(SEDALIA, Mo.)—The Missouri State Fair celebrated youth in agriculture on Saturday, Aug. 17. The inaugural Best of Missouri Sale, sponsored by America’s Heartland Packing, LLC, was a highlight of the Fair. This inaugural sale has set the standard for future Best of Missouri Sales raising over $100,000 for Youth In Agriculture.
The Overall Grand Champion Ham was exhibited by Myra Silvey of California. Myra is the daughter of Kim and Dale Silvey and is a member of the California FFA Chapter. Her ham sold for $5,500 and was purchased by Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council Brought to you by Missouri Soybean farmers and their checkoff, along with Youth In Ag and hometown support.
The Overall Reserve Grand Champion Ham was exhibited by Carsyn Petree of Tipton. Carsyn is the daughter of Garett Petree and Shondra Koechner and is a member of the Tipton 4-H Club. Her ham sold for $4,750 and was purchased by Fordyce Farms-Richard and Renee Fordyce, Youth in Ag and Hometown Supporters.
The FFA Reserve Champion Ham was exhibited by Kierstyn Lawson of California. Kierstyn is the daughter of Jason and Stephanie Lawson and is a member of the California FFA Chapter. Her ham sold for $6,925 and was purchased by Missouri State Fair Director Jason Moore, Youth In Ag and Hometown Supporters.
The 4-H Reserve Champion Ham was exhibited by Addison Bradley of Eldon. Addison is the daughter of Tony and Jennifer Bradley and is a member of the Eldon Nobles 4-H Club. Her ham sold for $4,015 and was purchased by Wheeler Auction – Chas Wheeler, Youth In Ag and Hometown Supporters.
The Overall Grand Champion Bacon was exhibited by Aidon Bolton of Bowling Green. Aidon is the son of Steve Bolton and Amanda Perkins and is a member of the Bowling Green FFA. His bacon sold for $3,250 and was purchased by Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council Brought to you by Missouri Soybean Farmers and their checkoff, Youth In Ag and Hometown Supporters.
The Overall Reserve Grand Champion Bacon was exhibited by Kade O’Bannon of Hallsville. Kade is the son of Jeff and Lisa O’Bannon and is a member of the F&L Hustlers 4-H Club. His bacon sold for $7,000, and was purchased by Nutrien Ag Solutions, Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe, Youth In Agriculture and Hometown Supporters.
The FFA Reserve Champion Bacon was exhibited by Mallory Kroeger of Smithton. Mallory is the daughter of Rob and Amanda Kroeger and is a member of the Smithton FFA. Her bacon sold for $11,300 and was purchased by Simmons Bank, Youth In Ag and Hometown Supporters.
The 4-H Reserve Champion Bacon was exhibited by Blaine Owen of Carrollton. Blaine is the son of Abraham and Laura Owen and is a member of the Bosworth Fireballs 4-H Club. His bacon sold for $4,450 and was purchased by Missouri State Fair Director Jason Moore, Missouri State Fair Staff, Youth In Ag and Hometown Supporters.
The Grand Champion Youth Beef Carcass was exhibited by Gus Schoen of Holt. Gus is the son of Chris and Molly Schoen and is a member of the Plattsburg Hustlers 4-H Club. His beef carcass sold for $5,000 and was purchased by The Grant Co., Missouri Beef Industry Council, Youth In Ag and Hometown Supporters.
The Grand Champion Pork Carcass was exhibited by Lyla Bolinger of California. Lyla is the daughter of Clint and Jalin Bolinger and is a member of the Busy Bee 4-H Club. Her Pork Carcass sold for $5,500 was purchased by Missouri Pork Producers Association, Youth In Ag and Hometown Supporters.
The Grand Champion Youth Lamb Carcass was exhibited by Coy Honeycutt of Richmond. Coy is the son of Don and Jamie Honeycutt and is a member of the Orrick FFA Chapter. His lamb carcass sold for $10,400 and was purchased by Missouri Sheep Merchandising Council, Youth In Ag and Hometown Supporters.
The Grand Champion Youth Goat Carcass was exhibited by Ella Johnson of Chillicothe. Ella is the daughter of Kim Williams and is a member of the Chillicothe FFA Chapter. Her goat carcass sold for $13,000 and was purchased by Mizzou Meat Market, Youth In Ag and Hometown Supporters.
The Grand Champion Open Ham was exhibited by Tori Petree of Tipton. Tori is donating the proceeds of their ham to the Youth In Agriculture Scholarship Fund. Missouri State Fair Commissioner Kevin Roberts purchased the Champion Open Ham for $1,750.
The Grand Champion Open Bacon was exhibited by Amanda Rowe-Haas of Curryville. Amanda is donating the proceeds of her bacon to the Youth In Agriculture Scholarship Fund. Fool’s Creek Land & Cattle – Charlie and Leslie Rosenkrans purchased the Champion Open Bacon for $1,400.
Two award-winning baskets of Missouri Grown Products were donated by the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Missouri Grown Program and sold in custom wood boxes made by former Missouri State Fair Director Mark Wolfe. The proceeds of the Missouri Grown boxes will go to the Youth In Agriculture Scholarship Fund. Box one was purchased by Legislators For Mike Kehoe and box two was purchased by Farmers For Mike Kehoe. Each box was purchased for $6,000.
Two award-winning wine collections were donated by the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Grape and Wine Program and sold in custom wood boxes made by former Missouri State Fair Director Mark Wolfe. The proceeds of the wine boxes will go to the Youth In Agriculture Scholarship Fund. The Best of Class Missouri Wine Collection was purchased by Ditzfeld Container- Steve Ditzfeld for $6,750. The Governor’s Cup Wine Case was purchased by Grandaddy’s Garden – Mark and Julie Wolfe for $3,250.
The Best 2024 Missouri State Fair Best of Class Cheeses were sold in custom wood boxes made by former Missouri State Fair Director Mark Wolfe. The award-winning collection of Missouri State Fair Best of Class Cheeses was purchased by Midwest Dairy, Mizzou Independent Aggies and Mizzou Block and Bridle for $750. The proceeds of the Best of Class Cheese Collection will go to the Youth In Agriculture Scholarship Fund.
Chuck Miller, Superintendent of the Best of Missouri Awards and Sale 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 raised over $100,000 for youth exhibitors and youth in agriculture. A complete list of all 2024 Youth in Agriculture sponsors will soon be available at www.mostatefair.com.