Check Out the Agriculture Building at the Missouri State Fair

The Missouri State Fair is preparing for its first and last Tuesday of the 2012 Season, and I took my family to the fairgrounds.  With the Truck and Tractor Pull and the great weather we had, it was a nice night to roam the grounds.  We landed in one of our favorite buildings, the Agriculture Building, which you need to check out.

One of the first reasons we visit the Agriculture Building is to get the honey ice cream from the Missouri State Beekeepers Association.  I highly recommend the peach, while my wife and kids are all about the raspberry.  Art & Vera Gelder were two of the people running the booth on Monday evening and said that the weather is a concern.

Art Gelder said, "In my experience, my bees looked stronger than they have in the last four years.  The bees look healthier and they started strong this year.  In Columbia, we've only had only about an inch of rain since May 1, and if we don't have rain then the flowers can't produce nectar, which the bees feed on, so this year the pickings may be skimpy."  There is also a hive that kids and adults can look at where the biggest thing is to find the queen bee.  There are also lots of great examples of honey with and without honeycomb on display.

In addition to the beekeepers, you can also see how the Missouri Department of Conservation is trying to bring elk back into Missouri, which is a project in the works.  The Elk Association is also nearby, in the building, giving you the chance to sample elk.

The Agriculture Building is also the place to see the Farmer's Market, where each day fresh produce and products are sold and sampled.  Everyday a new product is on display, so come back if you have been in before.

The traditional ham displays were also out on the far side of the Agriculture Building and it amazes me how even the non-ribbon hams look.  Good job guys and gals!

There were two new items in the Agriculture Building that were brand new from years past. I was in awe of the Missouri State Fair "Remembering Our Fallen" display.  There are photos of  all soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars. I even found the one in honor of 1SG. Billy Siercks, who was from Lincoln, amongst those with a display.  Friends, family, and visitors were asked that they could leave a special message on the memorial.  There are some chairs nearby to sit and remember why our great country is free, as it is because of the brave men and women who serve our country.

The last thing I want to mention from the Agriculture Building is the display of the Ford F-250 truck made of canned goods.  This is in honor of the Missouri Farmers Care Food Drive on Tuesday.  I can not imagine how much time it took to put this together, but you have to see it for yourself.  You'll be just as amazed by the largest watermelon and pumpkin, which is also in the Agriculture Building.

The Agriculture Building is located down by the Old Smokey Engine and the Fine Arts Building, so be sure to check it out each day of the Missouri State Fair from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.  What are some of your favorite booths in the Agriculture Building?