LAKEWOOD, Colo. – Winning entries in the sixteenth annual “Colorado…it’s Agricultural” Photography Contest featured diverse crops, cattle drives, rodeo action, and the fact of the future of Colorado agriculture.
“This year’s entries really showcased the spirit of Colorado agriculture,” said Wendy White, marketing specialist at the Colorado Department of Agriculture. “Photographers from across the state sent us their best pictures that truly represent agriculture across the state.”
The winners were selected based on relation to Colorado agriculture, creativity and technical quality. The grand-prize winner is Ryan Kanode of Haxtun, Colo., with his entry entitled “A Fresh Start.” The winning photograph is of a field with a new crop just starting to sprout from the earth.
Other top finishers include Linda Aubery of Delta, Colo., first place in the agritourism category with “Preserving the Past;” Samantha Kujala of Burns, Colo., first place livestock with “To Greener Pasture;” Elena Drazev of Grand Junction, Colo., first place people with “Modeling 101;” and Ron Harms of Brighton, Colo., first place open professional with “Sunflower Sunset.”
Individuals receiving an honorable mention include Janet Brophy, Haxtun, Colo.; Jim Cox, Palisade, Colo.; Lisa Jensen, Pagosa Springs, Colo.; Elena Drazev of Grand Junction, Colo.; and Tess Tucker, Ordway, Colo.
Started in 1998, the “Colorado…It’s Agricultural” Photography Contest is sponsored by the AgInsights Committee, Colorado Department of Agriculture and Northeastern Junior College. Winning photographs will be displayed in the Beede-Hamil Agriculture Building at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colo. They are also available online at www.coloradoagriculture.com.
