Bloomfield, Missouri -  Aaron and Sarah Porter and family of Dexter, MO, were among the families honored during the 60th annual Missouri Farm Family Day, Aug. 13 at the Missouri State Fair.

The Porter family was selected as the Stoddard County Missouri Farm Family by University of Missouri Extension in Stoddard County and the local Farm Bureau. The family includes children Alex, Ava, and Adam Porter. 

Each year, the fair sets aside a day to recognize farm families from across the state that are active in their communities, involved in agriculture, and/or participate in local outreach and extension programs such as 4-H or FFA.

The annual event is sponsored by five partner agencies: the Missouri Farm Bureau, the Missouri Department of Agriculture, the Missouri State Fair Commissioners, the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, and MU Extension and Engagement.

This year, all 114 Missouri counties plus the City of St. Louis participated, honoring nearly 490 people from 115 farm families.

The event showcases the impact Missouri Farm Families have on the economy and heritage of the state, said Missouri State Fair Director Mark Wolfe. “These families are involved in agriculture activities in their communities and are active participants in local outreach and extension. As the premier showcase for Missouri agriculture, the Missouri State Fair is most certainly the appropriate place to celebrate these families.”

Honor Family in foreground. The Porter Family: Aaron, Sarah, Alex, Ava & Adam 

Also pictured behind the family are: (left to right) MO. State Fair Commissioners: Kevin Roberts, Sherry Jones and Dr. Jack Magruder;  Blake Naughton, Assoc. Vice Chancellor for MU Extension and Engagement Rob Kallenbach, Asst. Dean,  MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources; Todd Hays, MO Farm Bureau Board of Director’s Vice President;   Mark Wolfe, MO. State Fair Director 

and Garrett Hawkins, Deputy Director Mo. Dept. of Agriculture