FFA Building Rules & Classes

Department 1-5: FFA, Field Crops, Horticulture, Agricultural Mechanics, FFA Building Exhibits

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The FFA is the national organization of agricultural education students in public secondary schools. In 2012, Missouri FFA reached an all-time record membership since the organization’s founding over 80 years ago. Missouri FFA membership has shown a steady increase for the past thirty years with enrollment of 13,325 students in 1985, and over 26,828 in 2025. Research results show that the four-year sequential program in agricultural education provides good preparation for the agriculture production, agricultural business and service, agricultural technology, natural resources, horticulture and other agricultural professions.

FFA emblem


Superintendent
Jim Spencer, Jr., Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Education
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Jefferson City, MO 65102

4-H and FFA Livestock General Livestock Rules

See information in that department

The Missouri State Fair does not guarantee premium money, merchandise, prizes or special awards. Because the State Fair Commission is without constitutional or statutory authority to borrow money for its operation, it reserves the right to prorate premium money because of state budget restraints.

FFA Educational Displays and Agricultural Mechanics Exhibits

This section provides an opportunity for the public to develop an appreciation of this important phase of agricultural education and FFA programs. Also, it provides a means of giving recognition for accomplishments in this area and furnishes opportunities for exchanging ideas.

Every precaution will be taken to protect the exhibits; however, neither the Missouri State Fair nor the officials of this department will be responsible for any losses or damage to exhibits.

Judging and Awards

FFA Agricultural Mechanics, Field Crops, Horticulture, Exhibit Booths and Displays

  1. Judging – The judges will place all classes according to merit in ribbon groups. Unworthy exhibits will not be placed.
  2. Awards – Ribbons will be awarded as determined by the group placing. Premiums will be paid on a point basis on the group ribbons awarded. The values of a point for these exhibits will be determined by dividing the total points of ribbons awarded for these exhibits into the total money allotted to this section. The point value for the educational and demonstration booths may vary from year to year depending on participation.

FFA Educational Booth Reservations

  1. Educational booth space will be reserved by sending an email to Jim Spencer, Jr., Jim.Spencer@dese.mo.gov on or before May 1, 2026. Chapters should clearly specify whether they are requesting an Educational Booth or Horticulture Booth.
  2. Entries will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis except for chapters who requested but who didn’t get a booth last year because of space limitations. Chapters who requested but didn’t get a booth space in 2026 must still request a booth by the deadline to receive preferential treatment.
  3. Booths will be limited to 12 entries.
  4. Schools will receive the list of chapters with educational booths after May 15, 2026.

FFA Educational Booth Regulations

  1. A space containing a sloping table will be provided for each exhibit booth. Each chapter’s space is 5′ 4″ wide across the front and 6′ deep with a solid plywood top. The rear of the table has a 4′ high by 5′ 4″ wide plywood back wall for displaying school banners or exhibit material. Electrical outlets are provided.
  2. All exhibits must be in place by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 11.
  3. Educational Booths must be in place by 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 11.
  4. The booths will be placed into Gold, Silver and Bronze ribbon groups, and a Grand Champion booth will be picked. The score card for the FFA Educational Booths will remain the same as in past years.

Score Card for FFA Educational Agricultural Booths

Purpose: To promote the benefits of enrolling in agricultural education and joining FFA. Booths will be the type that could be used in a variety of settings, such as FFA Week booths, shopping center displays, local fairs, etc.

  • Promotes Benefits of Agricultural Education and FFA: 50 points
  • Promotes one of the three components: Classroom, SAEP, Leadership: 30 points
  • Central theme (promotes one idea, caption, title): 20 points
  • Appearance: 50 points
    • Attention: 10 points
    • Interest: 10 points
    • Durability: 10 points
    • Neatness: 10 points
    • Organization: 10 points
    • TOTAL POINTS: 100 points

FFA Horticulture Booth Reservations

  1. Horticulture booth space will be reserved by sending an email to Jim Spencer, Jr., Jim.Spencer@dese.mo.gov on or May 1, 2026. Chapters should clearly specify whether they are requesting an Educational Booth or Horticulture Booth.
  2. Entries will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis with a limit of six horticulture booths accepted.
  3. Schools will receive the list of chapters with booths after May 15, 2026.
  4. No plants or materials in the booth will be judged as separate exhibits.

FFA Horticulture Booth Regulations

  1. A floor space approximately 8′ by 6′ will be provided each chapter on which to build their horticulture display. Booths will be placed at various locations in the FFA Building to be determined by FFA officials as chapters arrive based on the building’s layout for that year. Because of increased interest from chapters to bring Horticulture Booths, it will be necessary to enforce the 8′ by 6′ dimensions. Electrical outlets are provided.
  2. All exhibits must be in place by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 11.
  3. The booths will be placed into Gold, Silver and Bronze ribbon groups and a Grand Champion booth will be picked.

Chapter Scrapbooks

Chapters exhibiting the first place scrapbook at each of the sixteen 2026 FFA Area Contests are invited to display their winning scrapbooks in the FFA Building. The scrapbooks will be on display two to four scrapbooks at a time. They will be rotated daily with the extra books being stored in the office.

