From vast wheat fields on the eastern plains and cattle grazing on lush mountain pastures to plump fruit in Western Slope orchards and chili peppers basking in the Pueblo sun, Colorado’s agricultural landscape is endless. It’s time to capture the “spirit” of Colorado agriculture through photographs. The 19th annual “Colorado…it’s AgriCultural” photography contest is seeking entries as a way to celebrate the state’s agricultural heritage.

“It is exciting to see photographs that demonstrate the diversity of Colorado agriculture and its importance to the state,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Don Brown. “I look forward to seeing images that tell stories from Colorado’s farms and ranches.”

Entries must be submitted to the Colorado Department of Agriculture via e-mail with an official entry form by December 31, 2016. All photographs must be taken in the 2016 calendar year and must relate to Colorado agriculture in some way. Prizes will be awarded in six subject areas: Colorado cuisine, crops, livestock, people, open professional and wildlife in agriculture. Amateur and professional photographers are encouraged to enter, however, professionals may only enter agriculture-related photographs in the “open professional” category.

Judging will be based on 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 photographs will be displayed in the Beede-Hamil Agriculture Building at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colo., and will be showcased www.coloradoagriculture.com.

Visit www.coloradoagriculture.com/aginsights for complete contest rules and an entry form. The contest is sponsored by the Colorado Department of Agriculture, the AgInsights Committee and Northeastern Junior College.