There's prize money involved, which is definitely nice. But, more importantly to me, it recognizes my work. I spend a lot of time photographing life on our South Central Kansas farm. I share photos and information about our farming and animal husbandry practices on the blog, which I've been doing since January 2010.
But, as I often say, I'm no Pioneer Woman when it comes to blog followers or commenters. And that can get discouraging.
It doesn't take long for a blogger who is denigrating wheat producers' use of herbicides to have an army of people commenting on how farmers are too stupid to realize that big ag companies are brainwashing all of us. There's many a blogger or YouTube activist who wants us to keep cattle roaming pastures all year. (Never mind that there's no pasture for cattle to eat in much of the Plains during the winter months. Let's not let facts get in the way of a good rant.)
So, when my work is recognized, it does feel good. I enter the Farm Bureau contest every year. In 2008, I got a second-place trophy for this photo I took on the first sunrise after the massive December 2007 ice storm that knocked out our power for 12 days. But I hadn't had a winner since then.
This one was entered in the Uh Oh Monday category. As I said on my entry, this calf decided to test the theory that the grass was greener on the other side of the fence, while the farmer objected to the experiment.
To see the prize-winning photos from other Kansas photographers, click on this link to the Kansas Farm Bureau. Thanks Kansas Farm Bureau!
I saw your photo and said. " I kinda "know" her, I follow her blog" Keep up the good blogging, I know how blogging can get discouraging, but keep plowing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement!
DeleteCongratulations Kim. A very worthy placement indeed. I love your blog and your stunning photography. I really enjoy seeing your part of the world, from the other side of the world. And I am so looking forward to experiencing your winter via your photos whilst we are in the heat of our summer. Keep it up!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lynda! I love seeing your photos from Down Under. I don't think I've ever said, but my Mom has had a penpal from Australia since she was in grade school. They still exchange Christmas cards!
DeleteCongratulations Kim that is so exciting. All Your photos are incredible and it is always nice to be recognized. Way to go keep it up. Prize money is nice:) Hug B
ReplyDeleteI like seeing and learning about farming north of the border, too, Buttons! It's amazing to me what we all have in common.
DeleteVery nice photos! It's nice to have an honest voice in the ag field. People are so clueless it drives me bonkers!
ReplyDeleteAnd prize money - nice! :)
Cheri
Yes, Cheri, the prize money is icing on the cake - and I do love icing! Thanks for your encouraging words and your friendship across the miles.
DeleteSuch nice rural shots. I can see how it would be mind boggling to pick just the right one. I usually enter my photos (only two each year) in the county fair. I have usually gotten blue but no money. I pushed Bob into entering last year for the first time and he got a special award. This year he didn't get the Special and wondered why not. Cracked me up!!
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work. MB
I usually enter in the county fair, too. I always tell Randy that it's not a money-making enterprise, whether I get ribbons or not. By the time you pay for the enlargements and the mounting boards, it's a losing proposition. But, as I also say, people who come to the fair need something to look at. Thanks for taking time to comment!
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