The scrapbooks should be brought to the FFA Building on August 10, 11 or 12. The books should be picked up on Sunday, August 23, after 6:00 p.m. or on Monday, August 24 before 10:00 a.m.

FFA Agri-Science Fair

The Agri-Science Fair is established to recognize FFA members who are studying the application of scientific principles and emerging technologies in an agricultural enterprise. As the Agri-Science Fair evolves in the future, rules and guidelines may change, but the National Agri-Science Student Program application, a student interview and a table display will be used as the criteria for selecting the 2026 winners. Eligibility requirements differ from the National FFA application in that participation is open to any current FFA member who is a current high school student or 2026 graduate.

  1. Pre-entry will consist of emailing a list of contestants and their respective categories to Jim Spencer, Jr. by August 1, 2026.
  2. Agri-Science Fair entries must be in place by 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 13.
  3. A table space of approximately 4 ft. wide and 2 ft. deep will be provided each applicant. The display should include the National FFA Agri-Science Student Application (which will be returned back to the student) along with pictures, diagrams, charts, and other items which will help demonstrate the student’s Agri-Science project. A self-standing backboard is suggested but may be only four feet high.
  4. Students must be present for an interview which will consist of 25% of the judging. The interview will be to determine the student’s knowledge of the Agri-Science project and what was learned.
  5. Scoring rubric will be provided to contestants after pre-entries are received.
  6. Each exhibit may consist of one or more panels of information and any objects the student wishes to display. The exhibit panels must be constructed so as to be stable and free standing. BOTH SIDES of the display must be covered with an attractive backing.
  7. All projects must have the following information attached to the upper right hand corner of the exhibit: a) Name of person(s) responsible for developing project. b) Grade in school (for the previously completed school year). c) Chapter name.
  8. Agri-Science project topics should be selected from one of the following five categories:
    • Food Science (examples listed below):
      • Control of molds on bakery products
      • Compare yeast fermentation techniques for converting sugars to alcohol
      • Resistance of organic fruits to common diseases
    • Environmental Science (examples listed below):
      • Effect of agricultural chemicals on water quality
      • Compare water movements through different soil types
      • Effects of cropping practices on wildlife populations
      • Compare irrigation systems for energy efficiency
    • Animal Science (examples listed below):
      • Compare effects of thawing temperatures on livestock
      • Compare nutrient levels on animal growth semen
      • Effects of growth hormone on meat/milk production
      • Research new disease control mechanisms
      • Effects of estrus synchronization on ovulation
    • Plant/Soil Science (examples listed below):
      • Effects of lunar climate and soil conditions on plant growth
      • Effects of substrate particle size on shiitake mushroom growth
      • Effects of heavy metals such as cadmium on edible plants
      • Compare plant growth between hydroponics and conventional methods
      • Effect of ultraviolet light on soil microbes
    • Mechanical/ Engineering Science (examples listed below):
      • Develop alternate energy source engines
      • Investigate light energy sources
      • Absorption media for plant materials energy efficiency
  9. The projects will be placed into Gold, Silver, and Bronze ribbon groups and a Grand Champion and Reserve Champion will be selected.

FFA Agricultural Mechanics Projects

  1. Articles exhibited must have been constructed by FFA members either as part of their agricultural mechanics instruction in agricultural education or as part of their supervised occupational experience programs.
  2. Entries will be judged separately and independently by three judges on the basis of workmanship, finish, design, strength, usefulness and suitability. Each judge will score each entry on a 4 point scale. The Agricultural Mechanics Chairman will tabulate the final ribbon placing using the following judging scale:
  • 4.0 – 3.5: Purple
  • 3.4 – 2.5: Gold
  • 2.4 – 1.5: Silver
  • 1.4 – 1.0: Bronze
  • 0.9-0: Disqualified
  1. A champion and reserve champion rosette will be awarded to the best entry in each of the following point ranges (based on the allowable points for a Purple) or category in the FFA Agricultural Mechanics show. The selection of these champions will first be based on the total points received by three judges. A tie in points will be broken by the three judges. Champions do not need to have received a purple placing, if no project in the point range has received a purple: 1 to 29 points, 30 to 59 points, 60 to 99 points, 100 to 149 points, 150 to 179 points, 180 to 199 points, and over 200 points. Champion and Reserve Champion Ag Mechanics Metals will be awarded. Champion and Reserve Champion Ag Mechanics Wood, Champion and Reserve Champion Ag Mechanics Refinished/Restored.
  2. The Restored, Refinished or Rebuilt Tractor or Lawn/Farm Equipment must be in place by 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. Students may elect to be present for an interview, which will start at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 12. The interview will be to determine the student’s knowledge of the project and what was learned. Students are asked to bring a portfolio to show the process, work and cost of the project. This interview will play a small role in the judges’ final score. There should also be a laminated story board with at least 6 pictures showing the progress of the project, which will stay with the project throughout the fair.
  3. No agriculture education instructors or students with agricultural mechanics entries at the State Fair will be allowed to confer with the judges during judging with the exception of Restored, Refinished or Rebuilt category items.
  4. An article can be shown only once at the State Fair, but does not have to be constructed during the year it is exhibited.
  5. All articles must be painted or properly treated in the case of feeders, etc. All articles must be clean and in presentable condition even though they may have been used. No spray painting will be allowed on the fairgrounds.
  6. Each exhibitor is limited to a total of two entries of the same kind of project.
  7. The superintendent may adjust the points up or down when a project is unusual in size or diffi-culty, and it appears necessary in order to keep the points in balance.
  8. Projects built to be used as one unit should be entered as one entry and not entered separately. (Example: Trailer ramps should not be entered separately from the trailer if the trailer is being exhibited.) The FFA superintendent and the Agricultural Mechanics superintendent will make the final ruling if a question arises.
  9. All agricultural mechanics exhibits MUST BE on grounds by 4 p.m., Tuesday, August 11. Projects may start arriving as early as 3 p.m. on Monday, August 10. The only exception to this will be the Restored, Refinished, or Rebuilt Tractors or Lawn/Farm Equipment, which must be in place by 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 12.
  10. Exhibits will be released at 6:00 p.m., Sunday, August 23. Premiums will not be paid for exhibits leaving the Fairgrounds before the release time. Exhibits remaining on the grounds after 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 24, will be unattended.
  11. A skid steer will be available to unload only. No skid steer will be available on Sunday, August 23 to load projects.

