On Thursday, August 13, Governor Mike Parson joined Missouri 4-H and FFA exhibitors from across the state to celebrate the future of Missouri agriculture.

A news release says entries in livestock shows for the 4-H and FFA classes during the 2020 Missouri State Fair showed strength and growth compared to last year.

“We believed from day one that we could stay true to our agriculture roots and safely host the Missouri State Fair for our youth exhibitors,” Governor Parson said. “By going back to the basics of the original 1901 Missouri State Fair, we’ve been reminded of the importance of giving our young people the chance to have a hands-on experience and be successful.”

“I am so proud of each exhibitor and the energy they bring to Missouri agriculture,” Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Chris Chinn said. “They are the reason we worked hard to overcome the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our youth exhibitors and their families are a true testament to the 2020 theme – Home is Here.”

In total, youth livestock entries increased by 12 percent compared to 2019 with growth in seven of the eight livestock species.

Livestock entries– first is 2019 – second is 2020: 4-H/FFA Horse 279 – 229; 4-H/FFA Beeef 1,079 – 1,134; 4-H/FFA Dairy Cattle 82 – 97; 4-H/FFA Boer Goats 306 – 352; 4-H/FFA Dairy Goats 88 – 119; 4-H/FFA Poultry 414 – 531; 4-H/FFA Sheep 946 – 1,014; 4-H/FFA Swine 1,625 – 1,891; TOTAL 4,813 – 5,367.

Leaders from Missouri 4-H and Missouri FFA also completed judging for other contests, including agriculture mechanics, horticulture, field crops, hams, bacons, and more. The Missouri 4-H building will also be open to the public to view static youth projects.

“Our team is thankful for the agriculture community, specifically our youth exhibitors and their families, for sticking by us through the uncertainty,” Missouri State Fair Director Mark Wolfe said. “It’s because of their commitment to showing off the best of Missouri agriculture that we can call the Youth Livestock Show a tremendous success for our young people.”

The Missouri State Fair team also completed a list of overdue capital improvements on the fairgrounds, ensuring the next generation of fairgoers has a strong foundation upon which to build. For the first time in nearly a decade, the State Fair received funding from the General Assembly to pair with support from private businesses like Nucor Steel to complete the projects:
· New Director’s Pavilion;
· Construction of 150 new exhibitor camping spots;
· Swine Barn electrical renovation;
· Sheep Pavilion complete renovation;
· Horse barns critical structure upgrades; and
· Public campground electrical upgrades.

The Missouri State Fair Youth Livestock Show will continue through August 23, 2020, in Sedalia. For more information, visit mostatefair.com.