LAKEWOOD, Colo.–From an eastern plains cornfield under a stormy sky to a line of bikes parked in a western slope vineyard, Colorado agriculture is easily captured in pictures. The 13th annual “Colorado…it’s AgriCultural” photography contest is seeking entries as a way to celebrate Colorado agriculture.

“Since the contest began in 1998, we’ve received hundreds of photographs representing every aspect of agriculture in the state, and it is always exciting to see the diversity of Colorado agriculture depicted in contest entries,” said Commissioner of Agriculture John Stulp. “This annual photo contest not only celebrates the splendor of Colorado agriculture, but also its importance to the state’s economy.”

Entries must be submitted to the Colorado Department of Agriculture with an official entry form by December 31, 2010. All photographs must be taken in the 2010 calendar year and must relate to Colorado agriculture in some way. Prizes will be awarded in four subject areas: agritourism, crops, livestock and people.

Judging will be based on theme, creativity and technical quality. The photographer whose picture best depicts the “spirit” of Colorado agriculture will receive a $150 gift card, and category winners will receive a “Colorado…it’s AgriCultural” prize pack. All winning photographs will be displayed in the Beede-Hamil Agriculture Building at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colo.

Visit www.coloradoagriculture.com/aginsights or call (303) 239-4119 for complete contest rules and an entry form. The contest is sponsored by the Colorado Department of Agriculture, the AgInsights Committee and Northeastern Junior College.

Here is a look at last years winners:

Grand Prize, by Dan Ballard, Crops

First Place, People by Jamie Brown

First Place, Agritourism, by Jim Cox

First Place Livestock, by Jenn Hafelfinger