Think Outside the Barn

Give Us Your Best Shot! ... in the Focus on Missouri Agriculture Photo Contest

The Focus on Missouri Agriculture Photo Contest runs through July 1 this year, and gives amateur photographers across the state an opportunity to submit their best images of a beautiful Missouri farm, of a farm tractor that has been in the family for years and the fun and excitement of a child at agritourism operation.  Contest winners will be recognized during the 2013 Missouri State Fair, and their photos will be displayed at the Fair and at the Missouri Department of Agriculture in Jefferson City.  Photographers also have the opportunity to win great prizes, courtesy of AgriMissouri.

"Every farm in our state has a story to tell and this is a great way to capture those stories and to share them with others. I look forward to seeing the outstanding work of Missouri farm families and our rural communities come through in every photo." ---Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler

The contest is open to Missouri's amateur photographers of all ages. Participants may enter up to three photos in each of the five categories. Categories include: The Beauty of the Farm, Faces of the Farm, The Farming Life and The Pride of the Farm. The Children's Barnyard a special category for budding photographers ages 12 and under, is back for the 4th annual contest as well.

Entries will be judged on visual impact, creativity, memorable content and image quality.

An AgriMissouri gift basket valued at $100 will be awarded to the First Place winner in each of the four categories. The winner of the Children's Barnyard category will receive a special gift basket filled with $100-worth of child-friendly items from AgriMissouri. An AgriMissouri gift basket valued at $250 will be awarded to the Best of Show.

For a complete list of rules and guidelines, visit mda.mo.gov/focus. Photos submitted to the contest will be placed on the contest website and available on the Department's Flickr stream. Photos must be submitted by July 1.

Missouri State Fair Recognized as One of the Best (Again!)

The State Fair tradition runs deep for many Missourians, especially those involved in agriculture. In addition to those personal traditions, the Fair has a tradition of excellence that stands true again for 2012.

The Missouri State Fair was recognized, again, as one of the premiere agricultural showcases in the world by the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE). During the recent IAFE convention, Missouri’s state fair received more than 30 awards.

Nearly 354,000 attended the 2012 Missouri State Fair to experience the excellence provided by Missouri's agricultural showcase. In fact, more than 28,000 livestock and competitive entries were shown this year by more than 4,000 Missouri 4-H and FFA members. 

From the livestock exhibits to fun family activities, agricultural equipment displays and unique food available on the Fairgrounds, Sedalia, Mo. is a retreat for many farmers, ranchers and their families - as well as many other Missourians who head to Sedalia for a taste of the rural lifestyle.   

Among the more than 30 awards, the Fair received Awards of Distinction in the areas of Competitive Exhibits and New Innovations in Sponsorship. Only one winner was chosen from each of the five divisions.

For a full list of the awards, visit http://www.mostatefair.com/awards-and-recognition.  And, mark your calendars for the 111th Missouri State Fair, Aug. 8-18, 2013 in Sedalia! 

 

Winning is Sweet at the First Lady's Pie Contest

The First Lady's Pie Contest was a huge hit again this year at the Missouri State Fair! The contest included categories for fruit pies, as well as soft pies with custard or cream filling, and attracted 45 entries!

First Lady Georgeanne Nixon was on hand for a pie-baking workshop Thursday morning, and she and Gov. Nixon joined in to sample some of the pies and announce the winners, including the best of show prize, which went to a Hawaiian-themed pie by entered by Megan White!

 For more winners, check out the list and photos below and visit mostatefair.com!

Best in Show – Megan White, Hawaiian Delight Pie

Soft Pies

First Place – Megan White, Hawaiian Delight Pie

Second Place – Debra Bolton, Lemon Blueberry Pie with Poppy Seed Crust

Third Place – Kristie Price, Coconut Cream

Fruit Pies

First Place – Gayle Duncan, Wild Black Raspberry

Second Place – Gabriel “Sage” Harlan, Missouri Blackberry & Peach Pie

Third Place – Lorin Fahrmeier, Peanut Butter & Jelly Pie

Want to know more? Check out the First Lady’s Pie Contest Rules and Official Entry Form at mostatefair.com.

