4-H members share stories, passion at Missouri State Fair

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

For many young people, the Missouri State Fair is their first introduction to agriculture and 4-H. Whether they are showing livestock, competing in age-related events, or displaying their arts and crafts, 4-H members are proud to be a part of the fair.

During their time at the fair, 4-H members share their stories with fairgoers and make memories with their fellow 4-H'ers. For some, exhibiting at the Missouri State Fair has become a tradition.

Cattle showman raises beef from fair to fork

Delanden Edwards, a 12-year-old 4-H'er from Wright City, Missouri, is no stranger to the Missouri State Fair. This is his second year showing cattle at the fair.

Edwards showed his Angus bull calf in the championship drive this year. While his calf won his class, it came up short in the overall competition. But Edwards is not discouraged. He says he enjoys the experience of showing cattle at the fair.

Edwards' family raises livestock in Warren County, Missouri. They work with Green Gate Harris Farm out of Wentzville, Missouri, when it comes to exhibiting purebred Angus cattle.

Crafty 4-H'er shares passion with youth

Sadie Jackson, a 4-H'er from Scotland County, Missouri, is also no stranger to the Missouri State Fair. This is her seventh year in 4-H, and she has exhibited her work at the fair six times.

This year, Jackson is displaying a crocheted Afghan blanket and a sewing project at the fair. She says she enjoys sharing her passion for crafting with other youth.

"I like to see the look on their faces when they see my projects," Jackson said. "It makes me happy to know that I'm inspiring them to be creative."

First-year fun in poultry barn

Jerrett Pate, a 4-H'er from Cairo, Missouri, is a first-time exhibitor at the Missouri State Fair. He entered a New Hampshire red rooster, a Leghorn rooster, a Leghorn hen, and a Blue Breasted Old English Red rooster in the poultry show. All of his birds won first place in their classes.

Pate says he enjoys raising chickens and showing them at the fair. He also enjoys eating chicken, but he says he's been avoiding it while he's at the fair.

Pate says he's had a great time at the Missouri State Fair so far. He's met a lot of new people and learned a lot about agriculture.

These are just a few of the many 4-H members who are sharing their stories and passion at the Missouri State Fair this year. If you're at the fair, be sure to stop by the 4-H Building and meet some of these amazing young people.