The striking image of a hard working woman hefting a bale of hay onto the bed of a pickup truck, captured in the truck's mirror, was selected as the "Best of Show" in the 2011 Focus on Missouri Agriculture Photo Contest, sponsored by the Missouri Department of Agriculture.

The photograph, submitted by Colene McWilliams of Ray County, was chosen out of nearly 750 photos submitted by amateur photographers from all regions of Missouri.

Missouri State Fair attendees stop to view a display of the 2011 Focus on Missouri Agriculture Photo Contest winners.

"The overall winning photograph perfectly captures the very essence of farm life," said Director of Agriculture Jon Hagler. "The talent and hard work shown in each of these photos is a testament to the people of Missouri's agriculture industry. These images are exactly what we were hoping to see when we announced this contest. The pride, hard work and indelible spirit of farm families come through in every shot."

Photographers submitted photos into four main categories, including Beauty of the Farm, Farmer's Life, Faces of the Farm and Pride of the Farm. A fifth category, called The Children's Barnyard was exclusively for photographers age 12 and under. In total, 31 winners were selected by a panel of expert judges consisting of Missouri Department of Conservation Art Director Cliff White, USDA Rural Development Public Information Coordinator George Thomas, University of Missouri Extension Service Information Specialist Curt Wohleber, and Brooke Kempker, Missouri Department of Agriculture marketing and graphics specialist.

The winning photos were displayed in the Agriculture Building at the Missouri State Fair and are now available online. A list of winners is below:

BEST OF SHOW
"Getting the Job Done" by Colene McWilliams of Ray County

THE BEAUTY OF THE FARM
First Place: "Sunset from a Barn Loft" by Heather Aulgur of Marshall

First Runner Up: "On My Way to Work" by Tammi Elbert of Washington

Honorable Mention: "Beautiful Little Goat" by Colene McWilliams of Ray County

Honorable Mention: "Evening in the Field" by Courtney Jones of Stockton

Honorable Mention: "Missouri Grain Bins" by Jeff Faller of Mayview

Honorable Mention: "Winter Wagon" by Jenny Holt of Mayview

Honorable Mention: "Field with Red Barn" by Larry Braun of Scott County

FACES OF THE FARM
First Place: "Just like Pops" by Karen Kinsler of Elsberry

First Runner Up: "Chicks Dig Me!" by Chris Mattson of Stanberry

Honorable Mention: "Country Boys" by Dawn Stone of Eolia

Honorable Mention: "Devotion" by Connie Smiley of Ozark

Honorable Mention: "Touch and Kiss of a Farm Family" by Elishah Watson of Branson

Honorable Mention: "Curiosity" by Jamie Patton of Maryville

Honorable Mention: "Will and Dusty" by Danelle Engel of Worth

THE FARMER'S LIFE
First Place: "Preparing a Meal" by Alex Snyder of Green Castle

First Runner Up: "Tractor Trouble" by Danelle Engel of Worth County

Honorable Mention: "Koby's Elbow Grease" by Brenda Linder of Green Castle

Honorable Mention: "Old School" by Jean Rissover of Ste. Genevieve County

Honorable Mention: "Perfect Silhouette" by Tammi Elbert of Washington

THE PRIDE OF THE FARM
First Place: "Wheat Harvest" by Trinnade Hughes of Nevada

First Runner Up: "Lily" by Charmian Petal Stanley of Carrollton

Honorable Mention: "My Pigs" by Clara Jungermann, Lincoln County

Honorable Mention: "Farm Hands Gathering" by Elishah Watson of Branson

Honorable Mention: "Ford Tough" by Michelle Pearson

Honorable Mention: "Rusty" by Marcy Mason of Princeton

CHILDREN'S BARNYARD
First Place: "Old Red Barn" by Cody Jedlicka, Rover

First Runner Up: "Baby Blue Jays" by Simeon Yemm of Marquand

Honorable Mention: "The Winding Road" by Brianna Baker of Troy

Honorable Mention: "Chicken Talk" by Hannah Willis of Troy

Honorable Mention: "Working in the Corn" by James Lober of Moscow Mills

FYI

A gallery of the winning photos can be found at www. Flickr.com/MoAgriculture

For more information on the Focus on Missouri Agriculture photo contest or other Missouri Department of Agriculture programs, visit  www.mda.mo.gov

 Source: Missouri Department of Agriculture