Ten winners have been announced for the Ranchland Trust of Kansas (RTK) photo contest, which concluded September 1.
“Each summer we invite photographers of all ages to submit photos that showcase the mission of RTK and Kansas’ ranching heritage,” said Samantha Weishaar, RTK associate director.
The duration of the photo contest is from May to September each year. Photos must be taken in Kansas and express the mission of RTK: “To preserve Kansas’ ranching heritage and open spaces for future generations through the conservation of working landscapes.”
“The photos submitted were wonderful and were a great representation of our beautiful state,” said Weishaar.
Scott Bean was the grand prize winner in this year’s contest. His winning photo, titled Headed In, was taken in Wabaunsee County.
“I was photographing the setting sun when I noticed the cattle heading towards a feed truck. The cattle silhouetted by the setting sun created a great photo opportunity,” said Bean.
Bean takes photos all over Kansas, but especially enjoys prairie settings and being outdoors.
“Kansas grasslands are a beautiful area and an important part of the U.S., both for agriculture and ecological reasons. I always enjoy exploring the prairies and pastures of Kansas,” said Bean.
Haven Johnson of Washington was the Fan Favorite category winner with a record-breaking 220 votes on RTK’s Facebook page. Johnson also was the Youth category winner in this year’s contest, marking the first time RTK awarded one person in two categories. Over 1500 votes were cast on RTK’s Facebook page for the Fan Favorite category. Thank you to all who viewed and voted for these beautiful Kansas photos.
Additional winners in each category were: Landscape – Carlton Heller of Emporia; Livestock– Laura Mushrush of Strong City; People – John Morrison of Wichita; KLA Member – Andrew Larson of Green; and Honorable Mention – Pat O’Neal of Lenexa, Kandace Griffin of Strong City, Crystal Socha of Augusta and Megan Weishaar of Manhattan. All winning entries can be viewed on RTK’s website or on RTK’s Facebook page.
A $25 Wolfe’s Print Services card and ten photo cards of each winning photo will be awarded to all top ten photo contest winners. Prizes are sponsored by Wolfe’s Camera of Topeka.
The photographs will be used, with the permission of the photographers, to promote Kansas’ ranching heritage and open spaces. They also will be featured on RTK’s website ranchlandtrustofkansas.org and social media sites.
RTK will have photo stationery cards for sale throughout the year featuring the 10 winning photos. Printed on premium cardstock, the folded cards are blank inside and come in packs of 10 with white envelopes. The cards can be purchased for $20 by contacting Samantha Weishaar at 785-273-5115 or samantha@kla.org.
