Show-Me State Times

The Missouri Department of Agriculture has announced the winners of the 2025 Focus on Missouri Agriculture Photo Contest. Holly Brown from Webb City, Mo., won Best in Show with a photo depicting traditional ranching activity. Her entry was selected from over 700 submissions.

"This year’s photo entries once again vividly highlight Missouri agriculture, from the everyday moments in the field to the farmers who make it all happen," said Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn. "We are thrilled each year to see the creativity and passion captured, and are excited to showcase these at the Missouri State Fair."

Photographs were submitted in four categories: Beauty of the Farm, Faces of the Farmer, Around the Barnyard, and Everyday Life. A special Kid’s Corner category was available for photographers aged 12 and under. A total of 21 photos were chosen by a panel of three judges from within the agriculture industry.

Governor Mike Kehoe and Mrs. Claudia Kehoe awarded this year's First Family’s Choice to Cara Hanway from St. Joseph, Mo., for her photo capturing a corn harvest at sunset.

The winning photographs will be displayed in the Agriculture Building during the Missouri State Fair from August 7-17, 2025.

This year's winners include:

BEST IN SHOW: "Let 'er Buck" by Holly Brown of Webb City, Mo.

FIRST FAMILY’S CHOICE: "Painted Skies" by Cara Hanway of St. Joseph, Mo.

BEAUTY OF THE FARM:

1st Place: "Sunbeam Planting" by Pam Thompson of Lohman, Mo.

Runner-Up: "Pause for Nature!" by Stephanie Reid of Brunswick, Mo.

Honorable Mentions: "Barn Rise" by Tony Cook of Fayette, Mo.; "Quiet Time at the Farm" by Hitomi Patterson of Gower, Mo.

FACES OF THE FARMER:

1st Place: "Josh Payne" by Cory MacNeil of Columbia, Mo.

Runner-Up: "Cold Drink" by Hannah Fritsche Donze of Perryville, Mo.

Honorable Mentions: "The Final Sort" by Jaqueline Emerson of Salisbury, Mo.; "Daniel Bonacker" by Cory MacNeil of Columbia, Mo.

EVERYDAY LIFE:

1st Place: "Air Tractor Sunset Fertilizing" by Laura Breckenridge of Neelyville, Mo.

Runner-Up: "Fixing a Grain Bin" by Nicole Baker of Mexico, Mo.

Honorable Mentions: "Drone Chasing the Drone" by Pam Thompson of Lohman, Mo.; "One more Bale" by Hailey Speagle of Farber, Mo.

AROUND THE BARNYARD:

1st Place: "Snow White" by Holly Brown of Webb City, Mo.

Runner-Up: "All Together Now" by Tony Cook of Fayette, Mo.

Honorable Mentions: "Charolais Cow" by Cory MacNeil of Columbia, Mo.; "Among the Wildflowers" by Lauren Linck of Lee’s Summit, Mo.

KIDS’ CORNER:

1st Place: "Play Time" by Makina Long of Farber, Mo.

Runner-Up: "Oakley" by Easton Redhage of Gerald, Mo.

Honorable Mentions: "The Three Ducklings" by Katelyn Mabrey; "Meeko" also by Easton Redhage.

Winning photos can be viewed on the Department's Flickr stream. More information about next year's contest is available at Agriculture.Mo.Gov.

Information from this article can be found here.