Youth In Agriculture Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by Missouri State Fair Foundation
Investing in today’s young people is the best way to grow the next generation of farmers, ranchers, and agri-business leaders. The Missouri State Fair Foundation supports that mission through its Youth in Agriculture Committee — a statewide volunteer group that raises funds all year to benefit agricultural youth. Since 1992 the committee has awarded 816 scholarships totaling $968,000.
Funding
- Scholarships are financed by proceeds from the Missouri State Fair Sale of Champions (including a commission assessed on all livestock sold), Hometown Support contributed by exhibitors whose animals are sold in the Sale of Champions, the auction of a commemorative belt buckle, and private gifts from individuals, organizations, and businesses. A portion of each animal’s sale price is earmarked for the scholarship program.
Administration and selection
- The Missouri State Fair Foundation Youth in Agriculture Committee manages the scholarship funds and is responsible for selecting recipients.
Important deadlines
- Application (original + 3 copies) must be postmarked by January 15, 2026. Applications received after that date will NOT be considered.
- Scholarship recipients will be announced on the Missouri State Fair website by April 1, 2026.
- If a selected recipient declines the award, the committee must be notified by October 1, 2026; alternates will then advance in rank.
- To receive the award, recipients must provide proof of enrollment for the semester following high school graduation by January 15, 2027.
Eligibility requirements
To qualify for a Youth in Agriculture Scholarship, an applicant must:
1. Be a high school senior at the time the application is submitted.
2. Be an active member of 4-H or FFA. Active membership will be judged according to the national FFA constitution and the state 4-H guidelines.
3. Have exhibited at the Missouri State Fair as a youth participant in the 4-H or FFA divisions (livestock and/or building).
4. Plan to enroll in an accredited community college, technical/trade school, college, or university for the fall and/or spring semester immediately following high school graduation.
Application requirements and instructions
- Submit the original application form plus three (3) copies (four total). Failure to include the original and three copies will result in disqualification.
- A high school counselor must complete and sign the section verifying ACT/SAT score and GPA. Superscores are accepted.
- Required signatures (all must be present):
- Applicant
- Parent(s)/Guardian
- Advisor and/or 4-H Youth Specialist or University of Missouri Extension County Office employee
- Counselor
- Do not include unsolicited materials (for example: resumes, official transcripts, or other documents not requested).
Contact and posting
- The list of selected scholarship recipients will be published on the Missouri State Fair website by April 1, 2026.
If you have questions about the application or documentation, contact the Missouri State Fair scholarship office before the postmark deadline.