News Release

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.) – The Missouri Department of Agriculture today launched the 6th 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 15, is an opportunity for amateur photographers across the state to submit their best images of agriculture. That image may take shape through a breathtaking Missouri farm landscape, an aerial shot of harvest, a farm tractor that has been in the family for years or the beautiful experience of a child and a special animal.

"The story of agriculture is varied and vast, and often best told by the people who live and breathe it every day,” said Director of Agriculture Richard Fordyce. “I look forward to seeing Missourians’ outstanding talent come through in their photos of farm fields, livestock, equipment and our farm families.”

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: Beauty of the Farm, Faces of the Farm, The Farmer’s Life and Pride of the Farm. Children's Barnyard, a special category for budding photographers ages 12 and under, is back for the 6th annual contest as well.

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

The contest offers prizes and many chances to win thanks to the Missouri Department of Agriculture's AgriMissouri program. A $50 AgriMissouri Market gift certificate will be awarded to the First Place winner in each of the five categories. An AgriMissouri Market gift certificate, valued at $150, will be award to the Best of Show. Category winners and Best of Show will also receive professional canvas prints of their winning shot.

Winners will be announced and recognized at the 46th Missouri Governor’s Conference on Agriculture and the images will be displayed at the tradeshow. Winning images will also be displayed during the State Fair in the Agriculture Building, August 13-23.

To submit your photos, go to agriculture.mo.gov/focus and complete the online form. A complete list of rules and guidelines can be found on the same page. 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 15.

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