Women in Agriculture Honored at 2015 Missouri State Fair
Special Events Held August 20
Missouri State Fair Director Mark Wolfe announced today two outstanding female agriculturalists, selected in a third annual contest sponsored by Monsanto. Dr. Linda Hickam of Thompson received the contest title of Missouri Woman in Agriculture, and Ashley Bauer of Warrenton received the title of Missouri Woman in Agriculture Rising Star. These women will be honored at the Fair on Thursday, Aug. 20.
Dr. Hickam, the winner of the 31 year old and over age division, currently serves as the State Veterinarian and Animal Health Division Director. She has been involved with the Missouri State Fair as the State Veterinarian and has exhibited cattle with her family. She serves as advisor for the Junior Charolais Association, and runs a Charolais farm in Thompson with her family. The Junior Charolais Association is the agriculture-related beneficiary of the $1,000 donation sponsored by Monsanto.
Miss Bauer, winner of the 18-30 year old age division, is a senior at William Woods University studying Business Administration and Equine General Studies. In the past, she has shown horses at the annual 4-H and FFA horse shows, and served as the 2013 Missouri State Fair Queen. Miss Bauer frequently volunteers at the TREE House of Greater St. Louis and has chosen it as her agriculture-related beneficiary of the $1,000 donation sponsored by Monsanto.
Receiving second in the 31 year old and over age division was Deanna Thies of Columbia. Receiving second in the 18-30 year old age division was Taylor Loges of Sweet Springs. These women will receive plaques for their efforts, and all participants in the contest will receive certificates of acknowledgement in a special reception to be held in their honor Thursday, Aug. 20.
In addition to honoring these women, the Fair will also be celebrating women in agriculture by offering free gate admission for women of all ages on Aug. 20. Specials will be offered for women at select concessions and vendors, and the free Missouri Travel Council Celebrating Women showcase will be held in Lowell Mohler Assembly Hall.
The 113th Missouri State Fair, themed “Show Offs Welcome!” will be held Aug. 13-23 in Sedalia. For more information about concerts, events and other Fair activities, visit www.mostatefair.com, follow the Fair on Facebook and Twitter, or call 1-800-422-FAIR (3247).
