The Missouri Department of Agriculture launched the 3rd annual Focus on Missouri Agriculture contest, asking Missourians to help capture the unique stories and images of agriculture through photographs and videos. The contest, which will run through June 15, asks amateur photographers and videographers from all over the state to submit their best images of a beautiful Missouri farm, a snapshot of a farm tractor that has been in the family for years or the fun and excitement of a child at agritourism operation.

"This contest will allow Missourians to share their favorite moments on their farms with others who share a love for agriculture and those that want to learn more about life on the farm," said Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler. "Every farm in our state has a story to tell and this is a great way to capture those stories and to share them with others."

The Focus on Missouri Agriculture Photo and Video Contest is open to Missouri's amateur photographers of all ages. Participants may enter up to three photos in each of the five categories and up to two videos in each of three categories. The photography categories include: The Beauty of the Farm, Faces of the Farm, The Farming Life, The Pride of the Farm and Children's Barnyard, which is open to photographers age 12 and under. Videography categories include: Stories of Years Gone By, Humorous Farm Stories and Farm Safety, in which videographers create 30-second public service announcements on the importance of safety on the farm.

Entries will be judged on visual impact, creativity, memorable content and image quality.

The contest offers big prizes and many chances to win thanks to the Missouri Department of Agriculture's AgriMissouri program. A $200 AgriMissouri gift basket will be awarded to the winner in each category, and the second-place winner in each category will receive a $100 AgriMissouri gift. The single image and video selected as the judge's favorites overall will each receive a $500 gift basket as the Best of Show winner. Winners will be announced at the 2012 Missouri State Fair in Sedalia, Aug. 9-19 and the images will be displayed during the State Fair in the Agriculture Building.

For a complete list of rules and guidelines, visit http://mda.mo.gov/focus/. Photos and videos submitted to the contest will be placed on the contest website and available on the Department's Flickr group and YouTube page. Photos must be submitted by June 15.

More information about the Missouri Department of Agriculture and its programs is available online at http://www.mda.mo.gov.