By Blake Jackson
The Missouri State Fair and its Youth in Agriculture Committee are accepting scholarship applications from Missouri high school seniors graduating in 2027.
The program supports students involved in agricultural activities through financial assistance for their continued education.
Applications must be submitted by email only to the Missouri State Fair at mostatefair@mda.mo.gov. The deadline is January 15, 2027.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be graduating Missouri high school seniors in 2027.
- Be active members of Missouri 4-H or FFA.
- Have participated at least once as a 4-H or FFA exhibitor at the Missouri State Fair.
- Enroll in an accredited community college, college, university or technical school during the fall and/or spring semester immediately following high school graduation.
The following scholarships will be awarded in 2027:
- One $5,000 S. Wayne Yokley Platinum Scholarship – Sponsored by Youth in Agriculture supporters.
- One $3,500 Sharon Topliff 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.
- Numerous $2,000 Supreme Scholarships – Sponsored by Bell Trust.
- Five $1,750 Scholarships – Sponsored by MFA, Inc. Charitable Foundation.
- Numerous $1,750-plus Scholarships – Sponsored by Youth in Agriculture supporters.
In 2026, the program awarded 62 scholarships totaling $119,750.
Funding comes from Youth in Agriculture sponsors, local supporters and buyers participating in the annual Sale of Champions. A portion of each livestock animal's sale proceeds contributes to the scholarship program, helping support the next generation of agricultural leaders.
For registration, visit https://www.mostatefair.com/participate/livestock-building/youth-agriculture/.
Photo Credit: missouri-state-fair
Categories: Missouri, Education