One family from each county received the designation
By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content
Farms.com
One of the main attractions during the Missouri State Fair, which wrapped up Aug. 20, is the naming of the state’s farm families.
Since 1958, the Fair has recognized farm families throughout the state who are passionate about Missouri’s agricultural community.
And representing Camden County this year is the Kupfer Family, who own and operate MECCA Family Farm in Roach, MO.
The farm’s name is made up of the first letters of each family member’s name: Melissa (wife/mother), Emily (daughter, 7), Clay (father/husband), Carley (daughter, 11) and Annie (daughter, 9).
The Camden County Extension Council and local Farm Bureau nominated the Kupfer family.
Receiving a designation as a Missouri Farm Family acts as a sign that the family is doing a good job.
“It lets us know that people think we’re doing the right thing,” Clay told Farms.com today. “We’re doing the best we can with what we’re given and try to make it fun for everybody.”
MECCA Family Farm is 160 acres, and consists of about 5,000 pumpkins as well as gourds and a three-acre corn maze.
A large portion of the operation is dedicated to agri-tourism but there’s also an education component involved.
“We have a lot of the community come out and we like to give them a little glimpse into what goes into growing pumpkins, corn and other different things,” Clay said. “A lot of people don’t realize what (farmers) have to do.”
And it’s fitting the family receives such an award, since each member is involved in the operation in some capacity, including selecting their pumpkin varieties.
“My daughters enjoy being a part of everything in some way,” he said. “They’ll always remember this part of their life.”
One family from each Missouri county received a Missouri Farm Family award.
A full list of winners can be found on the Missouri State Fair website.
Farms.com extends its congratulations to all the winners!
Top photo: Clay Kupfer/MECCA Family Farm