Class

Outdoor Division

  • Livestock Trailers
    • A1000 Large (Gooseneck)
      • Purple: 240 points, Gold: 180 points, Silver: 120 points, Bronze: 60 points
    • A1001 Medium (Bumper)
      • Purple: 180 points, Gold: 135 points, Silver: 90 points, Bronze: 45 points
  • Machinery Trailers Gooseneck
    • A1100 Large (32′ or longer)
      • Purple: 240 points, Gold: 180 points, Silver: 120 points, Bronze: 60 points
    • A1101 Medium (20′ to 31′)
      • Purple: 180 points, Gold: 135 points, Silver: 90 points, Bronze: 45 points
    • A1102 Small (19′ or less) 165 120 75 35
      • Purple: 165 points, Gold: 120 points, Silver: 75 points, Bronze: 35 points
  • Machinery Trailers Bumper Hitch
    • A1103 Large (20′ or longer)
      • Purple: 180 points, Gold: 135 points, Silver: 90 points, Bronze: 45 points
    • A1104 Medium (14′ to 19′)
      • Purple: 160 points, Gold: 120 points, Silver: 80 points, Bronze: 40 points
    • A1105 Small (13′ or less)
      • Purple: 80 points, Gold: 60 points, Silver: 40 points, Bronze: 20 points
  • Scrapers/Blades
    • A1300 Large with Hydraulics
      • Purple: 120 points, Gold: 90 points, Silver: 60 points, Bronze: 30 points
    • A1301 Medium
      • Purple: 60 points, Gold: 40 points, Silver: 20 points, Bronze: 10 points
    • A1302 Small
      • Purple: 32 points, Gold: 24 points, Silver: 16 points, Bronze: 8 points
  • Hay Trailer & Equipment
    • A1400 Large (has Hydraulics)
      • Purple: 120 points, Gold: 90 points, Silver: 60 points, Bronze: 30 points
    • A1401 Medium (No Hydraulics)
      • Purple: 60 points, Gold: 40 points, Silver: 20 points, Bronze: 10 points
    • A1402 Small (No Hydraulics)
      • Purple: 32 points, Gold: 24 points, Silver: 16 points, Bronze: 8 points
  • Livestock & Animal Equipment
    • A1500 Large (Total Animal Working)
      • Purple: 120 points, Gold: 90 points, Silver: 60 points, Bronze: 30 points
    • A1501 Medium (Single, gates, panels, etc.)
      • Purple: 80 points, Gold: 60 points, Silver: 40 points, Bronze: 20 points
    • A1502 Small (Feed bunk or smaller)
      • Purple: 32 points, Gold: 124 points, Silver: 16 points, Bronze: 8 points
  • Shop Equipment
    • A1600 Large (Presses, Tables)
      • Purple: 32 points, Gold: 24 points, Silver: 16 points, Bronze: 8 points
    • A1601 Medium (Carr)
      • Purple: 24 points, Gold: 16 points, Silver: 10 points, Bronze: 6 points
    • A1602 Small (Jack Stand pairs, etc.)
      • Purple: 12 points, Gold: 9 points, Silver: 6 points, Bronze: 3 points
  • Vehicle & Tractor Accessories
    • A1700 Large (Carryalls & Guards)
      • Purple: 32 points, Gold: 24 points, Silver: 16 points, Bronze: 8 points
    • A1701 Medium (Ramps to Headache rack)
      • Purple: 12 points, Gold: 9 points, Silver: 6 points, Bronze: 3 points
    • A1702 Small (Ramps – receiver caps)
      • Purple: 4 points, Gold: 3 points, Silver: 2 points, Bronze: 1 point
  • Metal Lawn
    • A1800 Large (Yard Swing – Wood rack)
      • Purple: 32 points, Gold: 24 points, Silver: 16 points, Bronze: 6 points
    • A1801 Medium (Bench – Wood rack)
      • Purple: 24 points, Gold: 16 points, Silver: 10 points, Bronze: 6 points
    • A1802 Small (Post Puller – Horseshoe fig.)
      • Purple: 12 points, Gold: 9 points, Silver: 6 points, Bronze: 3 points
  • Metal Outdoor Recreation
    • A1900 Large (Sheds – Big Smokers)
      • Purple: 80 points, Gold: 60 points, Silver: 40 points, Bronze: 20 points
    • A1901 Medium (Picnic table – Chairs)
      • Purple: 32 points, Gold: 24 points, Silver: 16 points, Bronze: 8 points
    • A1902 Small (Deer stands -Targets -Rocket Stove)
      • Purple: 12 points, Gold: 9 points, Silver: 6 points, Bronze: 3 points
  • Wood Lawn
    • A2000 Large (Sheds)
      • Purple: 140 points, Gold: 105 points, Silver: 70 points, Bronze: 35 points
    • A2001 Medium (Picnic Table – Single Chair)
      • Purple: 64 points, Gold: 48 points, Silver: 32 points, Bronze: 16 points
    • A2002 Small (Benches – Bird houses)
      • Purple: 10 points, Gold: 8 points, Silver: 6 points, Bronze: 4 points
  • Wood to Wood Outdoor Recreation
    • A2100 Large (Yard swing – shooting bench)
      • Purple: 32 points, Gold: 24 points, Silver: 16 points, Bronze: 8 points
    • A2101 Medium (Cornhole boards)
      • Purple: 24 points, Gold: 16 points, Silver: 10 points, Bronze: 6 points
    • A2102 Small (Washer boxes)
      • Purple: 10 points, Gold: 18 points, Silver: 6 points, Bronze: 4 points

