Cody and Cincy Priess and family of Hermann were among the families honored during the 66th annual Missouri Farm Family Day, Aug. 14 at the Missouri State Fair.

The Priess family was selected as the Gasconade County Missouri Farm Family by University of Missouri Extension in Gasconade County and the local Farm Bureau. The family includes two children, Harper and Deegan.

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 Priess family operates a 120-acre cattle operation. In addition, Harper has a small flock of sheep which she raises for club lambs for 4-H.  Their farm has been in the family for four generations and they hope to continue to keep it in the family for generations to come. 

The annual event is sponsored by five partner agencies including 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 Mark Wolfe.

“These families are involved in agriculture activities in their communities and are active participants in local outreach and extension, Wolfe said in a press release. “As the premier showcase for Missouri agriculture, the Missouri State Fair is most certainly the appropriate place to celebrate these families.”