Rentschler family honored

From left are Ted Sheppard and Jack Magruder, both Missouri State Fair commissioners, and Steve Rentschler with his wife Karen and daughter Kinsley. Behind them is Natalie Ayers, 2017 Missour State Fair Queen. Also shown are Todd Hays of the Missouri Farm Bureau, Christine Chinn of the state Department of Agriculture, Rob Kallenbach of University of Misouri and Blake Naughton, MU Extension.
From left are Ted Sheppard and Jack Magruder, both Missouri State Fair commissioners, and Steve Rentschler with his wife Karen and daughter Kinsley. Behind them is Natalie Ayers, 2017 Missour State Fair Queen. Also shown are Todd Hays of the Missouri Farm Bureau, Christine Chinn of the state Department of Agriculture, Rob Kallenbach of University of Misouri and Blake Naughton, MU Extension.

Steve and Karen Rentschler family of Fulton were among the families honored during the 59th annual Missouri Farm Family Day, at the Missouri State Fair.

The Rentschler family was selected as the Callaway County Missouri Farm Family by the Callaway County Extension Council and local Farm Bureau. The family, which runs a cow and calf operation, includes Steve, Karen and Kinsley, and Megan and Madalynn O'Donley.

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

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

Of Missouri's 114 counties, 112 were represented this year, with two counties still dealing with the aftermath of the recent flooding in southern Missouri.

The event showcases the impact Missouri Farm Families have on the economy and heritage of the state.

"These families are involved in agriculture activities in their communities, and are active participants in local outreach and extension," said Missouri State Fair Director Mark Wolfe. "As the showcase for Missouri agriculture, the Missouri State Fair is most certainly the appropriate place to celebrate these families."