Three outstanding young members of the Farm & Field 4-H Club in Webster County were named Grand Champions at the 2025 Gold Buckle Gala Ham Show, held July 17 at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds as part of the annual Gold Buckle Extravaganza and received Grand Champion honors at the 2025 Missouri State Fair.
Wyatt Burrell, 14-year-old son of Nathen and Sarah Burrell, earned Grand Champion honors in the senior division. His ham was selected from among 78 entries in his division.
Hadley Vanzyverden, 11-year-old daughter of Scott and Rachel Vanzyverden, claimed the Grand Champion title in the junior division. Hadley’s older sister Harper Vanzyverden exhibited the 4-H Grand Champion Country Cured Ham at the 2025 Missouri State Fair.
Wyatt and Hadley sold their award-winning hams at the Gold Buckle Gala Auction, held July 19 in the Wilson’s Logistics Arena at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds. Dr. Roger Holden purchased both hams for a combined total of $22,000.
Proceeds from the auction support the Ozark Empire Fair Foundation’s efforts to improve livestock facilities on the fairgrounds. Wyatt and Hadley each received 75% of the proceeds from their ham sales.
Wyatt, Hadley and Harper began their ham-curing journey at the annual Country Cured Ham Workshop hosted by the Webster County University of Missouri Extension in mid-January. Approximately 75 youth and adults from Webster County participated in the hands-on workshops. Now, after months of curing and aging, the hams are ready to be cooked and enjoyed. The Webster County MU Extension Center will host its next Country Cured Ham Workshops in January 2026. To stay informed about upcoming workshops and events, follow us on Facebook at University of Missouri Extension – Webster County.
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