Charles and Eileen Vehige and family of Wright City were among the Missouri families honored at the 69th annual Missouri Farm Family Day on Aug. 17 during the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia.

The Vehige family was chosen as the Warren County Missouri Farm Family by University of Missouri Extension and the Warren County Farm Bureau.

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 Vehige family operates an approximately 400-acre diversified row-crop and livestock operation, primarily growing corn, soybeans, and wheat. Proud to carry on a fourth-generation farming tradition, agriculture has always been much more than an occupation for the Vehige family. It is a way of life that has brought their family together and taught each generation the importance of hard work, responsibility, perseverance, faith, and helping others.

Agriculture has also played an important role in raising their children, and Charles and Eileen are proud to see each of them find their own place in it. Nash works alongside Chuck in the farming operation and, now that he is older, has taken on significantly greater responsibility in the row-crop operation. In 2019, Shane and Reagan started Vehige Club Lambs, their own livestock business. Through the years, they have raised and sold competitive show lambs to 4-H and FFA members, helping other young people become involved in the livestock industry and experience many of the same lessons, friendships, and memories that agriculture has given to their family.

The Warren County Fair has also been a special part of the Vehige family’s story. Over the years, they have volunteered their time, supported fair activities, helped with livestock events and encouraged youth participation in 4-H and FFA. Watching their children grow through agriculture and the fair has been one of their family’s greatest blessings. Reagan’s opportunity to serve as the 2025 Warren County Fair Queen was especially meaningful, allowing her to represent a community and agricultural tradition that have played such an important role in her life.

Faith and community service are also at the heart of the Vehige family. They are active members of Holy Rosary Catholic Church and believe strongly in giving their time and talents back to their church and community. Chuck has served on the Warren County Farm Bureau Board for the past four years, supporting and advocating for agriculture and farm families, while Eileen has served as an educator in the area for more than 20 years.

For the Vehiges, agriculture is ultimately about faith, family, hard work, and community. They are grateful for the generations before them who built their farming tradition and hope to continue passing those values and their love of agriculture on to future generations. They especially look forward to the day when their grandchildren can join them, make their own memories and experience the same love of agriculture that has been passed down through their family.

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.”