William H. Darr

2024 Missouri Ag Hall of Fame Inductee

The wide-ranging contributions of William “Bill” and Virginia Darr to Missouri agriculture include business, academics, and philanthropy. Bill had a lifelong career as a successful agribusinessman, and he and Virginia were dedicated to improving the quality of life in communities throughout Southeast Missouri, including Ellsinore and Cape Girardeau. Bill provided countless hours of service and personal efforts to sustain family farm operations and agribusiness productivity. He was a leader in the seed, ag chemical, pharmaceutical, and pet food industries and owned an agricultural aviation business and truck line. The Darrs have been honored by Southeast Missouri State University for their support of its agriculture programs and were instrumental in the expansion and development of the Darr Agricultural Center at Missouri State University. The Darrs also established a scholarship program to recognize students for exceptional academic excellence.