BELLE — Matt and Christine Stockton and family were honored Aug. 12 at the Missouri State Fair as the Maries County Missouri Farm Family.

“It was nice that they had a dinner for us and a plaque and the day’s tickets were free for us to enjoy the fair all day,” said Christine Stockton, of Belle. 

The University of Missouri Extension sets aside a day at the fair each year to recognize farm families in 114 counties across the state. This year, all 114 counties plus the city of St. Louis participated. Nearly 500 people from 115 farm families were honored.

The Stocktons, and their son Trent Stockton were present at the presentation. Their oldest son, Tyler and wife Lacey welcomed their first child, a boy they named Jamey.

“It was so hot, we didn’t want them out with the grandbaby,” Stockton said of her oldest son and his family.

University of Missouri Extension Council in Maries County and the local Missouri Farm Bureau select the Missouri Farm Family for each of the 114 counties in Missouri and St. Louis. The Stocktons were actually selected to be the Farm Family for Maries County three years ago, but a death in the family prevented them from attending the event last minute.

“My husband’s grandfather passed away, so we had to step down and an alternate family stepped in for us,” Stockton explained. “Then last year we were an alternate family, and this year we were selected again.”

The 115 families are served dinner together. Stockton said she recognized one family from Owensville, but didn’t know most of the families there. 

“To be selected as a Missouri Farm Family, they must have an agriculture background, if you have kids or participated in 4-H or FFA programs, things like that,” Stockton said. “I have two children and my husband in 4-H and FFA. We also have a farm with cattle and raise crops.”

The annual event is sponsored by five partner agencies: the Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Department of Agriculture, Missouri State Fair Commissioners, MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, and MU Extension and Engagement.

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.”