Opinion -- Missouri’s Agricultural Traditions Highlighted at the 2025 Missouri State Fair

By the Missouri Pork Association

The Missouri Pork Association is proud to highlight the pork industry at this year’s Missouri State Fair, August 7-17 in Sedalia, Missouri. Join us for 11 days of highlighting Missouri’s agricultural tradition, the dedication of Missouri’s FFA and 4-H youth in their projects, and the exciting taste and flavor of great pork meals at two locations on the fairgrounds.

MPA will be in the Swine Pavilion sponsoring the Youth Swine Skillathon on Thursday, August 7 at 9:00 am and the 4-H/FFA Swine Judging Contest on Thursday, August 14 at 12:00 pm. MPA is also very active during Youth in Agriculture Day on Saturday, August 16. Stop by these events and show your support for Missouri’s youth.

After all that activity, we know you’ll be hungry. Come by The Pork Place, the home of the Sloppy Pig Sandwich, to enjoy a great meal in air-conditioned comfort. Menu favorites include the top chop dinner, sliced pork loin, smoked barbeque ribs, pork burger, pulled pork sandwich or classic BLT. Guests can stock up on new pork recipes or enter for a chance to win one of eleven prize packages by completing a comment card. Watch for money-saving coupons in the Missouri State Fair Souvenir Program available at entrance gates and at fair information booths. Also, match your admittance ticket number to one of 100 preselected numbers at The Pork Place to receive up to $10 off your next purchase!

Looking for a quick meal on the run? MPA will have our NEW Pork Stop ‘N Go food trailer, located east of the Swine Barn. The abbreviated menu will feature pork burgers, hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches, pulled pork mac and cheese, the Sloppy Pig Sandwich, fries and fountain drinks.

For more information about the 2025 Missouri State Fair, visit www.mostatefair.com.

 

Rusty Black Receives Outstanding Legislator Award

Adam Dohrman, chairman of the Missouri Pork Association (MPA), presented the Outstanding Legislator Award to Senator Rusty Black (R-12th District) during the 2025 Missouri Pork Expo on February 18. Senator Black was chosen for his outstanding support of the Missouri Pork Association, the Missouri pork industry and all of agriculture.

“Senator Black has long been an advocate for the pork industry and Missouri agriculture,” said Dohrman. “He brings practicality and common sense to the legislative process while advocating for Missouri’s #1 industry.”

Senator Black is a former public educator dedicating 33 years teaching Missouri kids agriculture. During Sen. Black’s political career, that same dedication has continued as a strong leader in recognizing and advancing agriculture, especially animal agriculture. Specifically, his recent efforts in securing funding for the new abattoir and meat science center at the University of Missouri will pay dividends to Missouri for years to come. Additionally, Sen. Black is an ardent supporter of youth leadership programs, which are so very important to preparing our next generation of kids.

Pork producers from across the state attended the 2025 Missouri Pork Expo held in Osage Beach, Missouri on February 18-19. Highlights included a trade show, educational sessions, and guest speakers.

Tate Welch Third in Youth Swine Skillathon

On Thursday, August 13, FFA and 4-H members participated in the 2020 Youth Swine Skillathon at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia. Participants competed in three age brackets during the contest, which is sponsored by the Missouri Pork Association and the University of Missouri Extension.

In the Age 16 and Older division, Bailey Boland from Sweet Springs placed first, Tanner Ellison from Baring received second and third place went to Tate Welch from Sheridan.

The top three winners in each category received a cash award, and the top individual in each category also received a plaque.

The first part of the three-stage contest is a hands-on swine management test including breed identification, equipment identification, ear notching, calculating medication withdrawal times, figuring growth performance, identifying pork carcass wholesale and retail cuts, environmental issues and feed ingredient identification. The second section is a short quiz that covers current events and general information about the swine industry in Missouri, the United States and internationally. The final stage is a 5-minute personal interview about their swine project and the Youth Pork Quality Assurance Plus Program.

Bacon Prices may Increase Due to Drought

(Missouri Digital News) -- A bacon shortage in the U.K. left many Americans worried the popular meat might become scarce in the U.S. as well.

Missouri Pork Association Executive Director Don Nikodim said Americans do not have to worry about a shortage, but bacon prices may increase due to the drought.

The drought has led to an increase in the price of feed for pigs.

Nikodim said it is too soon to know how high the price of bacon will rise.

"Just enjoy bacon, enjoy it often and go out and stock up if you think you need to," Nikodim said.

The drought will likely affect bacon and other pork product prices next year.