Indoor Division

  • Indoor Metal
    • A3000 Large/Intricate (Tables, etc.)
      • Purple: 32 points, Gold: 24 points, Silver: 16 points, Bronze: 8 points
    • A3001 Medium/Intermediate (Shelf, side table, etc.)
      • Purple: 12 points, Gold: 9 points, Silver: 6 points, Bronze: 3 points
    • A3002 Small/Basic (Small end tables, stools)
      • Purple: 6 points, Gold: 4 points, Silver: 3 points, Bronze: 1 point
  • Indoor Wood
    • A3003 Large/Intricate (Fine furniture, kitchen table, dresser, etc.)
      • Purple: 80 points, Gold: 60 points, Silver: 40 points, Bronze: 20 points
    • A3004 Medium/Intermediate (shelf, table, sofa table, fine side tables, chairs, chests, cutting boards, etc.)
      • Purple: 32 points, Gold: 24 points, Silver: 16 points, Bronze: 8 points
    • A3005 Small/Basic (plant stands, gun racks, stools, cutting boards-basic with designs engraved, etc.) 12 9 6 3
      • Purple: 12 points, Gold: 9 points, Silver: 6 points, Bronze: 3 points

Decorative Division

  • Decorative Metal
    • A3006 Large/Intricate (4’x4′(Over 16 sq. ft. larger signs)
      • Purple: 32 points, Gold: 24 points, Silver: 16 points, Bronze: 8 points
    • A3007 Medium/Intermediate(Under 4’x4′ & over 2’x2′ sign)
      • Purple: 24 points, Gold: 16 points, Silver: 10 points, Bronze: 6 points
    • A3008 Small/Basic (2’x2′ (4 sq. ft.) or smaller sign, metal art, horseshoe art, wall decor)
      • Purple: 12 points, Gold: 9 points, Silver: 6 points, Bronze: 3 points
  • Decorative Wood
    • A3009 Large/Intricate (4’x4′(Over 16 sq. ft. larger signs)
      • Purple: 32 points, Gold: 24 points, Silver: 16 points, Bronze: 8 points
    • A3010 Medium/Intermediate(Under 4’x4′ & over 2’x2′ sign)
      • Purple: 24 points, Gold: 16 points, Silver: 10 points, Bronze: 6 points
    • A3011 Small/Basic (2’x2′ (4 sq. ft.) or smaller sign, string art, wall decor)
      • Purple: 12 points, Gold: 9 points, Silver: 6 points, Bronze: 3 points

Restored Refinished Rebuilt Division

  • Refinished, Restored, & Rebuilt Tractors & Lawn/Farm Equipment
    • A4000 Restored Tractor with Story Board
      • Purple: 180 points, Gold: 135 points, Silver: 90 points, Bronze: 45 points
    • A4001 Refinished Tractor
      • Purple: 110 points, Gold: 90 points, Silver: 70 points, Bronze: 50 points
    • A4002 Rebuilt Garden Tractor
      • Purple: 32 points, Gold: 24 points, Silver: 16 points, Bronze: 8 points
    • A4003 Restored Implement
      • Purple: 12 points, Gold: 9 points, Silver: 6 points, Bronze: 3 points

Specials

MFA Incorporated will award an attractive FFA plaque to the chapter having the most outstanding Agricultural Mechanics exhibit.

