Missouri Agriculture Photo Contest Captures Best of Farm, Rural Life

April 28, 2014

Entries must be submitted by June 30, winning shots to be displayed at State Fair

Missouri Agriculture Photo Contest Captures Best of Farm, Rural Life

The Missouri Department of Agriculture launched the 5th annual Focus on Missouri Agriculture contest, asking Missourians to share the unique stories and images of agriculture through photographs. The contest, which runs through June 30, is an opportunity for amateur photographers across the state to submit their best images of agriculture – from a beautiful Missouri farm, to a farm tractor that has been in the family for years and the fun and excitement of a child at agritourism operation.

“Every Missouri farm has a story to tell, from the rich history of agriculture to the hard work of farm families, and I look forward to seeing Missourians’ outstanding talent come through in their photos of farm fields, livestock, equipment and our farm families,” said Director of Agriculture Richard Fordyce.

The Focus on Missouri Agriculture Photo Contest is open to Missouri’s amateur photographers of all ages. Participants may enter up to three photos in each of the five categories. Categories include: The Beauty of the Farm, Faces of the Farm, The Farming Life and The Pride of the Farm. The Children’s Barnyard a special category for budding photographers ages 12 and under, is back for the 5th annual contest as well.

Entries will be judged on visual impact, creativity, memorable content and image quality.

The contest offers big prizes and many chances to win thanks to the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s AgriMissouri program. An AgriMissouri gift basket valued at $100 will be award to the First Place winner in each of the four categories. The winner of the Children’s Barnyard category will receive a special gift basket filled with $100-worth of child-friendly items from AgriMissouri. An AgriMissouri gift basket valued at $250 will be award to the Best of Show. Winners will also receive canvas prints of their winning shot.

Winners will be announced at the 2014 Missouri State Fair in Sedalia, Aug. 7-17 and the images will be displayed during the State Fair in the Agriculture Building.

For a complete list of rules and guidelines, visit agriculture.mo.gov/focus. Photos submitted to the contest will be placed on the contest website and available on the Department’s Flickr stream. Photos must be submitted by June 30.

More information about the Missouri Department of Agriculture and its programs is available online at agriculture.mo.gov.