Youth In Agriculture Scholarships

There is no better way to cultivate the future of agriculture than by investing in today's youth. The Missouri State Fair Foundation is dedicated to investing in the next generation of farmers, ranchers, and Agri-business leaders. This dedication is reflected in our Youth in Agriculture Committee ~ a group of volunteers from across the state who work tirelessly throughout the year to raise funds for the benefit of youth involved in agriculture. Since 1992, the Youth in Agriculture Committee has awarded 816 scholarships totaling $968,000.

Youth in Agriculture Scholarships are funded through the generosity of *buyers* at the Missouri State Fair Sale of Champions, Hometown Support raised by exhibitors with animals in the Sale of Champions, and private donations made by individuals, organizations, and businesses. **A portion of each animal’s sale price is allocated to the scholarship program.

The Missouri State Fair Foundation Youth in Agriculture Committee administers the scholarships financially and is responsible for the selection of the winners.

1. Monies raised from the commission levied against all livestock sold in the Sale of Champions,

the auction of a commemorative belt buckle, and donations made to Youth In Agriculture, will be used for Missouri State Fair Youth in Agriculture Scholarships.

APPLICATIONS MUST BE POSTMARKED BY JANUARY 15, 2026

2. Individuals must have participated in the Missouri State Fair as a youth exhibitor in the FFA or 4-H divisions. (Livestock and/or Building)

3. Individuals must be high school seniors at time of application and be an active 4-H or FFA member at the time that the scholarship is awarded. Active membership is based on the national constitution guidelines for FFA and state guidelines for 4-H.

4. Selected students must enroll (fall and/or spring semester immediately following graduation from high school) in an accredited community college, tech/trade school, college or university.

5. If a selected student declines a scholarship, the Youth in Agriculture Committee should be notified by October 1, 2026 at which time all recipients (including alternates) will move up in rank.

6. Applicants must have a high school counselor complete the section and sign for their ACT/SAT score and GPA (superscores accepted).

7. Please do not include unrequested documents (i.e. resume, school transcript, etc.)

8. To receive the scholarship funds awarded, recipients must submit proof of enrollment prior to January 15, 2027.

9. Applications are submitted to the Missouri State Fair and must be postmarked by January 15, 2026. The original application form and three (3) copies must be submitted. Applicants not sending the correct number of copies (original plus 3 copies) will not be considered.

10. The list of scholarship recipients selected will be posted on the State Fair website by April 1, 2026.

The Following Signatures are REQUIRED:

• Applicant
• Parent(s)/Guardian
• Advisor and/or 4-H Youth Specialist or University of Missouri Extension County Office Employee
• Counselor

Applications postmarked after January 15, 2026, will not be considered. The original application form and three (3) copies must be submitted.

Eligibility: To be eligible for this scholarship an applicant must:

1. Be a high school senior.

2. Be an active 4-H or FFA member.

3. Have participated in the Missouri State Fair as a youth exhibitor of 4-H or FFA. (Livestock and/or Building).

4. Enroll in an accredited Community College, College or University.