Optimism Flows From Dairy Barns As State Fair Concludes

Garrett Grimm of Aurora leads his Brown Swiss dairy cow into the showring for the Supreme Dairy Cattle Drive at the 121st Missouri State Fair on Aug. 20th, 2023. Grimm’s cow, named Dynamite Charity, was named Supreme Champion. (Photo by Kyle Hill, Alpha Ag Network)

Four days of dairy cattle contests helped to conclude the 121st Missouri State Fair, culminating in the Supreme Dairy Cattle Drive on Sunday afternoon. Dairy superintendent Amy Jo Estes says the fair saw the return of entries from out of state, highlighting the quality of competition.

Central MO Info · 23 0821 Amy Jo Estes on the 2023 Missouri State Fair’s Dairy Contests cut 1

Estes adds that even with challenging times continuing to face dairy producers, participation in several contests was higher, especially in the 4-H and FFA contests.

Central MO Info · 23 0821 Amy Jo Estes on the 2023 Missouri State Fair’s Dairy Contests cut 3

Sunday’s Supreme Dairy Cattle Drive was won by Garrett Grimm of Aurora, with his Brown Swiss named Dynamite Charity. Colton Kleiboeker of Mount Vernon won reserve with his Holstein cow named Mind Blown Analyst Destiny Red. Kleiboeker also won the FFA Showmanship contest and will represent Missouri in the National Dairy Cattle Handlers Contest during the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis this October.