The Atchison County Farm Family and dignitaries (pictured above, left to right) are: front row – Ryan, Levi, and Jon Lucas; middle row – Ethan, Kristen, and Caleb Lucas, and Chloe Momphard, Missouri State Fair Queen 2019; back row – Kevin Roberts, Chairman, Missouri State Fair Commissioners; Rob Kallenbach, Int. Assoc. Dean, Agriculture and Environmental Extension & Director, Commercial Ag; Todd Hays, Vice President, Missouri Farm Bureau; Blake Naughton, Associate Vice Chancellor for MU Extension & Engagement; Mark Wolfe, Director, Missouri State Fair; and Chris Klenklen, Deputy Director, Missouri Department of Agriculture.

Jon and Kristen Lucas and family of Rock Port, Missouri, were among the families honored during the 61st annual Farm Family Day, August 12, at the Missouri State Fair.

The Lucas family was selected as the Atchison County Farm Family by University of Missouri Extension in Atchison County and the local Farm Bureau. The family includes sons Ethan, Caleb, Ryan, and Levi.

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 Lucas family operates a family farm with row crop and beef cattle.

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.”