County fairs, tasseling field corn and bountiful gardens, welcome to the heart of summer.

What a difference this growing season shows over the previous two summers. It has been wonderful to see lush green pastures for livestock and hay production as I drive across Missouri. Timely rains have corn and soybean fields in their prime.

This is also peak season for farmers markets. With markets in full swing, so are the Senior and Women, Infants, and Children Farmers Market Nutrition programs. These two programs help low-income senior citizens and WIC participants purchase fruits and vegetables (also honey for seniors) from Missouri growers at farmers markets and roadside stands.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) works in partnership with MU Extension and area agencies on aging to operate the Senior program in 47 Missouri counties. Local WIC agencies in those same counties assist with benefits for qualified residents.

Both of the Farmers Market Nutrition programs greatly impact residents who enjoy the fresh produce. The programs also move the needle for farmers who participate. Authorized farmers have the opportunity to expand their customer base and collect additional income.

We are proud to be part of these programs that assist Missouri growers and residents.

Head to a farm

Just a few weeks ago, MDA partnered with Missouri Farm Bureau to host the annual Missouri Agritourism Conference. This conference moves around the state each year, landing in the Hannibal area in 2024. It is an opportunity for agritourism operators to learn from each other during presentations and industry tours.

These operations take a lot of hard work. I appreciate producers all across Missouri who welcome the public to their farm to showcase agriculture. Visit the Missouri Grown website to find an agritourism location near you.

State fair fun

Many Missouri MDA team members are making the final push to the Missouri State Fair. Held in Sedalia from Aug. 8 to 18, it is our state’s largest agriculture showcase. For many, it is also a big family reunion.

I know many of you make the drive to Sedalia, either hauling livestock for your FFA or 4-H student, or simply to enjoy a day at the fair. Whatever the reason, I hope you continue to attend the state fair, and I hope you invite others to come.

You will see MDA employees on the fairgrounds through the extent of the fair.

Our Animal Health team is there to ensure the health and safety of livestock. The Ag Business Development team operates the Missouri Grown Market, filled with delicious products from Missouri producers.

Missouri Wine & Grape team members offer classes to teach patrons all about the Missouri wine industry. Perhaps most importantly, the Missouri State Fair employees ensure a safe, clean fairgrounds for all of us to enjoy.

My favorite times at the fair are always the moments I get to spend in the livestock barns with the youth. This probably stems back from the days with my own kids showing livestock. The nervous anticipation of the show preparation is fun. But I especially enjoy the downtime, when kids from all corners of the state are playing cards or cornhole.

Others are sprawled on reclining lawn chairs to catch a quick nap. Still others have a giant plastic spider tied on a string that is draped over a barn rafter in an effort to dupe some unsuspecting passerby.

Often the best memories are made in the “down” times at the livestock barns.

Whatever your summer plans are, I hope they include a visit to the fair and fresh produce from a Missouri garden. Those things are the heart, and the heartbeat, of summer.

Chinn is the director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture and lives on a diversified farming operation in northeast Missouri.