Scenes from Missouri State Fair Youth Livestock Show

<p>MASKED UP: North Carolina livestock judge Brent Jennings wore a mask when interacting up close with the animals and youth exhibitors during the market lamb show at the Missouri State Fair Youth Livestock Show. The Missouri State Fair pivoted to a youth-only show because of concerns over COVID-19.</p>

<p>GOVERNOR GREETING: Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, along with Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Chris Chinn, stopped by livestock barns across the state fairgrounds to visit with 4-H and FFA members. &nbsp;</p>

<p>READY TO SHOW: The cattle at the MSF Youth Livestock Show did not know the difference to the fair as they strutted their stuff for the judge and audience.</p>

<p>MIDDAY GLOW: FFA members show on the blue shavings in the Swine Building at the Missouri State Fair. They exhibit barrows and gilts from different breeds, such as this Hereford hog.</p>

<p>UP CLOSE: One thing that amazes me is how calm heifers are in the show ring. These exhibitors work tirelessly to make sure their animals are show- and crowd-ready. At the MFA Arena, the bleachers are right in the ring, giving onlookers an up close livestock show experience.</p>

<p>TALKING IT OVER: It seemed even the judges knew how important this year’s fair was to 4-H and FFA exhibitors. Here, judge Craig Beckmier (right) shares his thoughts about the ewe lamb with two sheep showman. Beckmier took the time to talk to each youth before pulling and placing them.</p>

<p>QUALITY STOCK: FFA members brought out their best animals to take part in the swine show.</p>

<p>WINNING BUMP: It didn’t matter if it was a class winner or champion animal overall, judges were quick to reward the effort of Missouri youth during this year’s state fair.</p>

<p>HATS OFF: Each judge has a different approach to congratulating winners in their show ring. It’s always a tip of the hat and a fist bump for Illinois judge Craig Beckmier. Exhibitors such as Cooper Belt return the gesture.</p>

<p>START YOUNG: Showing sheep is a family tradition for many involved in 4-H or FFA. Sitting ringside, there are just some sheep too pretty not to photograph. And the determination in this young lady’s eyes says she can stick this lamb with those twice her age.</p>

<p>LASER FOCUS: Showing livestock involves the “look.” Here, Trenton Edwards sets his eyes on the judge, drawing his attention to his lamb. Focus like this comes from years of practice.</p>

<p>LESS TRAFFIC: One thing missing was weaving through crowds of people by the cattle barns. However, there were plenty of farm families who came out to support Missouri 4-H and FFA members.</p>

<p>PASSING IT ON: The Missouri State Fair was still the place where lessons were learned. Here, Andi Belt helps her younger brother, Brody, learn how to properly hold the head of his Shropshire sheep. Moments like these are what farm families yearn for at the fair. Siblings helping each other.</p>

<p>SWINE SUPPORT: The bleachers were full of family and friends in the Swine Barn. After so many fairs were canceled across the state, they were able to gather and support the kids who worked all year on a project.</p>

<p>TEAMWORK: When sisters Tinleigh (right) and Charleigh Spoonster pulled their ewe lamb into the first hole, they gave a quick fist bump on their success. In the breeding sheep show, kids show in pairs, one elevating the head, the other placing feet. Perhaps one of my favorite moments of the fair — and they are my nieces.</p>

<p>WITH FRIENDS: While this year’s Missouri State Fair may not have had the carnival rides and all the fair food, it did offer our youth a chance to get together. I believe it was good for their souls.</p>