(SEDALIA, Mo.)—The Missouri State Fair celebrated youth in agriculture on Saturday, Aug. 22. The annual Sale of Champions highlighted the day. The sale raised more than $271,500 for youth involved in agriculture.
The Grand Champion Steer was exhibited by Reagan Rodgers of Savannah, MO. Reagan is the daughter of Blaine and Melissa Rodgers and is a member of the Savannah FFA Chapter. Her 1410-pound crossbred steer sold for $42,500 and was purchased by the Edward Jones Foundation, Specialty Risk Insurance, and BTC Bank, along with Youth in Agriculture and hometown supporters.
The Grand Champion Barrow was exhibited by Harper Heimer of Taylor, MO. Harper is the daughter of Jesse and Amy Heimer and is a member of the Taylor 4-H Club. Her 265-pound crossbred hog was purchased for $62,500 by Bayer Crop Science, Specialty Risk Insurance, BTC Bank, and Congressman Jason Smith, along with Youth in Agriculture and hometown supporters.
Marlee Massey, of Oronogo, MO, exhibited the Grand Champion Market Lamb. Marlee is the daughter of Brian and Kate Massey and is a member of the Carl Junction FFA Chapter. Her crossbred lamb weighed 144 pounds and was purchased for $17,000 by the University of Missouri CAFNR Division of Animal Science, CAFNR Dean’s Office, MIZZOU Collegiate Cattlewomen, University of Missouri Extension, MIZZOU Meat Market, MIZZOU CAFNR Alumni Association, Alpha Gamma Rho, Sigma Alpha, Edward Jones & Associates, Missouri Sheep Producers and BTC Bank, along with Youth in Agriculture and hometown supporters.
The Grand Champion Meat Goat was exhibited by Elsie Barton of Mountain Grove, MO. Elsie is the daughter of Brandon and Brittany Barton and is a member of the Wright County 4-H Club. Her Boer goat weighed 75 pounds and was purchased for $30,500 by Bayer Crop Science, University of Missouri CAFNR Division of Animal Science, CAFNR Dean’s Office, MIZZOU Collegiate Cattlewomen, University of Missouri Extension, MIZZOU Meat Market, MIZZOU CAFNR Alumni Association, Alpha Gamma Rho, Sigma Alpha, and Edward Jones, along with Youth in Agriculture and hometown supporters.
The Grand Champion Pen of Chickens was exhibited by Judd Lawson of Schell City, MO. Judd is the son of Bob and Susan Lawson and is a member of the Osage River 4-H Club. His Cornish Cross chickens weighed an average of 8 pounds and was purchased by The Poultry Federation for $5,100, along with Youth in Agriculture and hometown supporters.
Kaela Britton, of Atlanta, MO, exhibited the Grand Champion Pen of Rabbits. Kaela is the daughter of Travis and Jodi Britton and is a member of the Macon FFA Chapter. Her Californian rabbits weighed an average of 5.2 pounds and were purchased for $6,100 by Sycamore Creek- Wayne, Anita and Ethan Vanderwert, The Missouri State Rabbit Producers, MiniLops along with Youth in Agriculture and hometown supporters.
Ryker Blackford, of Pickering, MO, exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion Steer. Ryker is the son of Cody and Allison Blackford and is a member of the North Nodaway 4-H Club. Ryker’s 1410-pound crossbred steer was purchased for $33,500 by Wheeler Auction & Real Estate, Wheeler Angus Farm, and CFM Insurance, along with Youth in Agriculture and hometown supporters.
Blair Bergsieker, of Higginsville, MO, showed the Reserve Grand Champion Barrow. Blair is the daughter of Tim and Courtney Bergsieker and is a member of the Higginsville FFA Chapter. Blair’s 265-pound crossbred barrow was purchased for $22,000 by Wood & Huston Bank, along with Youth in Agriculture and hometown supporters.
Marlee Massey, of Oronogo, MO, showed the Reserve Champion Market Lamb. Marlee is the daughter of Brian and Kate Massey and is a member of the Carl Junction FFA Chapter. Her crossbred lamb weighed 136 pounds and was purchased for $11,750 by Bayer Crop Science and the Missouri Sheep Merchandising Council, along with Youth in Agriculture and hometown supporters.
Khaden Litton, of Boonville, MO, exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion Meat Goat. Khaden is the son of John and Jocelynn Litton and is a member of the Boonville FFA Chapter. Khaden’s Boer goat weighed 89 pounds and sold for $24,000 to BTC Bank, along with Youth in Agriculture and hometown supporters.
Laynee Morgan, of Goodman, MO, exhibited the Reserve Champion Pen of Chickens. Laynee is the daughter of Chris and Danetta Morgan and is a member of the Neosho FFA Chapter. Laynee’s Cornish Cross chickens weighed an average of 6.8 pounds and sold for $5,900 to MFA Inc, along with Youth in Agriculture and hometown supporters.
Lynneax Croy, of Carrollton, MO, exhibited the Reserve Champion Pen of Rabbits. Lynneax is the granddaughter of Lance and Tinna Croy and is a member of the Shelby 4-H Club. Lynneax’s New Zealand rabbits weighed an average of 5.3 pounds and sold for $3,600 to BTC Bank, along with Youth in Agriculture and hometown supporters.
The Limited Edition Sale of Champions Commemorative Belt Buckle was purchased by Missouri State Fair Concessionaires for $5,000.
The back cover of the 2026 edition of the Sale of Champions and Best of Missouri Sale Yearbook was purchased by Edward Jones & Associates for $2,050.
Chuck Miller, Superintendent of the Sale of Champions and Co-Chairman of the Youth in Agriculture Committee, along with Rodney Heimer, Co-Chairman, offered thanks and appreciation to all buyers, Youth in Agriculture sponsors and hometown supporters. The Best of Missouri Sale and the Sale of Champions raised more than $385,000 for youth exhibitors and youth involved in agriculture across Missouri. A listing of the 2025 Youth in Agriculture sponsors is available on the Fair’s website. A listing of the 2026 sponsors will be posted soon. Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor can visit the Fair’s website to make an online donation. To receive more information about sponsorship, contact Chuck Miller at 573-881-3589, Rodney Heimer at 217-257-6182, or Chip Kemp at 573-239-0524.