Bondy family selected as Monroe's Missouri Farm Family

Josh and Lauren Bondy and family of Paris were among the Missouri families honored at the 69th annual Missouri Farm Family Day on August 17 during the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia. 
The Bondy family was chosen as the Monroe County Missouri Farm Family by University of Missouri Extension and the Monroe County Farm Bureau. The family includes Adeline, Harper, Blaire Bondy. 
Each year, the Missouri State Fair designates a day to celebrate farm families from across the state who are engaged in production agriculture, demonstrate strong community involvement, and participate in outreach and youth development programs such as 4-H or FFA. 
The Bondy family operates a small but growing club lamb operation, raising lambs for their daughters and local 4-H and FFA members to exhibit. In 2020, they planted a 45-tree peach orchard with hopes of creating future SAE and farmers' market opportunities. 
Josh and Lauren are deeply rooted in agriculture and their community. Josh is an agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at Paris High School, and both serve as 4-H volunteers. Lauren is also a keynote speaker and rural mentor, traveling across the Midwest encouraging others to grow where they are planted, pursue their goals, and build a life rooted in purpose and agriculture. 
Farm Family Day is made possible through the support of the Missouri Farm Bureau, the Missouri Department of Agriculture, the Missouri State Fair Commissioners, the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, and MU Extension. 
"One of the highlights of the Missouri State Fair is the chance to recognize farm families from every corner of the state," said Missouri State Fair Director Jason Moore. "Each family has its own story, but all share a dedication to agriculture, community and helping the next generation succeed. We're grateful for everything they do to support Missouri's agricultural heritage and future." 
For more information, contact Daniel Mallory at the University of Missouri Extension - Monroe County Office.