JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Director of Agriculture Chinn authors a monthly column in Missouri Ruralist entitled Ag Matters. Below is this month’s column.

As the summer heat reaches its peak, Missourians from across the state are coming together in Sedalia for this year’s Missouri State Fair. While there are plenty of attractions that draw in crowds, I like to think of the state fair as agriculture’s largest family reunion.

There is nothing like the chance for the state’s youth to showcase the projects they’ve spent an entire year working on. Whether it be livestock or produce, quilting or photography, their hard work and dedication shines through during the 11 days of fair excitement. Not only is this a chance for 4-H and FFA members to get recognition for their hard work, but it is also a chance to connect with people who want to learn more about agriculture.

Youth involved with agriculture are the industry’s biggest advocates. In Missouri, we have an incredibly diverse agriculture landscape, including rice, cotton, corn, soybeans, beef and dairy cattle, hogs, poultry, timber, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. There are countless opportunities for kids to become involved with any part of agriculture they are passionate about.

Click here to read the remainder of the column!

— Missouri Department of Agriculture

For more news from Missouri, click here.