JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Six agricultural innovators were celebrated at the 2025 Missouri Agricultural Hall of Fame ceremony on April 8 at the Capital Bluffs Event Center in Jefferson City.
The 2025 inductees, recognized for their outstanding contributions to Missouri agriculture, are:
- Dave Baker – Former MU Extension State Agricultural Safety Specialist and Missouri Department of Agriculture leader who brought a new approach for safety culture to the Midwest and led multiple initiatives through University of Missouri Extension and the Missouri Department of Agriculture.
- Richard Kampeter and Gary Schell – Co-founders of Diamond Pet Food Company, which grew from humble beginnings in Meta, Mo., to the world’s fourth-largest pet food manufacturer, always emphasizing family values and Missouri-sourced ingredients.
- Lowell Mohler – A lifelong leader in Missouri agriculture, from Missouri Farm Bureau to Director of Agriculture, and champion of conservation and the University of Missouri, leaving a legacy of agricultural leadership and support for youth programs and the Missouri State Fair.
- Mike Parson – Missouri’s 57th Governor, a third-generation farmer and U.S. Army veteran, who advanced agriculture through emphasizing its value to the state and supporting economic growth through infrastructure investments like the $2.8 billion I-70 expansion and historic workforce development initiatives that created tens of thousands of new jobs.
- Eddie Sydenstricker – A transformative figure in cattle genetics and the farm equipment business, growing an industry-leading local then regional John Deere dealership and delivering advances in Angus performance genetics nationwide.
Governor Mike Kehoe met with the honorees during a private reception at the Missouri Governor’s Mansion before addressing the 425 industry leaders gathered for the induction ceremony.
“These six individuals represent the heart and soul of Missouri agriculture—hardworking innovators who have built legacies that strengthen our state’s economy and communities,” Governor Kehoe said. “Their dedication has helped shaped agriculture in Missouri and inspires the next generation to carry forward our proud farming and ag industry traditions.”
Established in 2023, the Missouri Agricultural Hall of Fame honors farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness leaders for their exceptional impact on the state’s agricultural landscape. Inductees are selected by a committee and celebrated annually. Each recipient received a custom sculpture by Missouri artist Clay Gant of “Cowboy Bronze” in Cross Timbers, featuring a beef bull, wheat, and corn—symbolizing the power and diversity of Missouri agriculture.
The celebration is hosted by the Missouri State Fair Foundation and the Missouri
Department of Agriculture with MFA Incorporated and MFA Oil serving as presenting
sponsors. Additional support is provided from key partners including ADM, Allstate
Consultants LLC., Missouri Electric Cooperatives, Dairy Farmers of America, CFM
Insurance, Central Missouri AGRIService, Kinetic Design + Development, Nabholz, and Missouri State University Foundation.
“The Missouri State Fair Foundation is proud to honor the second class of inductees into the Missouri Agricultural Hall of Fame,” said Karri Wilson, executive director of the Missouri State Fair Foundation. “Following the success of our inaugural event, we’re thrilled to see this tradition grow as we celebrate the remarkable individuals who continue to shape Missouri’s agricultural legacy. The 2025 inductees and overwhelming support for this program underscore its importance, and we’re excited to build on this momentum for years to come.”
Photos from the event are available on Governor Kehoe’s Flickr site at
https://www.flickr.com/photos/201979855@N03/albums/72177720325001050/
For more information, visit the Missouri State Fair Foundation at
www.mostatefairfoundation.net.