Local residents chosen as Missouri Farm Family for Vernon County

Dignitaries are, 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; Chris Klenklen, Deputy Director, Missouri Department of Agriculture; and (seated) Chloe Momphard, Missouri State Fair Queen 2019. The 2019 Vernon County Farm Family, the Vantellman, are Sam, Dorothy Vantellman and grandchildren Avery and Shelby Vantellman.

Submitted Photo

Sam and Dorothy Vantellman and family of Schell City were among the families honored during the 61st annual Farm Family Day, Aug. 12 at the Missouri State Fair.

The Vantellman family was selected as the Vernon County Farm Family by University of Missouri Extension in Vernon County and the local Farm Bureau. The family includes.

Each year, the fair sets aside a day to recognize farm families from across the state that are active in their communities, involved in agriculture, and/or participate in local

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.”