Missouri Agricultural Hall of Fame
The Missouri Agricultural Hall of Fame was created in 2024 to recognize farmers, ranchers and agribusiness leaders who have made an outstanding contribution to Missouri Agriculture. The Hall of Fame is a celebration of the vitality of the agriculture industry in Missouri. Inductees into the Hall of Fame are selected by a committee and are honored annually. For information about the Missouri Agricultural Hall of Fame including nomination and selection criteria, visit https://www.mostatefairfoundation.net/mo-ag-hall-of-fame/
2025 Missouri Agricultural Hall of Fame Inductees
Dave Baker — Dave Baker’s vision for collaboration has earned him a place in the Missouri Ag Hall of Fame. As MU Extension State Agricultural Safety Specialist for more than 20 years, he built a top U.S. agricultural safety program, authoring more than 100 publications. He taught Agricultural Safety & Occupational Health for 27 years and later served as Assistant Dean, Program Director for Agricultural and Natural Resources Extension (1994–2015), and Director of Commercial Agriculture (2013–2015). His investment in an innovative, pasture-based dairy and heifer replacement program generated $75-121 million and more than 1,000 jobs for Missouri. Nationally, Baker fostered ties with Congress, government, and agricultural groups and co-founded the Extension Disaster Education Network. Following his retirement from the University of Missouri, Baker served five years with the Missouri Department of Agriculture, leading special projects for directors Richard Fordyce and Chris Chinn.
Lowell Mohler — Lowell Mohler delivered a lifetime of impact to Missouri agricultural leadership. Born in Holt County, he (BS Ag ’58, Mizzou) and JoAnn, married since 1958, raised three Mizzou grads. Beginning at Northwest Missouri State, he transferred to MU and led its meats team. Out of school, Mohler worked with the National Livestock and Meat Board and Kansas Dept. of Agriculture. In 1966, he joined Missouri’s Dept. of Agriculture, launching May Beef Month and many other programs. At Missouri Farm Bureau (1966-late ‘90s), he grew membership significantly. As Director of Agriculture under Governor Holden, Mohler depoliticized the agency, refocusing its mission. On the Conservation Commission (2003-2009), he balanced farming and conservation, earning the Lowell Mohler Wetland Unit namesake. He helped shape the Missouri State Fair, establishing its foundation and invigorating the Fair as a state showcase of Missouri agriculture. His work for organizations at the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources focused on youth programs and infrastructure, leaving a lasting legacy.
Michael Parson — A true farmer and true leader. Governor Mike Parson joins the hall of fame retired from office and back on the farm. Parson is a veteran who served six years in the U.S. Army. He served more than 22 years in law enforcement as the sheriff of Polk County. A strong advocate for agriculture throughout his career in Jefferson City, he served in the Missouri House of Representatives from 2005-2011, in the Missouri Senate from 2011-2017, and as Lieutenant Governor in 2017-2018. He was sworn in as Missouri’s 57th Governor in 2018 and was reelected by a historic margin in 2020.
Former Governor Parson and First Lady Teresa live in Bolivar. Together they have two grown children and six grandchildren. Parson was raised on a farm in Hickory County and graduated from Wheatland High School in Wheatland, Mo. He is a small business owner and a third generation farmer who currently owns and operates a cow-calf operation near Bolivar.
Gary Schell and Richard Kampeter — Brothers-in-law Gary Schell and Richard Kampeter founded “Diamond Feeds” on April 1, 1970 in Meta, Mo. In the early days, livestock feed took center stage and pet food was a mere sideline. Kibble was scooped into plain paper bags with a shovel. Since humble beginnings, the family-owned Diamond Pet Food Company has risen to become the world’s fourth-largest pet food manufacturer.
By 1980, pet food was no longer an afterthought; it was a burgeoning business. A pivotal $180,000 bank loan fueled their ambition, propelling Gary and Richard into a new era of growth. Initially, Diamond competed with commodity brands. However, by 1987, the emergence of "super premium" brands signaled a turning point. Recognizing the opportunity, Gary and Richard strategically pivoted, targeting a higher-end clientele. They elevated their recipes, incorporating superior protein sources and higher energy density formulations. Notably, this transformation was deeply rooted in their Missouri heritage, with ingredients sourced from local agribusinesses and freight handled by Missouri-based haulers. The Meta workforce carried themselves with the typical hard-working, Missouri work ethic. From the very beginning, Gary and Richard treated their employees like family, with world-class healthcare benefits and profit sharing, long before such things were commonplace.
Throughout this remarkable journey, Gary and Richard remained steadfast in their family centric approach to business and their unwavering commitment to their faith in God, principles that continue to define the Diamond Pet Food Company today.
