The Missouri State Fair marked a significant day for youth in agriculture on Saturday, August 17, as the annual Sale of Champions took center stage, accompanied by the inaugural Best of Missouri Sale. These events collectively raised over $350,000 for youth participants in agriculture, highlighting the fair’s ongoing commitment to supporting young agriculturalists.
Beau Ann Graves, a member of the Chillicothe FFA Chapter and daughter of Preston and Samantha Graves, exhibited the Grand Champion Steer. Her 1,370-pound crossbred steer was sold for $50,000, with BTC Bank, Wheeler Auction & Real Estate/Wheeler Angus Farm, Youth in Agriculture, and local supporters stepping up as the proud buyers.
Cole Murphy, representing the Sweet Springs FFA Chapter, exhibited the Grand Champion Barrow. His 281-pound crossbred hog was purchased for $31,500 by Edward Jones, Youth in Agriculture, and hometown supporters. Cole is the son of Brent and DeEtta Murphy.
Jillian Vogelsmeier, also from Sweet Springs and a member of the Sweet Springs FFA Chapter, showcased the Grand Champion Market Lamb. Her Hampshire lamb, weighing 146 pounds, was sold for $31,500 to Edward Jones, the Missouri Sheep Merchandising Council, Youth in Agriculture, and local supporters. Jillian is the daughter of Matt and Rachal Vogelsmeier.
In the Grand Champion Meat Goat category, Alexis Koelling of Bowling Green and a member of the Bowling Green FFA Chapter exhibited the winning Boer goat, weighing 109 pounds. The goat was purchased for $30,500 by the University of Missouri – CAFNR, Mizzou Animal Science, Mizzou Meat Market, Youth in Agriculture, and local supporters. Alexis is the daughter of Brock and Michele Meyer.
Judd Lawson of Schell City, a member of the Osage River 4-H Club, exhibited the Grand Champion Pen of Chickens. The broilers, weighing an average of 7.734 pounds, were purchased for $3,700 by Sycamore Creek – Wayne, Anita, and Ethan Vanderwert, along with Youth in Agriculture and local supporters. Judd is the son of Susan and Bob Lawson.
The Grand Champion Pen of Rabbits was exhibited by Lain Gerdeman of Warrenton, a member of the County Line 4-H Club. The White New Zealand rabbits, weighing 5.2, 5.3, and 5.3 pounds, were purchased for $5,500 by ADM Animal Nutrition/ Moorman’s Show Tec, CFM Insurance, Youth in Agriculture, and local supporters. Lain is the son of Michael and Jess Gerdeman.
The Reserve Grand Champion Steer was exhibited by Abagayle Britton, a member of the Saxony Lutheran FFA Chapter. Her 1,330-pound crossbred steer was sold for $32,000 to Missouri State Fair Concessionaires, Wheeler Auctions & Real Estate/Wheeler Angus Farm, Youth in Agriculture, and local supporters. Abagayle is the daughter of Kristi and Bradley Stout and Brent and Jenna Britton.
Kade Jackson of Lathrop, a member of the Liberty 4-H Club, exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion Barrow. His 275-pound crossbred barrow was purchased for $26,000 by Climate Corp Field View, Youth in Agriculture, and local supporters. Kade is the son of Zeb and Brandy Jackson.
Jordann Doty of Maryville, a member of the NE Bluejays 4-H Club, exhibited the Reserve Champion Market Lamb. Her crossbred lamb, weighing 161 pounds, was purchased for $18,000 by the University of Missouri – CAFNR, Mizzou Animal Science, Mizzou Meat Market, Sheep Merchandising Council, Youth in Agriculture, and local supporters. Jordann is the daughter of Philip and Randa Doty.
Ty Murphy of Houstonia, a member of the Kennedy 4-H Club, exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion Meat Goat. Ty’s Boer goat, weighing 77 pounds, was sold for $14,500 to CFM Insurance, Youth in Agriculture, and local supporters. Ty is the son of Brent and DeEtta Murphy.
The Reserve Champion Pen of Chickens was exhibited by Judd Lawson of Schell City, also a member of the Osage River 4-H Club. The broilers, averaging 7.29 pounds, were sold for $2,900 to Invenergy, Youth in Agriculture, and local supporters.
Carissa Stong of Sheldon, a member of the Nevada FFA Chapter, exhibited the Reserve Champion Pen of Rabbits. The White New Zealand rabbits, weighing 4.5, 4.2, and 4.5 pounds, were sold for $3,200 to Missouri Rabbit Producers, Youth in Agriculture, and local supporters. Carissa is the daughter of Dusty and Melissa Stong.
Additionally, the Limited Edition Sale of Champions Commemorative Belt Buckle was purchased by Brian Boggs of 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, along with Rodney Heimer, Co-Chairman, expressed their gratitude to all buyers and sponsors. The Sale of Champions generated more than $350,000 for youth exhibitors and youth in agriculture, with proceeds going to the sale exhibitors and contributing to Missouri State Fair Youth in Agriculture scholarships.
