The Missouri State Fair is calling for entries from female agriculturalists interested in vying for the title of Missouri Woman in Agriculture, the second annual contest offered by the State Fair. The title will be awarded in two age divisions, with each winner receiving a $1,000 donation from Monsanto for a non-profit agriculture-related cause of her choice. Applications must be submitted to the State Fair by 5 p.m. Monday, July 7.
"We are very pleased to partner with Monsanto on the contest again this year," Missouri State Fair Director Mark Wolfe said. "The State Fair offers the perfect platform for competition, and is a great opportunity to honor women involved the agriculture industry."
Women ages 31 and older are eligible for the Missouri Woman in Agriculture Award, and women ages 18-30 are eligible for the Missouri Woman in Agriculture Rising Star Award. Each winner will receive a plaque of acknowledgement for her contributions to the industry, and a $1,000 donation. A plaque will also be awarded to the runner-up in each age division, and certificates of acknowledgement will be given to all entrants.
The selection process will be based on several factors, including leadership roles in Missouri agriculture, endeavors to perpetuate the industry and examples of Missouri State Fair participation. Contest rules and applications forms are available on the Missouri State Fair's website.
Contestants will be honored during the Fair on Thursday, Aug. 14, and special promotions this day will focus on women, including free gate admission for all women, "A Celebration of Women" trade show coordinated by the Missouri Travel Council, and the First Lady's Pie Contest, the deadline to enter this contest is Aug. 1. The concert in the Pepsi Grandstand on Aug. 14 will be An Evening with MercyMe. Tickets to the concert are $20 and $25 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster or the Missouri State Fair Box Office.
The Missouri State Fair, themed, "Harvest the Fun!," will be held Aug. 7-17 in Sedalia. For more information on contests and special promotions, visit www.mostatefair.com and follow the Fair on Facebook and Twitter.