This is a popular competition among Missouri youth and Missouri has been very successful over the years.

Because Missouri is only allowed 3 total slots across all age divisions we are going to host a run off on Saturday, January 16 at the state convention. So contact Shannon or Katie to schedule your time slot for your speech. Below are the contest rules and time limits.

Click Here for Speech Rules

Silent Auction at State Convention - Friday evening, January 15

A few junior items will be offered for silent auction on Friday evening. The juniors are thankful for any donations. Please turn in your items to Shannon Kleiboeker or Katie Wantland Friday afternoon. THANK YOU - Shannon!

Because of Covid and the absence of Junior shows, Jr All-MO Awards will be based on the state show.

Letters will be going out to junior winners to notify them if they are going to be receiving any type of award at the state convention. We love to have everyone there to receive their award. So be sure to mark your calendars for January 15-16 in Lake Ozark.

Yes, I know it seems early, but...

Time to start thinking about National Convention, Pennsylvania! We will have sign-ups at State Convention for contests, or they can let me know at anytime if they are interested in competing. Dairy Bowl, Dairy Jeopardy, Folding Display, Digital Scrapbook, Public Speaking, and Banner.

So, be thinking if you are interested in participating or trying out one of these events next year at the National Convention. It takes time to study and prepare for your best performance in all of these competitions.

National Convention 2021 will be in Lancaster, PA from June 21 - 25. If you have any questions or are interested let Shannon / Katie know. See you there!!

Are you college bound next fall? Planning to attend graduate school to continue your education? Applying for scholarships to assist in funding your efforts can be well worth the time put into filling out the applications.

1. Where to find dairy scholarships?
The Hoard’s Dairyman list of scholarships is where I looked when I was a senior in high school. Also, check out your school or college’s department for scholarships the school gives out or knows of. The National Dairy Shrine awards scholarships for different career interests and for students entering college, in their undergraduate education, or in graduate school as well.

2. Pay attention to eligibility.
Most scholarships have specific guidelines on who can apply for them. This may include year in school, major, career interests, or an affiliation with a club or organization. Contact the scholarship coordinator if you are unsure if you are eligible.

3. Apply multiple times.
If you are not awarded a scholarship after applying, it won’t hurt to submit your application again next year! A few scholarships are renewable, so you might have to resubmit your transcripts or letter of recommendations to get the scholarship again.


Scholarships are a great way to pay for college. In the table below is a listing of scholarships available to youth majoring agriculture or with a dairy background.

To view a list of college scholarships click this link www.hoards.com/flex-312-College-Scholarships.html.

BRATTLEBORO, Vt., July 24, 2019 – The Holstein Foundation launched career resources designed to provide basic knowledge in a wide range of careers relating to the dairy industry. They are ideal for use by all ages, from junior dairy project members or leaders seeking reference materials.

The mission of the career resources is to help youth find a dairy-related career path that suits them best.

“We set out to help youth understand the wide variety of career opportunities in the dairy industry,” says Holstein Foundation Programs Manager Jodi Hoynoski. “We plan to expand these resources in the future to help them get the job they want too.”

Currently, 10 careers are outlined to fit a wide variety of interests. The Holstein Foundation will continue to expand the careers profiles offered and provide more resources on things like resumes and interviews.

All career descriptions can be downloaded free of charge from the website in a PDF format. With questions, contact Kelli Dunklee at 800.952.5200, ext. 4124, or kdunklee@holstein.com. Visit http://www.holsteinfoundation.org/education/career_resources.html to download online for free.

American Agri-Women is the nation’s largest coalition of farm, ranch and agribusiness women with more than 50 state, commodity and agribusiness affiliate organizations, united to communicate with one another and with other consumers to promote agriculture. AAW members have been advocating for agriculture since 1974

There are several different scholarships available. Each has a different entry deadline. Click on the following link to view foundation offerings. and Scholarship offerings

The Missouri State Fair and the Youth in Agriculture Committee are accepting applications for Youth in Agriculture scholarships for Missouri high school seniors graduating in 2021. The application form can be found on the Fair’s website. Applications should be submitted to the Missouri State Fair and must be postmarked by February 1, 2021. Applicants must submit an original copy of their application and three additional copies.

These scholarships are possible thanks to the gracious contributions of many individuals and companies supporting Youth in Agriculture. A total of 40 scholarships amounting to $68,500, the largest amount offered, will be awarded:
• one $5,000 platinum scholarship sponsored by Youth in Agriculture supporters,
• one $2,500 supreme scholarship sponsored by Sydenstricker Nobbe Partners/Sydenstricker Genetics,
• four $2,500 supreme scholarships sponsored by the Missouri State Fair Foundation,
• and thirty-four 1,500 scholarships sponsored by Youth in Agriculture supporters.

Applicants must be high school seniors and active members of Missouri 4-H or FFA, and have participated at least once as a 4-H or FFA exhibitor at the Missouri State Fair. Selected students must enroll (fall and/or spring semester immediately following graduation from high school) in an accredited community college, college or university in the state of Missouri. Applicants are not required to pursue a degree in agriculture, however, a five point bonus will be given to applicants pursuing a degree in agriculture during the selection process.

Click here for Scholarship Information Deadline February 1, 2021

DFA Foundation awards scholarships to three categories of students: SCHOLARSHIPS
Incoming freshmen: High school seniors or recent graduates who have been accepted to college
Undergraduate students: Students who are currently participating in an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program
Graduate/professional students: Students enrolled in a graduate or professional degree program

Click on each Opportunity below to read summary, qualifications, application deadline, etc.

DFA Scholarship Opportunities Deadline January 15, 2021

DFA Internship Opportunities Varies

Are you or someone you know experienced with exhibiting livestock? Do you enjoy event management? Are you passionate about agricultural education? If you answered yes to any of these questions, we are looking for you to serve as an intern for the Ozark Empire Fair Livestock Department during the 2021 Summer. Details below regarding this exciting paid internship.

The purpose of this position is to assist the livestock director with livestock activities in preparation for and during the Gold Buckle Extravaganza and Ozark Empire Fair. Duties will include but are not limited to the following: responding to exhibitors’ inquiries, marketing and communications, assisting with agricultural education programs, show entry management, posting of show results, daily office duties, basic accounting, data entry and show day execution.

Qualified candidates may submit a cover letter and resume by February 5, 2021 to:
Cassie Reid, Livestock Director, Cassie@ozarkempirefair.com 417.833.2660
Click here for more information Deadline February 5, 2021