The Missouri State Fair in Sedalia recognized youth in agriculture on August 17. Highlights of the day included the annual Sale of Champions and the first-ever Best of Missouri Sale, which raised a total of over $350,000 for youth in agriculture.
The grand champion steer was exhibited by Beau Ann Graves of Chillicothe. Graves is the daughter of Preston and Samantha Graves and a member of the Chillicothe FFA chapter. Her 1,370-pound crossbred steer sold for $50,000 and was purchased by BTC Bank, Wheeler Auction & Real Estate/Wheeler Angus Farm, Youth in Agriculture and Hometown Support organizations.
Grand Champion Barrow was exhibited by Cole Murphy of Houstonia. Murphy is the son of Brent and DeEtta Murphy and a member of the Sweet Springs FFA chapter. His 281-pound crossbred hog was purchased for $31,500 by Edward Jones, Youth in Agriculture and Hometown Support Organizations.
Jillian Vogelsmeier of Sweet Springs exhibited the grand champion market lamb. Vogelsmeier is the daughter of Matt Vogelsmeier and Rachal Vogelsmeier and a member of the Sweet Springs FFA chapter. Her Hampshire lamb weighed 146 pounds and was purchased for $31,500 by Edward Jones, the Missouri Sheep Merchandising Council, Youth in Agriculture and sponsors from Hometown Support.
The winning meat goat was exhibited by Alexis Koelling of Bowling Green. Koelling is the daughter of Brock and Michele Meyer and a member of the Bowling Green FFA chapter. Her Boer goat weighed 109 pounds and was purchased for $30,500 by the University of Missouri-CAFNR, Mizzou Animal Science, Mizzou Meat Market, Youth in Agriculture and Hometown Support sponsors.
The large chicken coop was exhibited by Judd Lawson of Schell City. Lawson is the son of Susan Lawson and Bob Lawson and a member of the Osage River 4-H Club. His broilers weighed an average of 7,734 pounds and were purchased for $3,700 by Sycamore Creek-Wayne, Anita and Ethan Vanderwert, sponsors of Youth in Agriculture and Hometown Support.
Lain Gerdeman of Warrenton exhibited the large rabbit hutch. Gerdeman is the son of Michael and Jess Gerdeman and a member of the County Line 4-H Club. His white New Zealand rabbits weighed 5.2, 5.3 and 5.3 pounds and were purchased for $5,500 by sponsors ADM Animal Nutrition/Moorman’s Show Tec, CFM Insurance, Youth in Agriculture and Hometown Support.
Reserve champion
Abagayle Britton exhibited the reserve grand champion steer. Abagayle is the daughter of Kristi and Bradley Stout and Brent and Jenna Britton and a member of the Saxony Lutheran FFA Chapter. Abagayle’s 1,330-pound crossbred steer was purchased for $32,000 by Missouri State Fair Concessionaires, Wheeler Auctions & Real Estate/Wheeler Angus Farm, Youth in Agriculture and Hometown Support sponsors.
Kade Jackson of Lathrop showed the reserve grand champion Barrow. Kade is the son of Zeb and Brandy Jackson and a member of the Liberty 4-H Club. Kade’s 275-pound crossbred Barrow was purchased for $26,000 by sponsors Climate Corp Field View, Youth in Agriculture and Hometown Support.
Jordann Doty of Maryville presented the reserve champion lamb. Jordann is the daughter of Philip and Randa Doty and a member of the NE Bluejays 4-H Club. Her crossbred lamb weighed 161 pounds and was purchased for $18,000 by the University of Missouri-CAFNR, Mizzou Animal Science, Mizzou Meat Market, Sheep Merchandising Council, Youth in Ag and Hometown Support sponsors.
Ty Murphy of Houstonia exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion Meat Goat title. Ty is the son of Brent and DeEtta Murphy and a member of the Kennedy 4-H Club. Ty’s Boer goat weighed 77 pounds and sold for $14,500 to CFM Insurance, Youth in Agriculture and hometown supporters.
Judd Lawson of Schell City exhibited the reserve champion chicken coop. Judd is the son of Susan Lawson and Bob Lawson and a member of the Osage River 4-H Club. Judd’s broilers weighed an average of 7.29 pounds and sold for $2,900 to sponsors Invenergy, Youth in Agriculture and Hometown Support.
Carissa Stong of Sheldon exhibited the Reserve Champion rabbit pen. Carissa is the daughter of Dusty and Melissa Stong and a member of the Nevada FFA Chapter. Carissa’s New Zealand White rabbits weighed 4.5, 4.2 and 4.5 pounds and sold for $3,200 to Missouri Rabbit Producers, Youth in Agriculture and Hometown Support sponsors.
The limited edition “Sale of Champions” commemorative belt buckle was purchased by Brian Boggs of Boggs Audio for $1,200.
