St. Joseph residents chosen as Missouri Farm Family for Buchanan County

By Rand Doty
University of Missouri Extension

St. Joseph, Mo. ― Doug and Ronetta Walkup and family of Agency were among the families honored during the 68th annual Missouri Farm Family Day, Aug. 11 at the Missouri State Fair.

The Walkup family was selected as the Buchanan County Missouri Farm Family by University of Missouri Extension in Buchanan County and the local Farm Bureau. The family includes Doug and Ronetta and their children Colby and Corbin.

Each year, the fair sets aside a day to recognize farm families from across the state that are active in their communities, involved in agriculture, and/or participate in local outreach and extension programs such as 4-H or FFA.

The Walkup family operates a livestock operation with around 300 head of sheep. The boys show sheep at the local, state and national level and the family also sells club lambs to youth around the United States.

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

“The event showcases the impact that Missouri farm families have on the economy and heritage of the state,” said Missouri State Fair Director Jason Moore. “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.”