Friday Fixin's - Tomatoes Two Ways

In honor of the Missouri State Fair, going on now through 19, 2012 in Sedalia, we're sharing a recipe for fried green tomatoes - one of the many unique and delicious concessions available to fairgoers. And after your visit to the Fair, you can make your very own batch at home to splurge and reminisce about the great time you had taking in all the sights and sounds of the Missouri State Fair. 

We've also included a second tomato recipe this week - a cool and creamy BLT Dip. While it's not your traditional BLT, it's a great way to enjoy the tomatoes you've harvested or bought from your local farmers' market with the great flavor combination of the traditional sandwich. And while you're at the Missouri State Fair, stop by the AgriMissouri Market and Farmers' Market both located in the Agriculture Building on the fairgrounds and check out the wide variety of Missouri Made and Missouri Grown products featured there.

Fried Green Tomatoes

Ingredients

• 3 medium-size green tomatoes, cut into 1/3-inch slices
• Vegetable oil
• Salt to taste
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, divided
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Preparation

• Combine egg and buttermilk; set aside.
• Combine 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, cornmeal, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl or pan.
• Dredge tomato slices in remaining 1/4 cup flour; dip in egg mixture, and dredge in cornmeal mixture.
• Pour oil to a depth of 1/4 to 1/2 inch in a large cast-iron skillet; heat to 375°. Drop tomatoes, in batches, into hot oil, and cook 2 minutes on each side or until golden. Drain on paper towels or a rack. Sprinkle hot tomatoes with salt.

BLT Dip

Ingredients

 

• 2 cups sour cream
• 2 cups mayonnaise
• 2 lbs sliced bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 6 plum tomatoes, chopped
• 3 green onions, chopped
• assorted crackers or chips

Directions

 
• In a bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, bacon, tomatoes and onions.
• Refrigerate until serving.
• Serve with crackers or chips.

Fried Green Tomato recipe and picture courtesy of myrecipes.com from Southern Living. BLT Dip recipe and picture courtesy of food.com.

Celebrate Then and Wow...NOW!!!!

After months of aniticipation, our favorite time of the year is upon us. The Missouri State Fair starts August 9th and runs through the 19th. Whether you are there to show off your prize livestock, your arts and crafts, bountiful vegetables, carnival game skills, love of music, bravery on Mid-Way rides or showcase your delicious pies, we will be there to see it all!!

This year marks the 110th anniversary of The Missouri State Fair "Then & Wow". The Missouri State Fair, along with farmer's, livestock producers and so many more have put forth a huge effort to ensure this years' festival will surely be one to remember.

Opening Day Ceremonies begin at 10a.m., Thursday August 9th. Governor Nixon and first lady Georganne Nixon, MDA Director Jon Hagler along with State Fair Director Mark Wolfe, will all be in tow to kick off the festivities.

One of the biggest days on the calendar is Military Appreciation Day set for Sunday August 12th. This is Missouri's big chance to show support for veterans of the past and present with a "Show-Me Salute". Veterans and their families will be admitted to the fair free that day and we will commemorate their service with an official Military Appreciation Day Ceremony beginning at 2 p.m. in the Mathewson Exhibition Center.  We are proud to host members of the elite Tuskegee Airmen at this year's event as well.   

Along with the 110th Anniversary celebration this year at the fair. Thursday July 16th, beginning at 1 p.m. the Missouri State Fair Volunteer Fire Department will ride through the fairgrounds in honor of their 50th year of dedicated service. The parade will showcase vintage fire trucks and free fire helmets, sponsored by Monsanto, will be handed out to fairgoers 13 years old and younger.

Fun for all flavors and ages is set to fire up this year on the fairgrounds. We have an incredible line up of musical artists featuring, to name a few, Jake Owen, Justin Moore, Montgomery Gentry and Hank Williams Jr. Get ready to laugh with Larry the Cable Guy Friday August 17th and don't miss the Larry the Cable Guy look alike contest earlier that day as well.

Bluegrass Festivals, Truck and Tractor Pulls, Auto Races, Demolition Derby, MRCA Finals Rodeo, Pig Race's and a barrel full of Family Fun featuring Sea Lion Splash, The Sweeney Family Band Country Comedy Review, Hedrick's Exotic Animal Petting Zoo and Rock-It The Robot!

Oh and did we mention The First Lady's Pie Contest!!!!!

Anything catch your eye yet? Ours too!

There's only one thing left to say....See you at the fair!!!!