FFA Field Crops, Horticulture, Fruit & Vegetables Regulations

  1. Field Crop-Horticulture exhibits must be in place by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 11.
  2. All entries must have been grown by the exhibitor as a part of his or her supervised occupational experience program. All samples must have been produced during the year specified for the class. The exhibitor shall be keeping records of such entries in the approved Missouri Farm Business Record Book, reporting such enterprises on the departmental VA-3 (Report of the Students SAE Program) and have on file validating forms with the school’s departmental records.
  3. Only exhibits of high quality and purity will be judged as eligible for premiums.
  4. Exhibits entered in “misc” should not fit in any other category/division.
  5. If exhibits are not entered on-line or are incorrectly entered they will be disqualified ie. wrong class, # entered or bad quality.
  6. Grain and seed samples will be displayed in containers furnished by the FFA department at the Fair. There must be exactly one quart in each sample. Samples of incorrect size will be disqualified.
  7. Each sample must contain a label showing exhibitor’s name, chapter, kind of crop, variety, and class number entered in. These will be provided when entering the exhibits at the Fair. Schools with a large number of field crop entries may request cards be sent to them before Fair time by contacting Jim Spencer, Jr. at the state MVATA Conference in July. Guidelines for sample size of forage entries will be provided to all FFA Advisors at MVATA summer conference.
  8. Clipped oats and barley will be excluded from the competition.
  9. Each exhibitor is limited to one entry in each class of all the Field Crops classes. Exhibitors are limited to a total of ten entries in each of the Horticulture and Fruits and Vegetables divisions. Exhibitors are limited to three entries per class in the Fruits and Vegetables classes. The entries must be of a different variety. For example, separate plates of Concord, Niagara, Seyval, and Vidal grapes may be entered by one exhibitor in the Plate of Grapes class.
  10. The Floriculture and Fruit/Vegetable Superintendents have the right to disqualify entries which show extreme signs of wilting when the exhibits are judged Thursday morning. Wilted entries will be discarded.
  11. Point values are: Gold-12 points; Silver-8 points; and Bronze-4 points: except for corsages, bud vases and boutonnieres: Gold-3 points; Silver-2 points; Bronze-1 points.
  12. Premiums paid per point will not be determined until the number of entries is known after the Fair begins.
  13. All Field Crop, Floriculture and Fruit/Vegetable exhibits are released at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 23. Exhibits not removed from the fairgrounds by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 24 will be discarded. Horticulture exhibits that deteriorate out of condition before the end of the Fair will be discarded.

Field Crops Classes

Class

Grain and Seed

  • 201 Corn, yellow shelled, 1 quart (2025 crop)
  • 202 Corn, white shelled, 1 quart (2025 crop)
  • 210 Soybeans, 1 quart (2025 crop)
  • 211 Sunflower, non-ornamental (2025 or 2026 crop)
  • 220 Grain Sorghum, 1 quart (2025 crop)
  • 221 Forage Sorghum, 1 quart (2025 crop)
  • 222 Sudangrass, 1 quart (2025 crop)
  • 230 Oats, 1 quart (2024 crop or 2025 crop)
  • 231 Rye, 1 quart (2025 crop)
  • 232 Wheat, 1 quart (2025 crop or 2026 crop)
  • 233 Winter Barley, 1 quart (2025 crop)
  • 240 Birdsfoot Trefoil, 1 quart (2025 crop)
  • 241 Lespedeza, 1 quart (2025 or 2026 crop)
  • 242 Red Clover, 1 quart (2025 or 2026 crop)
  • 243 Sweet Clover, 1 quart (2025 or 2026 crop)
  • 244 Alfalfa, 1 quart (2025 or 2026 crop)
  • 250 Bromegrass, 1 quart (2025 or 2026 crop)
  • 251 Orchardgrass, 1 quart (2025 or 2026 crop)
  • 253 Reed Canary Grass, 1 quart (2025 crop)
  • 254 Tall Fescue, 1 quart (2025 or 2026 crop)
  • 255 Timothy, 1 quart (2025 or 2026 crop)
  • 260 Warm Season Grasses, 1 quart (2025 or 2026 crop)
  • 289 Miscellaneous Grain & Seed (Must not fit another category. Only 1 miscellaneous entry per exhibitor.)
    • Gold: 12 points, Silver: 8 points, Bronze: 4 points
  • Grand & Reserve Champion Corn Grain or Seed
  • Grand & Reserve Champion Oil Crop Grain or Seed
  • Grand & Reserve Champion Sorghum Grain or Seed
  • Grand & Reserve Champion Cereal Grain or Seed
  • Grand & Reserve Champion Forage Legume Grain or Seed
  • Grand & Reserve Champion Forage Grass Grain or Seed
  • Grand & Reserve Champion Warm Season Grasses
  • Grand & Reserve Champion Miscellaneous Grain or Seed
    • Purple: 16 points

