Governor Parson Celebrates Success of 2022 Missouri State Fair

Governor Mike Parson and Missouri State Fair Director Mark Wolfe announced this week that the 2022 Missouri State Fair welcomed more than 340,000 visitors to the annual 11-day agriculture showcase, which was held August 11 - 21, 2022.

“As a third-generation farmer, I greatly enjoy promoting and showcasing Missouri agriculture,” said Governor Parson. “No single event does that better than the Missouri State Fair each year in Sedalia. The State Fair celebrates the projects of our young people and educates consumers about the origin of their food, both testaments to why agriculture remains our state’s top economic driver.”

Governor Parson attended several days of the Missouri State Fair, including providing the keynote address at the annual Military Appreciation Day. The Governor offered special recognition to World War II veteran Charlie Bell, who was among the brave soldiers to storm the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. Now 98 years old, Bell is the last living member of the First Army 125^th Cavalry Recon Unit.

“It is my honor to help celebrate the men and women who have protected our freedom and continue to protect us every day,” Governor Parson said. “These men and women sacrificed so much. The least we can do is thank them at this special event and at the daily flag retreat ceremony during the Fair. I was humbled to be in the presence of Mr. Bell and proud to shake his hand.”

Governor Parson and First Lady Parson joined other elected officials, industry leaders, and FFA members to pack share boxes for Feeding Missouri. Meal packing events, donations, and pork processing originating from the Drive to Feed Kids at the 2022 State Fair will provide more than 2.4 million meals to Missourians who are food insecure.

“The agriculture community stepped up in a big way to help address food insecurity during the Missouri State Fair,” said Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn. “The various food packing events at the State Fair will help citizens in all areas of the state. The Missouri State Fair is agriculture’s biggest family reunion. What a perfect backdrop to come together to assist those in need.”

Entries to the 2022 Missouri State Fair totaled 25,846, a nine percent increase from 2021. FFA and 4-H livestock and building entries were up over 2021 levels. Poultry entries saw a 48 percent increase, and floriculture entries totaled 2,040, a 72 percent increase from the previous year.

“The number of entries and the sheer quality of entries to this year’s fair was tremendous,” said Missouri State Fair Director Mark Wolfe. “Across the fairgrounds, from buildings to the livestock arenas, Missourians brought their very best to showcase. Combining the high-quality entries with the terrific weather and record-setting days for the carnival, the 2022 Missouri State Fair was a winner from start to finish.”

The 2023 Missouri State Fair is scheduled for Aug. 10-20 in Sedalia. To learn more, visit www.MoStateFair.com.

Swine Sample Collector Training Available

The Missouri Department of Agriculture is excited to partner with MU Extension to sponsor the Missouri Certified Swine Sample Collector Train the Trainer!

The training is free, virtual and open to all Missouri licensed and Category II USDA Accredited veterinarians.

This online course allows for self-paced training with the ability to come and go as your schedule allows. There is approximately one hour’s worth of curriculum.

Participants can expect to learn about:

*Foreign Animal Diseases affecting swine

*Biosecurity basics

*Secure Pork Supply Plan

*Certified Swine Sample Collector (CSSC) program

Once the training modules are completed, participants will earn one Continuing Education hour, a completion certificate and the title of Certified Swine Sample Collector Trainer. Those who complete the course are further able to train personnel as a CSSC.

Registration is available at this link.

Reach out to the Missouri Department of Agriculture at 573-751-3377 with any questions.

Department of Natural Resources Hosting Free Pesticide Collection Event

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources will host a free pesticide collection event from 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, Oct. 15 at MoDOT Maintenance Facility, 1031 Jefferson St. in Versailles.

The event is open to all Missouri farmers and households. It will be the last of six pesticide collection events scheduled across the state this year. To help prevent the spread of the corona virus, all participants are asked to stay in their vehicle while waste is being offloaded.

Accepted:

• Pesticides
• Herbicides
• Insecticides
• Fungicides
• Rodenticides
• Dewormers
• Fly tags
• Fertilizers containing pesticide

Not accepted:

• Paint
• Explosives
• Fire extinguishers
• Yard waste
• Electronics
• Trash
• Pesticides from businesses, pesticide production facilities, pesticide distributors or pesticide retailers

More information about the Missouri Pesticide Collection Program is available online at http://dnr.mo.gov/waste-recycling/what-were-doing/events-collections-trainings/missouri-pesticide-collection-program