Gearing up for Pie Time with Missouri's First Lady

It is time to uncover that secret pie recipe of your grandmother's, or start discovering your inner baking skills to create a new peach pie recipe of your own.  The 2012 Missouri State Fair and the annual "First Lady's Pie Contest" is quickly approaching, and we are looking for a taste of your special and favorite pie! 

All pies are welcome, fruit or non-fruit, although there are a few rules to keep in mind. 

1.  Registration for the contest must be done prior to August 2, 2012, and only one entry or recipe is allowed per person.

2.  All pies must be baked and delivered to the Home Economics Building by 9:45 a.m. on August 16, 2012.  The judging process will begin at 10:00 a.m.

3.  Amateur bakers of any age may participate in the contest, meaning that any individual whose primary income is a result of their baking skills is not elligible to enter.  This includes professional bakers, caterers, or any certified chefs.

4.  An official Missouri State Fair Recipe Form must be submitted with the Home Economics Exhibitor's Entry Form.  This must include preparation time, exact measurements of ingredients, temperature and length of baking, and any other details.  The pie must be baked in a 9 inch, round aluminum pie pan.

5.  The pie recipe must be original and not previously published, and the pie crust and filling must be completely homemade.  No pre-made pie crusts or fillings of any sort is permitted.

6.  Any pie containing eggs, such as a soft pie, must be brought to the Home Economics Building in an iced cooler.  The pie will be left in the cooler until it is time to start judging.

7.  Soft pies and fruit pies will be judged seperately.  The first place winner of each category will compete to win "Best of Show".

8.  Each pie will be judged on crust, appearance, filling, and flavor/ taste appeal.  Take a look at the score sheets for fruit pies and non fruit pies for more details.

So grab a mixer, your oven mitts and even some local produce and start gearing up for pie time at the Missouri State Fair!

Photo & Video Contest Deadline Extended to July 6th!

Good news!  The deadline for the 2012 Focus on Missouri Agriculture Photo and Video Contest has been extended to July 6th.  Send those photos and videos to us and you could win up to $500 in AgriMissouri gifts.  

Contest entries will appear on the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Flickr and YouTube sites. Winning entries will be displayed in the Agriculture Building at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia, August 9-19, 2012.

They will be also included in agriculture promotions on http://www.mda.mo.gov and http://www.mo.gov.

For all the rules and prize information, head over to http://mda.mo.gov/focus/.

98 Days and Counting...for the Then & Wow!

There are only 98 days left until the kick-off of the 2012 Missouri State Fair, "Celebrate Then and WOW"! Head over to the State Fair web page to buy tickets, preview this year's entertainment schedule and get updates on the competitions. Plan your trip now.  The clock is ticking.  99... 98... 97... 96...

 

142 Days Until the Missouri State Fair Begins!

It's actually something closer to 142 days and 15 hours (and about 20 minutes!), until Centennial Gate opens to kickoff the 2012 Missouri State Fair, which runs August 9-19 in Sedalia.  The Fair's website, mostatefair.com has been redone for 2012 and is already full of information about camping, concerts, special events and exhibits - including a visit from the Budweiser Clydesdales and a concert by Hank Williams Jr.

The 2012 Missouri State Fair also marks 110 years of the Missouri State Fair, and the Missouri State Fair team has spent many hours gathering historical photos to share on the website, highlighting the people, the activities and the livestock of over a century of fun at the fairgrounds. 

The Fair theme for 2012 is "Celebrate then and Wow!" and it's sure to be an outstanding time.  We look forward to seeing everyone in Sedalia!  And for the next 142 days, join us in checking mostatefair.com for more details about the 2012 Missouri State Fair.

Farm Family Day at the 2012 Missouri State Fair

Each year, University of Missouri Extension and Missouri Farm Bureau ask for help from counties through the state to nominate farm families for recognition during the Missouri State Fair.  This year, Farm Family Day and the recognition event will be Mon., August 13.  Each County Extension Council and Farm Bureau Board is asked to jointly nominate a farm family to represent their county at this special celebration, which is sponosored by Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Department of Agriculture, Missouri State Fair, University of Missouri Extension, and the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.

Nomination forms and information are available through local University of Missouri Extension offices, or by emailing MUCAFNRAGEXT@missouri.edu.  The deadline for nominations is May 1, 2012!