Ashcroft announces “Rooted in Agriculture” photo contest

Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft announced the 2017-2018 Missouri Official Manual Photo Contest theme — “Rooted in Agriculture.” First published in 1889, the Official Manual (or the “Blue Book”) provides the people of Missouri with historical, statistical and political information about their state and its government. Since 1965, each biennial edition has included photographs submitted by Missourians from across the state as part of a photo contest. This year, photographs will be selected for publication in three categories:

1. Family Farmers – Capture the grit and hard work of Missouri family farmers.

2. Farm Technology – Agricultural work has come a long way with advances in technology. Submit photos of the technology found on Missouri farms or the machines in action.

3. Farm Life – Missouri’s farm landscapes and animals are some of the most beautiful in the country. Submit photos showing the beauty of the state’s farmland.

All Missourians—amateur or professional photographers—are invited to submit photographs in any or all of these categories. Each photograph must be accompanied by an entry form, and it must be postmarked or received by Friday, Sept. 15. The winning photographs in each category will be published online in the 2017-2018 edition of the Official Manual.

Entry forms and contest rules are available on the secretary of state’s website at https://www.sos.mo.gov/photocontest.