet Springs FFA Chapter. Her Hampshire lamb weighed 146 pounds and was purchased for $31,500 by Edward Jones, Missouri Sheep Merchandising Council, Youth in Agriculture and hometown supporters.
The Grand Champion Meat Goat was exhibited by Alexis Koelling of Bowling Green. Alexis is the daughter of Brock & Michele Meyer and is a member of the Bowling Green FFA Chapter. Her Boer goat weighed 109 pounds and was purchased for $30,500 by University of Missouri – CAFNR, Mizzou Animal Science, Mizzou Meat Market, Youth in Agriculture and hometown supporters.
The Grand Champion Pen of Chickens was exhibited by Judd Lawson, of Schell City. Judd is the son of Susan Lawson & Bob Lawson and is a member of the Osage River 4-H Club. His broilers weighed an average of 7.734 pounds and was purchased by Sycamore Creek – Wayne, Anita and Ethan Vanderwert for $3,700 along with Youth in Agriculture and hometown supporters.
Lain Gerdeman, of Warrenton, exhibited the Grand Champion Pen of Rabbits. Lain is the son of Michael and Jess Gerdeman and is a member of the County Line 4-H Club. His White New Zealand rabbits weighed 5.2, 5.3 and 5.3 pounds and were purchased for $5,500 by ADM Animal Nutrition/ Moorman’s Show Tec, CFM Insurance, Youth in Agriculture and hometown supporters.
Abagayle Britton exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion Steer. Abagayle is the daughter of Kristi & Bradley Stout and Brent & Jenna Britton and is a member of the Saxony Lutheran FFA Chapter. Abagayle’s 1,330-pound Crossbred steer was purchased for $32,000 by Missouri State Fair Concessionaires, Wheeler Auctions & Real Estate/Wheeler Angus Farm, Youth in Agriculture and hometown supporters.
Kade Jackson, of Lathrop, showed the Reserve Grand Champion Barrow. Kade is the son of Zeb & Brandy Jackson and is a member of the Liberty 4-H Club. Kade’s 275-pound Crossbred barrow was purchased for $26,000 by Climate Corp Field View, Youth in Agriculture and hometown supporters.
Jordann Doty, of Maryville, showed the Reserve Champion Market Lamb. Jordann is the daughter of Philip & Randa Doty and is a member of the NE Bluejays 4-H Club. Her Crossbred lamb weighed 161 pounds and was purchased for $18,000 by University of Missouri – CAFNR, Mizzou Animal Science, Mizzou Meat Market, Sheep Merchandising Council, Youth in Ag and hometown supporters.
Ty Murphy, of Houstonia, exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion Meat Goat. Ty is the son of Brent & DeEtta Murphy and is a member of the Kennedy 4-H Club. Ty’s Boer goat weighed 77 pounds and sold for $14,500 to CFM Insurance, Youth in Agriculture and hometown supporters.
Judd Lawson, of Schell City, exhibited the Reserve Champion Pen of Chickens. Judd is the son of Susan Lawson & Bob Lawson and is a member of the Osage River 4-H Club. Judd’s broilers weighed an average of 7.29 pounds and sold for $2,900 to Invenergy, Youth in Agriculture and hometown supporters.
Carissa Stong, of Sheldon, exhibited the Reserve Champion Pen of Rabbits. Carissa is the daughter of Dusty and Melissa Stong and is a member of the Nevada FFA Chapter. Carissa’s White New Zealand rabbits weighed 4.5, 4.2 and 4.5 pounds and sold for $3,200 to Missouri Rabbit Producers, Youth in Agriculture and hometown supporters.
The Limited Edition Sale of Champions Commemorative Belt Buckle was purchased by Brian Boggs with Boggs Audio, for $1,200.
Chuck Miller, Superintendent of the Sale of Champions and Co-Chairman of the Missouri State Fair Foundation Youth in Agriculture Committee, and Rodney Heimer, Co-Chairman, offered thanks and appreciation to all buyers and Youth in Agriculture sponsors. The Sale of Champions raised over $350,000 for youth exhibitors and youth in agriculture. Proceeds from the Sale go to the sale exhibitors and are used to award Missouri State Fair Youth in Agriculture scholarships. A complete list of all 2024 Youth in Agriculture sponsors will soon be available at www.mostatefair.com.