The Missouri State Fair Commission

Board Function:

The Missouri State Fair Commission was established by the Missouri Legislature effective September 1, 1995, through Missouri Revised Statutes, Chapter 262, Section 26.217.  The purpose of the Commission is to oversee the operations of the Missouri State Fair and is responsible for the selection and supervision of the fair director. It also has the authority to lease or purchase land and accept or reject contracts.

Board Mission Statement:

The Missouri State Fair Commission works to communicate the story of Missouri agriculture and the Missouri State Fair in ways that appeal to the state's citizens as the diversity of agriculture within the state and the fair's diversity have continued to grow.

Length of Term:

4 years

Number of Members:

9 members

Number of Members Appointed by Governor:

9 members

Special Membership Requirements:

2 members must be active farmers; 2 must be current or past presidents of county or regional fair boards; 1 must be the director of the department of agriculture; 1 must be employed by agribusiness; and 3 must be at-large members

Senate Advice and Consent Required:

yes

Political Affiliation Required:

Yes, not more than 4 members, excluding the Director of Agriculture, may be members of the same political party

Geographic Affiliation Required:

Yes, not more than 2 members may reside in the same congressional district; members must reside in Missouri for 5 years preceding appointment

Current Members:

Mr. William Blades
Shelbina
Slot:  Active Farmer 1
Term: 3/16/2005 to 12/29/2008
Party Affiliation: Republican

Mrs. Barbara Hayden, Vice Chair
Sedalia
Slot:  At Large Member 1
Term:  1/20/2005 to 12/29/2009
Party Affiliation:  Republican

Mr. Ken Keesaman
Osborn
Slot:  County Fair Board Mbr or Past President 1
Term:  4/05/2007 to 12/29/2009
Party Affiliation:  Democrat

Mr. Jerry King
Butler
Slot: Agribusiness Employee
Term: 4/13/2006 to 12/29/2009
Party Affiliation:  Republican

Mr. Steve Luecker
New Haven
Slot: At Large Member 3
Term: 2/13/2008 to 12/29/2011
Party Affiliation:  Democrat

Mrs. Jan McElwrath
Kennett
Slot:  At Large Member 2
Term: 4/12/2007 to 12/29/2010
Party Affiliation:  Democrat

Mr. Ronald Scheiderer
Salisbury
Slot:  Active Farmer 2
Term: 2/13/2008 to 12/29/2011
Party Affiliation:  Democrat

Mrs. Elizabeth Schlueter, Chairman
Troy
Slot:  County Fair Board Mbr or Past President 2
Term:  4/05/2007 to 12/29/2010
Party Affiliation:  Republican

Mrs. Katie Smith
Jefferson City
Slot:  Director, Missouri Department of Agriculture