Plants

  • 300 Cornstalks, bundle of 3 stalks (2026 crop)
  • 310 Soybean Plants, bundle of 3 stalks, roots off (2026 crop)
  • 330 Grain or Forage Sorghum, 3 heads (2026 crop)
  • 331 Millett, 1 bundle (2026 crop)
  • 332 Sudangrass, 1 bundle (2026 crop)
  • 340 Alfalfa, 1 bundle (2026 crop)
  • 341 Birdsfoot Trefoil, 1 bundle (2026 crop)
  • 342 Lespedeza, 1 bundle (2026 crop)
  • 343 Red Clover, 1 bundle (2026 crop)
  • 344 Sweet Clover, 1 bundle (2026 crop)
  • 350 Warm Season, 1 bundle (2026 crop)
  • 351 Bromegrass, 1 bundle (2026 crop)
  • 352 Fescue, 1 bundle (2026 crop)
  • 354 Orchardgrass, 1 bundle (2026 crop)
  • 357 Timothy, 1 bundle (2026 crop)
  • 361 Field Sunflower, 2 plants (2026 crop)
  • 380 Miscellaneous Plants (must not fit another category. Only 1 miscellaneous entry per exhibitor.)
    • Gold: 12 points, Silver: 8 points, Bronze: 4 points
  • Grand & Reserve Champion Cornstalks 16
  • Grand & Reserve Champion Soybeans 16
  • Grand & Reserve Champion Sorghum/Sudan/Millett 16
  • Grand & Reserve Champion Alfalfa 16
  • Grand & Reserve Champion Forage Legumes 16
  • Grand & Reserve Champion Forage Grasses 16
  • Grand & Reserve Champion Sunflower Plants 16
  • Grand & Reserve Champion Miscellaneous Plant 16
    • Purple: 16 points

Baled Hay – 4 inch Blocks – Must be tied with twine in a crisscross manner.

  • 400 Alfalfa Hay (2026 crop)
  • 401 Lespedeza Hay (2026 crop)
  • 402 Red Clover Hay (2026 crop)
  • 403 Other Legume Hay (2026 crop)
  • 410 Grass Hay (2026 crop)
  • 411 Mixed Grass and Legume Hay (2026 crop)
  • 412 Warm Season Grass Hay (2026 crop)
  • 420 Grain Hay (2026 crop)
  • 429 Miscellaneous Hay (2026 crop) (Must not fit another category. Only 1 miscellaneous entry per exhibitor.)
  • 430 Straw/Bedding Hay
    • Gold: 12 points, Silver: 8 points, Bronze: 4 points
  • Grand & Reserve Champion Alfalfa Hay
  • Grand & Reserve Champion Legume Hay
  • Grand & Reserve Champion Mixed Grass & Legume Hay
  • Grand & Reserve Champion Grass Hay
  • Grand & Reserve Champion Miscellaneous Hay
    • Purple: 16 points

Floriculture Classes

Classes 500-549 are for fresh and silk/dried arrangements. Make sure to follow the principles and elements of floral design.

10 total entries in Floriculture allowed
(Example: 1 bud vase per exhibitor)

Class

Corsages/Boutonnieres

  • 500 Fresh Corsage
  • 501 Silk-Dried Corsage
    • Gold: 5 points, Silver: 3 points, Bronze: 2 points
  • Grand & Reserve Champion Corsage
    • Purple: 15 points
  • 502 Fresh Boutonniere
  • 503 Silk-Dried Boutonniere
    • Gold: 3 points, Silver: 2 points, Bronze: 1 point
  • Champion & Reserve Champion Boutonnieres
    • Purple: 15 points

Bridal Bouquets

  • 520 Fresh Bridal Bouquet
  • 521 Silk Bridal Bouquet
    • Gold: 9 points, Silver: 6 points, Bronze: 3 points
  • Champion & Reserve Champion Bridal Bouquets
    • Purple: 15 points

Bud Vases – Single or 3 stem bud vase

  • 530 Fresh Bud Vase
  • 531 Silk-Dried Bud Vase
    • Gold: 6 points, Silver: 4 points, Bronze: 2 points
  • Grand & Reserve Champion Bud Vase
    • Purple: 15 points

Centerpiece

  • 540 Fresh Centerpiece
  • 541 Silk-Dried Centerpiece
    • Gold: 9 points, Silver: 6 points, Bronze: 3 points
  • Champion & Reserve Champion Centerpiece
    • Purple: 15 points

Seasonal Arrangement or Wall Hanging

  • 542 Wreaths
  • 543 Wall hangings
  • 544 Fresh Seasonal Arrangement
  • 545 Silk-Dried Seasonal Arrangement
  • 546 FFA Arrangement
    • Gold: 9 points, Silver: 6 points, Bronze: 3 points
  • Grand & Reserve Champion Wreaths/Wall Hangings
  • Champion & Reserve Champion Seasonal Arrangement
    • Purple: 15 points

Large Scale Arrangements

  • 547 Podium Arrangement
  • 548 Entryway Arrangement
  • 549 Tablescape Arrangement
    • Gold: 9 points, Silver: 6 points, Bronze: 3 points
  • Champion & Reserve Large Scale Arrangements
    • Purple: 15 points

