Mizzou Students Bring Agricultural Advocacy and State Fair Royalty to the Forefront
For University of Missouri sophomore Addie Kemper and junior Bailey Schneider, the Missouri State Fair is far more than a late-summer carnival of fried foods and livestock parades. It serves as a bustling stage for agricultural advocacy. Schneider, who wore the crown as the 2025 Missouri State Fair Queen, balanced a legacy of family tradition with her own ambitions in public policy to champion the industry.
At the Missouri State Fair, this exchange relies heavily on young leaders from the University of Missouri’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR). These students step outside the lecture hall to translate complex economic and legislative realities for the general public.
Roots in the Family Farm and 4-H Tradition
Bailey Schneider’s path to the state fair queen title is rooted in a deep family history in agriculture. Growing up on a generational farm near Warrenton, Missouri, she watched her grandfather raise crossbred Angus cattle while her father managed row crops and show pigs. Participation in local 4-H programs gave her early hands-on experience exhibiting livestock alongside non-livestock projects like cake decorating and shooting sports.
“I was always around agriculture,” Schneider notes, reflecting on how youth leadership initiatives like the Public Speaking Institute shaped her communication skills. Despite having three cousins—Ashley Bauer in 2012, Hannah Keene in 2013, and Chloe Mumford in 2019—who previously wore the state fair crown, she entered the multiday competition without grand expectations. Her winning speech centered on the fair’s “Step on In” theme, urging peers to embrace public advocacy.
Shaping Policy and Combating Math Anxiety Through Communication
At Mizzou, Schneider found a natural academic home in agricultural education with an emphasis on communications and leadership. “I’m scared of math and science,” she admits, preferring a curriculum focused on storytelling, political science, and floral design. This summer, that strategic blend of interests led to a policy internship with the Missouri Soybean Association.
The role required drafting policy briefs to help farmers navigate emerging legislation, attending campaign events, and traveling to Washington, D.C. Academic mentors within CAFNR, such as Assistant Professor Rebecca Mott in the Department of Applied Social Sciences, point to Schneider’s critical thinking and professionalism as hallmarks of the program’s success in preparing students for modern agricultural challenges.
The Broader Economic Footprint of Missouri Agriculture
The visibility of student advocates at events like the Missouri State Fair highlights a critical economic engine for the state.
As consumer interest in supply chain transparency and sustainable farming grows, public-facing advocates play a vital role in consumer education. Programs at land-grant institutions like MU ensure that the next generation of policy writers and educators are equipped to bridge the widening gap between suburban populations and rural producers.
Looking Ahead at the Intersection of Advocacy and Education
As her reign continues, Schneider balances coursework with public appearances, including a formal recognition by the Missouri House of Representatives. Her journey underscores how student involvement transcends traditional livestock showing, expanding into legislative offices and community outreach.
Whether analyzing agricultural policy or mentoring younger 4-H members, these students demonstrate that the future of farming rests as much on effective communication as it does on the soil. What steps do you think communities can take to better connect urban consumers with modern agricultural practices? Let’s talk about it in the comments below.
