Hall of fame adds six Missouri leaders

Six agricultural innovators were celebrated at the 2025 Missouri Agricultural Hall of Fame ceremony on April 8 at the Capital Bluffs Event Center in Jefferson City. This is the second class of inductees to the Hall of Fame, which was established in 2023.

Added to the prestigious list were Dave Baker, Lowell Mohler, Mike Parson, Eddie Sydenstricker, Richard Kampeter and Gary Schell.

Governor Mike Kehoe and First Lady Claudia Kehoe met with this year’s honorees, sponsors and special guests during a private reception at the Missouri Governor’s Mansion before addressing some 400 industry leaders gathered for the induction ceremony.

“These six individuals represent the heart and soul of Missouri agriculture—hardworking innovators who have built legacies that strengthen our state’s economy and communities,” Governor Kehoe said. “Their dedication has helped shaped agriculture in Missouri and inspires the next generation to carry forward our proud farming and ag industry traditions. Claudia and I are a proud part of the agriculture family here in Missouri, and the best is yet to come.”

The Missouri Agricultural Hall of Fame was created in 2023 to recognize farmers, ranchers and agribusiness leaders who have made outstanding contributions to the state’s agriculture industry. Inductees are selected by a committee and honored annually.

MFA Incorporated and MFA Oil are presenting sponsors of the Agricultural Hall of Fame, which is also supported by the Missouri State Fair Foundation and other key partners, including Missouri Electric Cooperatives, Dairy Farmers of America, Allstate Consultants, ADM, CFM Insurance, Kinetic Design + Development, Nabholz, Missouri State University Foundation and Central Missouri AGRIService.

“Following the success of our inaugural event, we’re thrilled to see this tradition grow as we celebrate the remarkable individuals who continue to shape Missouri’s agricultural legacy,” said Karri Wilson, executive director of the Missouri State Fair Foundation. “The 2025 inductees and overwhelming support for this program underscore its importance, and we’re excited to build on this momentum for years to come.”

Missouri Agricultural Hall of Fame inductees received an exclusive award created by Missouri artist Clay Gant, who operates “Cowboy Bronze” in Cross Timbers. The custom sculpture represents the power and diversity of Missouri’s agricultural landscape and features a beef bull, wheat and corn.

Leaders of Missouri 4-H and FFA served as volunteers during the banquet, with Kennedy Heil of Norborne FFA giving the invocation, 4-H State Representatives Alana Kimmons and Glenna Barnett leading the Pledge of Allegiance, and Larissa Larrick of South Shelby FFA singing the National Anthem to kick off the program.

Also recognized during the ceremony were members of the Missouri State Fair Foundation’s 1901 Society, named in homage to the year of the first Missouri State Fair and established in 2023 to recognize lifetime giving to the foundation. MFA Incorporated’s longstanding support for the fair places it as a “Founder’s Medallion Level” member of the 1901 Society.

“For 124 years, the State Fair has made such a positive impact on agriculture and family life in Missouri, and private financial gifts ensure its health and vitality for generations to come,” said Brent Dunn, Missouri State Fair Foundation member. “This support provides scholarships and allows new programs to be developed. It renovates those time-honored buildings that we love and helps build new ones for our families that they will enjoy long after all of us are gone.”

One such building is the new Michael L. Parson Arena, a state-of-the-art complex that will provide a modern and versatile space for a wide range of events not only during the State Fair but also year-round—from livestock shows to conferences, trade shows and community gatherings, among other multi-purpose uses. During the ceremony, Dunn announced that the new arena’s seating sections will bear the names of MFA Incorporated and MFA Oil in recognition of their substantial financial support.

“The plans for this facility are amazing, and private support like this gift from MFA is going to be critical,” Dunn said. “It just shows the energy and excitement of people all around the state who want to see this arena built and other facilities improved on our fairgrounds.”

For more information, visit the Missouri State Fair Foundation online at www.mostatefairfoundation.net. The Missouri Department of Agriculture hosts the online directory of the Ag Hall of Fame on its website at agriculture.mo.gov/ag-hall-of-fame.php.
 

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