Garden Flowers (Cut) Stems

  • 550 5 Gladiolus
  • 551 5 Marigolds
  • 552 5 Perennials
  • 553 5 Roses
  • 554 5 Zinnias
  • 555 Blazing Star (3 stems needed)
  • 556 Sunflower (3 stems needed)
  • 557 Cockscomb/Celosia (3 stems needed)
  • 558 Snap Dragon (5 stems needed)
  • 559 3 Hydrangea
  • 560 Stock (5 stems needed)
  • 561 5 Dahlias
  • 562 Miscellaneous Garden Flower (must not fit another category. Only 1 miscellaneous entry per exhibitor.)
    • Gold: 9 points, Silver: 6 points, Bronze: 3 points
  • Champion & Reserve Champion Garden Flowers
    • Purple: 15 points

Horticulture Classes

10 total entires in Horiculture allowed
(Example: 1 geranium per exhibitor)

Class

Planters

  • 570 Dish Garden Planter
  • 571 Terrarium Planter
    • Gold: 9 points, Silver: 6 points, Bronze: 3 points
  • 572 Flower Box Planter
    • Gold: 12 points, Silver: 8 points, Bronze: 4 points
  • Champion & Reserve Champion Planters
    • Purple: 15 points

Perennials (In Pot)

  • 580 Ajuga
  • 581 Astibe
  • 583 English Ivy – Hedri
  • 584 Gailardia
  • 586 Hosta Lily
  • 588 Mum
  • 599 Miscellaneous Perennial (must not fit another category. Only 1 miscellaneous entry per exhibitor)
    • Gold: 9 points, Silver: 6 points, Bronze: 3 points
  • Champion & Reserve Champion Perennials
    • Purple: 15 points

House Plants (In Pot)

  • 600 “Decora” Rubber Plant
  • 601 African Violet
  • 602 Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen)
  • 603 Airplane Plant/Spider Plant
  • 604 Aluminum Plant
  • 605 Benjamin (Weeping) Fig
  • 606 Boston Fern
  • 607 Bromeliad
  • 608 Caladium
  • 609 Corn Plant Dracena
  • 610 Croton
  • 611 Cutleaf Philodendron
  • 612 Dwarf Schefflera
  • 613 Emerald Ripple Peperomia
  • 614 English Ivy
  • 615 Fuchsia
  • 616 Golden Barrel Cactus
  • 617 Golden Pothos, Devils Ivy
  • 618 Grape Ivy
  • 619 Heartleaf Philodendron
  • 620 Ivy Geranium
  • 621 Jade Plant
  • 622 Medicine Plant/Kalanchoe
  • 623 Nephthytis (Arrowhead)
  • 624 Norfolk Island Plant
  • 625 Parlor Palm
  • 626 Peace Lily
  • 627 Prayer Plant
  • 628 Purple Passion
  • 629 Red Edge Dracaena
  • 630 Sanserveria (Snake Plant)
  • 631 Schefflera
  • 632 Sprengeri “Fern”
  • 633 Spotted Dumbcane
  • 634 Strawberry Begonia
  • 635 Succulents
  • 636 Swedish Ivy
  • 637 Tricolor Bromeliad
  • 638 Variegated Peperomia
  • 639 Wandering Jew
  • 640 Watermelon Peperomia
  • 641 Wax Plant
  • 649 Miscellaneous House Plant (must not fit another category. Only 1 miscellaneous entry per exhibitor)
    • Gold: 9 points, Silver: 6 points, Bronze: 3 points
  • Champion & Reserve Champion House Plant
    • Purple: 15 points

Bedding Plants (In Pot)

  • 650 Celosia
  • 651 Coleus
  • 652 Dusty Miller
  • 653 Geranium
  • 654 Impatiens (Sutana)
  • 655 Marigold
  • 657 Periwinkle/Vinca
  • 658 Petunia
  • 659 Rose Moss/Portulaca
  • 660 Salvia
  • 661 Tuberus Begonia
  • 662 Wax Begonia
  • 663 Zinnia
  • 669 Miscellaneous Bedding Plants (must not fit another category. Only 1 miscellaneous entry per exhibitor)
    • Gold: 9 points, Silver: 6 points, Bronze: 3 points
  • Champion & Reserve Bedding Plants
    • Purple: 15 points

Fruits and Vegetables

All exhibitors may enter up to three varieties per class in the Fruits and Vegetables, if the duplicate entries are specifically different in variety than the student’s other entries in that class; for example, red tomatoes, yellow tomatoes or pink tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes have a class of their own. Regular pumpkins and mini pumpkins are divided. Bell peppers and hot peppers are divided as well. NOTE: all peppers that are not Bell are considered “hot” peppers and show in the same class. Each exhibitor is limited to TEN total entries in the Fruit and Vegetable division. Only fruits/vegetables that do not have a class may be entered in the Misc. classes. Variety name must be entered on the entry card.

