Ryan and Cindi Sims and family, of Sweet Springs, were among the families honored during the 61st annual Farm Family Day on
August 12 at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia.
A news release says the Sims family was selected as the Saline County Farm Family by University of Missouri Extension in Saline County and the local Farm Bureau. The family includes Ryan and Cindi, as well as their children Garrett, Emma and Ethan.
Each year, the fair sets aside a day to recognize farm families from across the state that are active in their communities, involved in agriculture and/or participate in local outreach and extension programs such as 4-H or FFA.
The Sims family operates a cattle and row-crop farming operation, as well as a feed-supply business. Ryan has always farmed with his dad and brother, currently farming 1,800 acres with corn and soy beans and 100 head of cattle.
Cindi works as the Saline County Collector; and the Sims children are active in the Sweet Spring FFA, showing goats and pigs.
Photo- front, left: The Sims Family –  son, Ethan; dad, Ryan; mom, Cindi; daughter, Emma; and son, Garret; back, left: Marshall Stewart, Vice Chancellor for MU Extension & Engagement and Chief Engagement Officer, UM System; Blake Hurst, President, Missouri Farm Bureau; Nikki Cunningham, Missouri State Fair Commissioner; Christopher Daubert, VC and Dean, MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources; Christine Chinn, Director, Missouri Department of Agriculture; Ted E. Sheppard, Missouri State Fair Commissioner; and (Seated) Lowell Mohler, Missouri State Fair Commissioner. (Photo courtesy University of Missouri Extension)