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