MONTGOMERY — Decades of snapshots have spotlighted Alabama agriculture during the perennial farmer-favorite Farming Feeds Alabama Photo Contest.
This year’s competition celebrated various commodities — from row crops and cattle to equine and forestry. The tradition began in 1986, said Alabama Farmers Federation Publications Director Marlee Jackson.
“A picture is worth a thousand words,” Jackson said. “We value the beautiful, diverse land with which the Lord has blessed Alabama. Each photo contest is a reminder of God’s goodness. Almost 200 photos were submitted, each reflecting the hard-working men and women who strive to feed, clothe and care for the world.”
The contest, which was sponsored by the Federation and ran from May to September, was divided into two categories. The youth division was for photographers 17 years of age and younger, while the adult division included 18-year-old entrants and up. Three overall winners were chosen in each category.
Youth Division champions were SarahRose Fleming of Calhoun County, Audrey Blocker of Cullman County and Ava Villari of St. Clair County. Kynleigh Wood of Cullman County received an Honorable Mention.
Adult Division winners were Blakeney Rice of Hale County, Haley Haney of Monroe County and Carly Puckett of Russell County. The Adult Division Honorable Mention was given to Daniel Lee of Calhoun County.
Youth winning photographers earned a custom Farming Feeds Alabama Bluetooth speaker, while adults will receive a Sweet Grown Alabama Christmas Gift Box, donated by Sweet Grown Alabama.
YOUTH DIVISION
Our Little Misfit by SarahRose Fleming of Calhoun County | “This is a picture of Missy, short for Misfit. This photo was taken the day she was born, hours before she went missing because she got spooked and ran into our neighbor’s woods. Finally, we found her. Now, she is strong and full of curiosity.”
Evenings on the Farm by Ava Villari of St. Clair County | “This is a view on my farm of our horse, Cruz, enjoying his evening grazing time. God’s country is truly amazing, and I am blessed to be able to admire His work of art.”
ADULT DIVISION
Fall Babes by Blakeney Rice of Hale County | “This photo focuses in on the calf itself rather than the noise around it. Even though it was feeding time, he still struck a pose.”
Fields of Gold by Haley Haney of Monroe County | “A combine works late into the evening, its lights glowing against the fading sky, gathering the season’s harvest from fields of gold. This image captures the dedication of farmers whose work continues long after the sun sets, reminding us of the beauty and resilience found in Alabama agriculture.”
Peanuts, Puddles and Painted Skies by Carly Puckett of Russell County | “This photo captures a rainy Russell County sunset over a field of peanuts.”
HONORABLE MENTION
By Kynleigh Wood of Cullman County
By Daniel Lee of Cullman County
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