News Release

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.) - An exquisite sky of blues, purples and golds painted over a wheat field is the Best in Show in the 2014 Focus on Missouri Agriculture Photo Contest, hosted by the Missouri Department of Agriculture. The photograph, submitted by Trinnade Hughes of Nevada, Mo., was chosen from among the more than 750 photos submitted by amateur photographers from across Missouri. All the winning photos can be found online at agriculture.mo.gov. 

"Seeing Missouri's agricultural scenes through the eyes of these amateur photographers is captivating," Director of Agriculture Richard Fordyce said. "Capturing the essence of Missouri's farmland, these photos illustrate the continually-evolving story of agriculture."

Photos were submitted in four categories, including Beauty of the Farm, Faces of the Farm, The Farmer's Life and Pride of the Farm. Photographers age 12 and under were also able to enter their shots in a special category, Children's Barnyard. In total, 26 winners were selected by a panel of judges consisting of Dana Rogge, USDA - Farm Service Agency Public Affairs and Outreach Specialist; Misti Preston, Missouri Department of Agriculture Strategic Initiatives Advisor; and Kyle Spradley, University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Information Specialist.

The winning photos will be on display in the Agriculture Building on the fairgrounds throughout the Missouri State Fair August 7-17, 2014, and are also available online at agriculture.mo.gov. New this year, the winners will be recognized at the Missouri Governor's Conference on Agriculture Dec. 18-20, 2014 at Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach. The 2014 winners are: 

BEST OF SHOW:
"Spring Splendor" by Trinnade Hughes of Nevada, Mo. 

BEAUTY OF THE FARM:
Winner: "Milk-Stash" by Ashley Franken of Pilot Grove, Mo.

First Runner Up: "Glow" by Kelsey Forqueran of Malta Bend, Mo.

Honorable Mention: "Whispers of Evening" by Eric Craft of Jackson, Mo.

Honorable Mention: "Morning Dew" by Michelle Brooks of Ashland, Mo.

Honorable Mention: "Cold Winter Day" by Tommy Kays of Richland, Mo. 

FACES OF THE FARM:
Winner: "I Can Do It!" by Laurie Link of Meadville, Mo.

First Runner Up: "Instant Friends" by Lorin Fahrmeier of Lexington, Mo. 

Honorable Mention:  "Who, Me?" by Paula Reynolds of Sweet Springs, Mo.

Honorable Mention: "Blackberry Connoisseur" by Chasity Jensen of Liberal, Mo.

Honorable Mention: "Ike" by Barb Runyon of California, Mo.

THE FARMER'S LIFE:
Winner: "A Farmer's Pride" by Colene McWilliams of Warrensburg, Mo.

First Runner Up: "Making a Few Adjustments" by Eric Craft of Jackson, Mo.

Honorable Mention:  "Paulie" by Brooke Kempker of Russellville, Mo.

Honorable Mention: "A Treat for George" by Cyndi Wray of Dixon, Mo.

Honorable Mention: "The Drive" by Laurie Link of Meadville, Mo. 

PRIDE OF THE FARM:
Winner: "Soybean Harvest" by Nova Hughes of Bolckow, Mo.

First Runner Up: "Last Pass...#plant14" by Trinnade Hughes of Nevada, Mo. 

Honorable Mention:  "Changing of the Guard" by Chasity Jensen of Liberal, Mo.

Honorable Mention: "Faithful Servant Since 1979" by Carol Gamm-Smith of Holts Summit, Mo.

Honorable Mention: "Golden Harvest" by Barb Runyon of California, Mo.

CHILDREN'S BARNYARD:
Winner: "Mr. Brown Says Hello" by Hunter Lavy of Silex, Mo.

First Runner Up: "Hungry Baby Calf" by Jillian Schmidt of California, Mo.

Honorable Mention: "Daddy Making Bales" by Wyatt Link of Meadville, Mo.

Honorable Mention: "Winter On The Farm" by Morgan Brockmeier of Hale, Mo.

Honorable Mention: "Broody and Moody!" by Davin Stanley of Carrollton, Mo.

All the photos entered in this year's contest can be found on the Department's Flickr stream. For more information on the 2014 Focus on Missouri Agriculture Photo Contest and other Missouri Department of Agriculture programs, visit the Department online at agriculture.mo.gov.

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