Canned Food Guidelines:

  1. Jars used for canning must be standard colorless glass jars, sealed with two-piece lacquer lids. Jars with zinc lids will not be accepted. Jellies must be in standard jelly jars. No jelly sealed with paraffin wax will be accepted.
  2. Each entry must have a plain white label stating: product – specify name of canned food; date – month and year processed (all products must be less than 1 year since process date); method – specify either boiling water bath or pressure canned with pounds of pressure noted; and time processed – note the time in minutes. Please do not include your name on canning labels.
  3. All canned products and jellies must have tags attached with string.
  4. Food Preservation will not be opened.
  5. Recipes need not accompany classes.
  6. Canned goods will be displayed in regulation jars with rings left on.
  7. Any sign of spoilage, unsealed jars or alteration from recommended procedures will be basis for disqualification.

Class

  • 700 4 Apples
  • 710 4 Peaches
  • 720 4 Pears
  • 730 Plate of 15 Green Beans
  • 740 4 Bell Peppers
  • 745 4 Hot Peppers/Other Peppers
  • 750 8 Cherry Tomatoes
  • 760 3 Tomatoes
  • 770 1 Cantaloupe
  • 780 1 Watermelon
  • 790 3 Cucumbers
  • 800 3 Summer Squash
  • 810 1 Winter Squash
  • 820 3 Gourds
  • 830 1 Pumpkin
  • 840 3 Miniature Pumpkins
  • 850 1 Quart Jar of Honey
  • 860 3 Beets
  • 870 5 Carrots
  • 880 1 Pint of Blackberries
  • 890 1 Head of Cabbage
  • 900 3 Ears of Sweet Corn (Husk On)
  • 910 3 Ears of Popcorn (Husk On)
  • 920 3 Eggplants
  • 930 5 Okra
  • 940 Bundle of Herbs, 1 1/2 inch in diameter (Fresh or Dried)
  • 950 3 Onions
  • 960 3 Potatoes
  • 970 Plate of Grapes
  • 980 Miscellaneous Fruit/Vegetables (must not fit another category. Only 1 miscellaneous entry per exhibitor)
  • 990 Canned Fruit/Jams/Jellies/Preserves
  • 995 Canned Vegetables
    • Gold: 9 points, Silver: 6 points, Bronze: 3 points
  • Champion & Reserve Tree Fruit
  • Champion & Reserve Green Beans
  • Champion & Reserve Bell Peppers
  • Grand & Reserve Champion Hot Peppers
  • Grand & Reserve Champion Cherry Tomatoes
  • Champion & Reserve Tomatoes
  • Grand & Reserve Champion Cantaloupe
  • Champion & Reserve Watermelon
  • Champion & Reserve Cucumbers
  • Grand & Reserve Champion Summer Squash
  • Grand & Reserve Champion Winter Squash
  • Champion & Reserve Gourds
  • Grand & Reserve Champion Pumpkin
  • Champion & Reserve Miniature Pumpkin
  • Champion & Reserve Honey
  • Champion & Reserve Champion Beets/Carrots
  • Champion & Reserve Blackberries
  • Champion & Reserve Cabbage
  • Champion & Reserve Popcorn/Corn
  • Champion & Reserve Eggplants/Okra
  • Champion & Reserve Bundle of Herbs
  • Champion & Reserve Onions
  • Champion & Reserve Potato
  • Champion & Reserve Grapes
  • Champion & Reserve Miscellaneous Fruit/Vegetable
  • Champion & Reserve Canned Fruit/Jams/Jellies/Preserves
  • Champion & Reserve Canned Vegetables
    • Purple: 15 points

Exhibiting Fruits and Vegetables: UMC Extension Publication G6230, by UMC Horticulture Specialist Denny Schrock, serves as a reference for judging the Fruit and Vegetable exhibits. This publication can be found at http://muextension.missouri.edu/xplor/agguides/hort/indes.htm or your local University Extension Center.

FFA Floriculture and Fruits & Vegetables Specials: MFA Incorporated will award an attractive FFA plaque to the chapters having the most points in the FFA Horticulture and FFA Fruit and Vegetables division.

FFA Ham & Bacon Show

  1. FFA members are required to complete all open division entry forms available at mostatefair.com, which should accompany the project at check-in and pay the $1.00 entry fee and $2.00 processing fee which is required in the Agriculture Building. Checks must be made payable to “Missouri State Fair.” Hams and bacons should be checking in and out at the Agriculture Building and will be displayed there. See rules for hams and bacons under the Agriculture Department section.
  2. When entering the Open Youth Ham or Bacon Show, exhibitors must designate the ham(s) or bacon(s) as an FFA Ham or Bacon Show entry(s). After judging, a list of FFA hams and bacons with ribbon(s) earned will be forwarded to the FFA office.
  3. Hams and bacons will be judged on a point system to determine rank. The official judge(s) will break the rankings into gold, silver, bronze or disqualified.
  4. Ribbon point values are Gold:12 points, Silver: 8 points, Bronze: 4 points, and disqualified: 0 points.
  5. All FFA Ham and Bacon Show participants are encouraged to attend the auction.

For Missouri State Fair Scholarship information, please refer to the Sale of Champions.