Missouri's amateur photographers are sharing their outstanding talents in the Missouri Department of Agriculture's 3rd annual Focus on Missouri Agriculture contest. The contest, which runs through June 15, asks amateur photographers and videographers from all over the state to submit their best shots for recognition during the 2012 Missouri State Fair and great prizes from AgriMissouri.

Through photos and videos, Missourians of all ages are capturing and sharing the unique stories and many facets of agriculture. This year's entries are posted online at Flickr.com/MoAgriculture and include glimpses into time spent with loved ones, the hard work of haying and caring for livestock, as well as the joy children see in life on the farm.

"This contest allows Missourians to share their favorite moments in agriculture with others who share their passion for the agricultural way of life," said Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler. "Every farmer, from those in backyard gardens to those passing agricultural livelihoods down through generations, 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. Entries will be judged on visual impact, creativity, memorable content and image quality. Winners will be announced at the 2012 Missouri State Fair in Sedalia, Aug. 9-19 and the images will be displayed in the Agriculture Building during the State Fair.

Winners in each of the eight categories will receive a $200 AgriMissouri gift basket, 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.

Participants may enter up to three photos in each of the five categories and up to two videos in each of three categories. 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.

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 for this year's contest.

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