Jake and Jaclyn Sheppard and family of Cabool honored during the 61st annual Farm Family Day, Aug. 12 at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia.
The Sheppard family was selected as the Texas County Farm Family by the University of Missouri Texas County Extension and the local Farm Bureau organization.
Each year, the fair sets aside a day to recognize farm families from across Missouri that are active in their communities, involved in agriculture and/or participate in local outreach and extension programs such as 4-H or FFA.
The Sheppard family operates a dairy farm.
The annual event is sponsored by five partner agencies: the Missouri Farm Bureau, the Missouri Department of Agriculture, the Missouri State Fair Commissioners, the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and MU Extension and Engagement.
This year, all 114 Missouri counties plus the City of St. Louis participated, honoring nearly 500 people from the 115 farm families.
“The event showcases the impact Missouri Farm Families have on the economy and heritage of the state, said Missouri State Fair Director Mark Wolfe. “These families are involved in agriculture activities in their communities and are active participants in local outreach and extension. As the premier showcase for Missouri agriculture, the Missouri State Fair is most certainly the appropriate place to celebrate these families.”