(From Kansas Wheat)

Break out your cameras and get ready to win cash prizes! The Kansas Wheat Commission invites all amateur and professional photographers in Kansas to take part in the 2009 Kansas Wheat Photography Contest during the 2009 Kansas State Fair. Photographers who enjoy capturing scenes of the Kansas Wheat industry are welcome. Top prize is $75 cash; four additional cash prizes will be awarded.

Exhibitors may fill out and submit their entry forms online after June 1, by going to www.kansasstatefair.com and clicking on "Competitions." Entry forms will be accepted without a fee for the 2009 competition until August 15. Thereafter, there is a $5 entry fee. Photographs may be submitted to the State Fair office in person or by mail after Labor Day. Judging takes place at the State Fair, September 11-22 in Hutchinson.

Any Kansas resident is eligible to enter except employees of the Kansas Wheat Commission or the State Department of Agriculture and their families.

Participants may enter any subject featuring wheat: seeding, storage, wheat fields, harvest, custom crews, grain trade, milling, wheat products, baking, and more. Contestants are limited to two entries per class.

"In past years, photographers from across the state have submitted many truly impressive images that capture the spirit of Kansas wheat farming. Many of our favorite photographs depict multiple generations at work; storms on the horizon of a golden wheat field or give us a new look at seemingly mundane tasks," says Bill Spiegel, communications specialist at Kansas Wheat. "The entire display truly tells the story of wheat production from planting to harvest."

This year's entries will be on display at the new, interactive "Kansas Wheat" booth at the Pride of Kansas Building during the Fair.

All entries become property of the Kansas Wheat Commission, but the commission does not purchase exclusive rights. The digital prints will be used to promote Kansas as America's Number One Wheat State. Any published photographs will be credited.

Entries in the 2008 Kansas Wheat Photography Contest have been complied into a video that captures the story of Kansas Wheat. To enjoy the captivating photography paired with a gorgeous rendition of "America the Beautiful," performed by the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, visit www.KansasWheat.org and click on "This Month's Videos."