There is something to be said for getting an early start and following in the traditions of those who have come before us.
If there is any doubt to that, one need look no further than the Jackson family, of Marshall. For almost a half century, three generations of the family have exhibited at the Missouri State Fair, but the history began at least a generation before.
“Drew and I were both raised on the farm so it was natural that he continues farming and raising livestock after his graduation in 1964,” Shirley Jackson said. “His dad raised Hampshire’s and that is where Drew got his love of the breed from.
“I think we have attended the Missouri State Fair every year since we have been married except for 1982,” Jackson added. “We didn’t come that year because our daughter Angela was born Aug. 17. She’s our fair baby.”
All four of the Jackson’s children, Clay and Correy, who both farm with their father, and daughters Angela Igo and Ashley Christy, were raised as 4-H and FFA members.
Correy Jackson is a familiar fixture at the State Fair in addition to his exhibition schedule, as he is the owner of Jackson’s Restaurant, a popular barbecue eating establishment on the grounds.
According to Swine Superintendent J.R. Reid, the Jackson family is one of the storied families at the swine pavilion who he considers to be “top notch” in their efforts to continue the traditions of breeders and showmen before them.
“Drew was in FFA in high school and received the American Farmer Degree as well as Clay and Correy,” Shirley Jackson said proudly. “So we have been involved in 4-H and FFA a long time.
“Our granddaughter Brylee (Christy) is 8, she started 4-H last year as a Clover Kid and is now showing in 4-H,” she added. “Ashley’s oldest son Greyson is 5 and isn’t a clover kid yet but showed a pig and bottle calf in the pee wee show at the Saline County Fair this year. We start them young!”
Christy’s youngest son, 8-month-old Sawyer will be with his family at the fair this year as well.
“Angela children, Cole (15) and Ashlyn (12), have been showing Hampshire’s at the Missouri State Fair since 2012,” Shirley Jackson said. “Cole and Ashlyn have also shown at the National Swine Registry Summer Conference in Belton, Texas and at the American Royal (in Kansas City).”
Brylee showed at the WPE this year for the first time.
One of the best parts of the show experience is the sense of closeness the family shares and the friendships that are made with others who are exhibitors.
“We’ve always enjoyed the Hampshire families we have met and become friends with over the years,” Jackson commented. “Drew always gives our grandchildren the same advice we gave our own children, ‘keep a positive attitude, and try to do better and always have fun.’”
