Race to the Plate
Baseball and Farming
Both take dedication, teamwork, and passion. That’s why Missouri’s farmers are proud to share the stage alongside the St. Louis Cardinals. Together, we’re shining a spotlight on how Missouri’s farm families contribute a remarkable $93.7 billion to our state’s economy. And we’re just getting started. Through a partnership with the Cardinals, Missouri farm families are showing how agriculture is stepping up to the plate to continue feeding and fueling a growing global community.
Educating Fans
Missouri Farmers Care (MFC) is educating baseball fans about agriculture through the “Race to the Plate” initiative. Throughout the upcoming 2026 St. Louis Cardinals season, fans will interact with the MFC “Farm Team” through radio messaging, print advertisements, in-stadium videos and social media content, as well as in-person activities at select games.
Sponsors
MFC’s Race to the Plate is a joint effort with Missouri Corn Merchandising Council, Missouri Pork Association, Midwest Dairy, Missouri Beef Industry Council, MFA Incorporated, and Missouri Farm Bureau.
2026 Farm Team
Farmers In Ford Plaza
Upcoming Dates
- May 1, 2026 – Beef
- May 29, 2026 – Corn
- Jun 26, 2026 – Pork
- Jul 10, 2026 – MFC
- Sep 18, 2026 – Dairy
Meet Missouri Farmers
As a part of the Race to the Plate campaign, Cardinal fans have the opportunity to meet Missouri farmers during pre-game activities in Ford Plaza. They connect while playing games and snap memories with mascot selfies.
Race to the Plate helps Missouri agriculture reach new audiences and build trust with the consumers that count on the food, fuel, and fiber that agriculture makes possible every day. Three million consumers tune into St. Louis Cardinals baseball during an average season – so agriculture meets them where they are.
MFC’s advocacy campaign with the St. Louis Cardinals goes beyond traditional advertising.
Visibility Through Connections
This campaign helps consumers to meet agriculture face to face. Farmer representatives make up the Race to the Plate Farm Team each year. These agriculture ambassadors become the faces consumers see when they think about the beef, pork, dairy and corn products they use in their everyday lives.
The key to the Race to the Plate campaign is visibility. Connections are made through conversations that this program provides.
Moments From the Field
Agriculture Takes the Field at Busch Stadium
Cardinal Fans anticipate Friday night home stands at Busch Stadium because Sweet Bessie, Captain Cornelius, The Baconeer, and Benny the Bull amp up the family fun! mascots from Missouri Farmers Care (MFC). These mascots represent Missouri agriculture in an entertaining “Race to the Plate” while also raising awareness and understanding about food production in the Show Me State. These (loveable) characters are made possible, courtesy of Missouri’s beef, pork, dairy, and corn farmers.