RAGSDALE FAMILY SHOW PIGS: ADDING VALUE BEYOND THE SHOWRING
Many hands make light work, and supportive partners make projects attainable – and a lot more fun. Ragsdale Family Show Pigs, owned by Nathan Ragsdale and family, is proud to be a part of Missouri Farmers Care’s 2026 Hogs for Hunger story. This small family farming operation, located near Salem in Agri-Ready Designated Dent County, is supporting a team that will make a difference for many hungry Missourians this summer.
Hogs for Hunger aligns with the Ragsdales’ family values: investing in young people, building community, and serving others.
A Show Business
What started as a youth livestock project for the Ragsdale family quickly became an enterprise to breed quality pigs, and Ragsdale Family Show Pigs began in 2023. The Ragsdales breed Berkshires, Spots, Dark Crosses (with Berkshire influence), and Yorkshires. Each litter of piglets is moved outdoors as conditions allow so they can adapt to a variety of environments and conditions.
“We are a small family farm. Our goal is to provide 4-H and FFA kids with quality show pigs and provide families with quality meat hogs to raise,” Nathan says.
Business with Purpose
The Ragsdales’ business plan goes beyond meeting a need. They intentionally create opportunities for young people excited about agriculture. The family was already helping other young showmen in their community to find quality show pigs. Now they supply that need for their neighbors and many more.
The Ragsdale family hosts a sale day in late winter that includes a complimentary lunch and plenty of lawn chairs where hopeful exhibitors have conversations with mentors, build connections with fellow showmen, and make new friends. The event is marketed with an appropriate message: #AllAboutTheKids.
Message Received
That message reached Travis Alexander (12), a showman in southwest Missouri. Travis had already determined to commit a hog to the 2026 Hogs for Hunger initiative. He hoped Nathan and family would join his pig project team. Travis shared with Nathan how 4-H and FFA members and pork producers across the state partner with Missouri Farmers Care to make a difference beyond the showring by donating market hogs to Hogs For Hunger, a program that turns livestock projects into high quality pork for Missouri families facing hunger.
“Sometimes my ‘problem’ is that I am more interested in the success of kids that enjoy a livestock project than I am about ‘business rules’,” Nathan smiles. “Successful kids are a success to me. We do our best to support each showman that supports us.”
Nathan and Travis agreed on a project hog price and Ragsdale Family Show Pigs became a part of Travis’ team. Breeders like the Ragsdales are an important part of the Hogs For Hunger story for young pig exhibitors.
Serving Neighbors Direct from the Farm
Hogs for Hunger proves how one animal can make a major difference when agriculture and generosity go hand in hand.
“Hogs for Hunger shows the heart of Missouri agriculture,” said Ashley McCarty, Executive Director of MFC. “These young people-and their partners-are doing more than just raising animals, they’re stepping up to serve their neighbors in a powerful, tangible way.”
More About the Ragsdale Family
Farm families like the Ragsdales are committed to the future of agriculture in Agri-Ready Designated Dent County, a livestock and forestry powerhouse, where agriculture has a prominent role in the county’s economy.
Nathan operates the family farm, is employed by the Salem R-80 school district and serves as president of the Oak Hill R-1 school board. His wife, Judy, works in insurance. Over the years their sons Hayden, Trenton, and Westyn have been involved in the Lake Springs 4-H Club and the Salem FFA Chapter. The Ragsdales continue to be loyal supporters of these youth organizations. Missouri 4-H and Missouri FFA are partners of Missouri Farmers Care.
What is Hogs for Hunger?
Hogs for Hunger is an initiative of MFC’s Drive to Feed Kids. One pig can change lives by feeding 525 Missourians in need. Hogs can be donated locally or at the Missouri State Fair. Learn more at https://mofarmerscare.com/drive-to-feed-kids/hogs-for-hunger/. The pork donated through Hogs for Hunger is distributed to Missouri food banks through Feeding Missouri. Processing is covered by the Missouri Farmers Care Foundation Drive to Feed Kids, presented in partnership with Brownfield Ag News, ADM and partners across Missouri agriculture.
Agri-Ready Designated Dent County
Agriculture, including food, feed and forestry, contributes $112.1 million in value-added products, $354.4 million in output, over 2,100 jobs, and adds $188.6 million to household incomes in Dent County according to the 2021 Missouri Economic Contribution of Agriculture and Forestry Study.
What is Agri-Ready County Designation?
Agri-Ready County Designation is a voluntary program that recognizes counties committed to supporting and growing their agricultural industry. To qualify, a county must agree to support agricultural stewardship, growth, and economic interests. The designation helps counties promote themselves as agricultural hubs, attracting and supporting agribusiness. More information can be found at https://mofarmerscare.com/agri-ready/.
As of January 2026, 82 Missouri counties have been designated Agri-Ready.
What is the Drive to Feed Kids? The Drive to Feed Kids is More than Just a Food Drive
Launched in 2017, the Drive to Feed Kids builds collaborative partnerships among nonprofits, farmers, and agribusinesses committed to addressing food insecurity across the state. To learn more, including how to get involved in 2026, visit https://mofarmerscare.com/drive/.
2025 Drive to Feed Kids By the Numbers
Through the power of partnership with 4-H, FFA and other contributors in 2025, the Drive to Feed Kids raised 720,000 meals for Feeding Missouri, it’s six affiliate food banks and 1,500 partner agencies. In 2025, Hogs For Hunger provided approximately 27,825 servings of lean, high-quality pork to regional food banks. Over nine years, the Drive has provided more than 13.7 million meals to children and families across Missouri.
Drive to Feed Kids Partners
The Missouri Farmers Care Foundation Drive to Feed Kids is presented in partnership with ADM and Brownfield Ag News. Partners across Missouri agriculture make the Drive to Feed Kids possible: American Family Insurance and the American Family Dreams Foundation, Missouri Rural Health Network, Nutra-Blend, MFA Incorporated, The Poultry Federation, Missouri Corn Merchandising Council, FCS Financial, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, Missouri Farm Bureau, Jerry Litton Family Memorial Foundation, Martin Rice, Missouri FFA Foundation, Forrest and Charlotte Lucas & Lucas Cattle Company, Hunters Moon Run N Gun, Smithfield Foods, Missouri Pork Association, Missouri’s Electric Cooperatives, Missouri State Fair Foundation, Midwest Dairy, Missouri 4-H Foundation, and partners the Missouri Department of Agriculture, Missouri State Fair, Feeding Missouri and the contributions of many Missouri farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses. https://mofarmerscare.com/drive-to-feed-kids/join-the-drive/
What is Missouri Farmers Care?
MFC unites the state’s agricultural community to support the men and women who provide the food and jobs that sustain Missouri communities. With the partnership of 45 member organizations, MFC works to ensure all Missourians understand the truth about modern agriculture, food production, and the farm families behind it. MFC promotes the growth of Missouri agriculture and rural communities through coordinated communication, education and advocacy. Learn more at https://mofarmerscare.com/