Missouri’s Sedalia. The Missouri State Fair has united people from all across the state for over 120 years to honor tradition, community, and agriculture. The University of Missouri is one of the numerous partners who contribute to the event’s continued significance.
Through educational programming, interactive exhibits, and support for young leaders, Mizzou, particularly through MU Extension and the MU College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources, proudly contributes to the fair’s mission of promoting Missouri agriculture and motivating the next generation.
Lorin Fahrmeier, BS Ag 04, personifies Mizzou’s association with the fair. Throughout her life, she has been to almost every fair. She has worked for MU Extension for a long time and contributes all of her knowledge to Mizzou Central, the university’s one-stop shop at the fair.
“We want it to feel like people can kind of step onto campus, in a very small space,” stated Lorin Fahrmeier, director of relationship and council development for MU Extension, in a press release. It goes without saying that we cannot relocate the Columns to Sedalia, but we do want those who have ties to the university to feel at home.
The state fair grandstand, where this year’s acts include Wynonna Judd, Blues Traveler, and Flo Rida, is only a short stroll from Mizzou Central. “The building is designed to showcase what’s new and exciting to those who might not know the university that well, especially potential students,” Fahrmeier said, adding that it also serves as a homecoming venue for alumni from all over the state.
Mizzou’s presence at the fair has changed, she noted.
According to Fahrmeier, it used to be primarily the College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources and Extension. However, a number of academic departments are now represented, including Mizzou Athletics, the Tiger Team Store, Admissions, and the College of Health Sciences and College of Arts and Science.
Truman the Tiger will visit Mizzou Central, which is also the location of the Buck’s Ice Cream Place booth and the origin of Tiger Stripe ice cream.
In order to promote farm-to-table meals, cooking demos will also be held.
Fahrmeier stated, “We highlight the vast landscape of Missouri’s ag community by using as many local Missouri-grown foods as possible.”
She attributed the strong support from university leadership to the fact that university presence is present in almost every section of the exhibition.
Fahrmeier stated, “Even though we may not all be wearing black and gold all the time, it’s really satisfying to see how integrated Mizzou is with so many of the happenings at the fair.” Seeing Mizzou graduates who are now Mizzou grandparents is a lot of pleasure. It resembles a family get-together. Everyone who visits Mizzou Central, from alumni to casual fans, has one thing in common: the university.
Fahrmeier said Missouri 4-H, a MU Extension program, is where the Missouri State Fair starts. Young people are taught life skills, citizenship, and leadership by the volunteer-run organization.
She brought up the fact that 4-H is a frequently disregarded aspect of Mizzou’s association with the state fair.
Referring to the university’s unique logo, Fahrmeier stated that the typical fairgoer probably isn’t aware that the university is the origin of the four-leaf clover.
4-H is present in every county in Missouri since MU Extension maintains offices in all 114 counties as well as the city of St. Louis. 4-H allows kids as young as 6 to participate, and by the time they are 8 years old, they can start exhibiting at the fair.
Nearly 1,200 4-H clubs, including community, special interest, after-school, and in-school groups, are participated in annually by thousands of young Missourians.
According to Fahrmeier, 4-H is teaching life skills through activities like cake decorating, woodworking, welding, and competing with a 1,400-pound steer. Members develop their ability to collaborate, and as they mature and acquire leadership skills, they should also strengthen their ties to their hometowns.
Fahrmeier proudly observes her own children continuing the 4-H and State Fair traditions, having been a 4-H member herself.
Fahrmeier stated as her children get ready to exhibit purebred shorthorn cattle at this year’s fair, “On one side of the family, my kids will be third-generation fair exhibitors, and on the other, fourth-generation.”
The Fahrmeiers reside in Lafayette County on a farm in Lexington, Missouri. It raises cattle, row crops, and specialty crops. Fahrmeier then stands for the goal of MU Extension, which is to make Missouri communities stronger. Fahrmeier contributes to the conversion of academic resources and expertise into tangible, local effects through her work.
The ability to serve and thrive in one’s own community is, in her opinion, the real power of a Mizzou education.
According to Fahrmeier, the University of Missouri serves as the state university. Through MU Extension, we are able to provide the greatest possible service to the people of Missouri.
Whether it’s a 4-H member showcasing a project, a potential student discovering new options, or a family rediscovering their Mizzou heritage, the Missouri State Fair brings that land-grant mission to life. It’s a reflection of how Mizzou continues to support, serve, and develop alongside Missouri; it’s more than just a presence.
