Even though summer is waning and fall is near, it is still a good time to snap a photo and enter it in the "Colorado ... it's AgriCultural," photography contest.
Colorado agriculture is evident everywhere, say Colorado Department of Agriculture sponsors of the contest, and the 15th annual contest photo contest is seeking entries as a way to celebrate the state's farm heritage.
"The photography contest is a great way to showcase Colorado agriculture," says Commissioner of Agriculture John Salazar. "I enjoy seeing how the diversity of Colorado agriculture is captured in pictures."
Coloradan Janet Brophy, Wray, Colo., won the grand prize in the 2011 Ag Photo Contest with this low light photo.
Entries must be submitted to CDA with an official entry form - found at www.coloradoagriculture.com/aginsights - by Dec. 31, 2012. All entries must be taken in the 2012 calendar year and must relate to Colorado agriculture in some way.
Prizes will be awarded in five subject areas: agritourism, crops, livestock, people and open professional
Amateur and professional photographers are encouraged to enter, but professionals may only enter agriculture-related pictures in the "open professional" classification.
Judging will be done on the basis of theme, creativity and technical quality. The photographer whose picture best depicts the spirit of Colorado agriculture will receive $150, and category winners will receive a "Colorado - it's AgriCultural" prize pack.
All winning photos will be displayed in the Beede-Hamil Agricultural Building at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colo.
Up to three photos may be submitted per entrant. Prints must be 8x10 inches and unmated. No slides or e-mail entries will be accepted.
Judges will be gathered from several professions, including photography, journalism, advertising and marketing as well as agriculture. Entries become the property of CDA and will not be returned, so please do not send your only copy of the photo.
Contest sponsors reserve the right to publish any entry at their discretion, provided a credit line is given to the photographer.
Sponsors include the AgInsights Committee of CDA and Northeastern Junior College.