Local residents chosen as State Fair Farm Family for Cedar County

Brian and Victoria Ford and family of Stockton were among the families honored during the 59th annual Missouri Farm Family Day, Aug. 14 at the Missouri State Fair.

The Ford family was selected as the Cedar County Missouri Farm Family by the Cedar County Extension Council and local Farm Bureau. The family includes two children, Lauren and Morgan.

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

The Ford family has been rehabilitating their recently purchased 320 acre farm with improved cattle and timber production as their future goals.

Lauren and Morgan are very active in Stockton Seekers 4H club, showing beef, poultry and horses as well as serving as club officers. Lauren is active in Stockton FFA as an officer and a member of several teams. Morgan looks forward to joining FFA when she is in high school.

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

One hundred twelve of Missouri’s 114 counties were represented this year.  The event highlights the impact Missouri Farm Families have on the economy and heritage of the state. “These families are involved in agriculture activities in their communities, and are active participants in local outreach and extension,” said Missouri State Fair Director Mark Wolfe. “As the showcase for Missouri agriculture, the Missouri State Fair is most certainly the appropriate place to celebrate these families.”