Eddie Sydenstricker — Eddie Sydenstricker's agricultural journey began in 1952, inspired by the trade of two registered Angus pairs for a Super C Farmall at his father’s International Harvester dealership. In 1966, the family acquired a John Deere dealership in Mexico, Mo., setting the stage for Eddie's dual impact on both the cattle and machinery industries. He expanded the John Deere business to 13 dealerships before merging with Nobbe in 2020, forming Sydenstricker Nobbe Partners (SNP). By 2024, SNP reached 38 locations, earning the "North American Farm Equipment Dealer of the Year" award in 2021. Sydenstricker Genetics, now with 900 cows, remains a national leader in performance genetics with a focus on performance. At 85, Eddie remains active, guided by his principle, “Do what you say you’re going to do.”
2024 Missouri Agricultural Hall of Fame Inductees
William H. Darr — The wide-ranging contributions of William “Bill” and Virginia Darr to Missouri agriculture include business, academics and philanthropy. The Darrs have been dedicated to improving the quality of life in communities throughout Southwest Missouri, including Springfield and Bill’s hometown of Ellington. Bill earned an agriculture degree from what is now Missouri State University in Springfield and credits his education for fostering an entrepreneurial spirit that led him to establish several highly successful companies that specialized in dehydrated food products. Over the years, the Darrs have continually given back to Missouri State University and its aptly named Darr College of Agriculture. The family also endowed a scholarship program to recognize students for exceptional academic excellence and established the Darr Family Foundation in 2002 to continue their commitment to supporting people in need.
Jay Fischer — Jay Fischer has farmed for more than 30 years, growing corn, soybeans, wheat, alfalfa, pumpkins and watermelons in Jefferson City. He, his wife, Kim, and daughter, Jena, also operate an agritourism business, welcoming more than 20,000 visitors to their corn maze and pumpkin patch each fall. Jay works on behalf of the state’s corn farmers, having served as the Missouri Corn Growers Association (MCGA) president and vice president and Missouri Corn Merchandising Council vice chairman and secretary. He currently serves as an ex-officio MCGA board member through his role on the board of directors for the U.S. Grains Council, a partner of Missouri Corn, focused on strengthening and building corn and ethanol markets around the globe. Fischer is active within his community and serves as president of the Capital View Levy District. The family was also recognized with the Governor’s Award for Agriculture in 2011.
Blake & Julie Hurst — Blake and Julie Hurst started farming in 1977 on a rented farm near Tarkio. Since then, they’ve produced three children and six grandchildren, added a greenhouse business and grown 44 crops of corn and soybeans. The Hursts have both been active in farm policy. Julie was chairman of the state Farm Service Agency committee, and Blake served for 10 years as president of Missouri Farm Bureau. While at Farm Bureau, Blake helped the organization successfully lobby for farmers across the state and grow in financial strength. Blake also served for 10 years on the American Farm Bureau board. Julie accompanied him during those years, supporting Farm Bureau at hundreds of meetings and events. Blake has also written articles on farm policy for numerous national publications and continues to write today, as his muse and time allow. The Hursts are still farming, growing flowers, watching their grandchildren participate in sports, and traveling together.
Charlie Kruse — Dexter native Charles “Charlie” Kruse has a distinguished legacy of service to Missouri agriculture. A graduate of Dexter High School, he received a bachelor’s degree in agronomy from Arkansas State University in 1967 and a master’s degree in plant genetics from the University of Missouri in 1974. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout at age 14, and in 2003 was named a Distinguished Eagle Scout by the Boy Scouts of America organization. He spent 26 years in the National Guard, retiring with the rank of brigadier general. He served on the MU Board of Curators, as Missouri director of agriculture and as president of Missouri Farm Bureau from 1992 to 2010. He also served on the board and executive committee for the American Farm Bureau and received its highest honor, the Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award, in 2012. He and his wife, Pam, farmed for 38 years, retiring in 2014. They raised two sons, Ben, who died in an ATV accident at age 28, and Scott, principal of Dexter Middle School. Scott and his wife, Kerri, have two daughters, Addie and Andie.
Forrest & Charlotte Lucas — Forrest and Charlotte Lucas are leaving an enduring legacy for the agricultural industry and communities they serve. Through Protect The Harvest and Lucas Cattle Company, the Lucases have demonstrated what it means to champion causes that protect and nurture American agriculture and rural life. Founded in 2011, Protect The Harvest is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting farmers, ranchers, outdoor enthusiasts and animal owners. The organization continues to achieve important milestones in its mission to ensure “A Free and Fed America.” Located in Cross Timbers, Mo., Lucas Cattle Company spans more than 16,000 acres and is home to the nation’s largest registered Simmental cattle herd and a breeding program for elite cutting horses. In partnership with the Missouri Farmers Care Foundation, Forrest and Charlotte have also dedicated themselves to fighting food insecurity in the state through the Hogs for Hunger initiative and the annual Drive to Feed Kids.