We ask that all photo submissions are not digitally manipulated or enhanced. Photos that have been altered will be disqualified. Photos that have been edited using Instagram filters will not be accepted. Normal cropping, color correction, etc. are acceptable. Please remove watermarks/trademarks before entering.

Judged on creativity and photo composition, winning photos will be used on the department’s website, social media, publications, brochures and may be displayed around the KDA building. Prior submissions to the KDA contest are not eligible for reentry, but photos taken before 2026 are acceptable. The contest is open to Kansas residents only, and all photos must be taken in Kansas.

There is not a limit to the number of photos an individual can submit to the contest, but an individual can only win one prize.

The contest is open to Kansas residents only. Photo entries should be sent in .jpg format to KDA.PhotoContest@ks.gov. Entries must include:

• A title and description of each photo sent
• When and where the photo was taken
• Photographer’s full name and age
• Photography category –
  • Spring Into the Fields
  • Life in the Summer
  • Fall on the Farm
  • Winter at Work
  • Youth Division
  • Video
• Hometown
• E-mail address

Alternately, CDs containing photo files and accompanied by all the required information should be hand delivered or mailed to:

Kansas Department of Agriculture
Attn: Communications
1320 Research Park Drive
Manhattan, KS 66502

The department’s social media, the Kansas State Board of Agriculture and select Kansas legislators will judge photographs from each category.

Finalists from each category will be selected based on social media feedback through KDA’s Facebook and other accounts. Judging on KDA’s social media platforms will take place for a month, from mid-August to mid-September. Points will be allocated as:

• Like — 1 point each
• Comments — 5 points each
• Reposts/ Shares— 10 points each

The top five photos from each category will advance to the final round and will be reviewed by the Kansas State Board of Agriculture and select Kansas legislators.

• 1^st Place in each category will receive a $100 gift card
• 2^nd Place in each category will receive a $50 gift card
• Secretary’s Pick: Select photos will be displayed at the Kansas Department of Agriculture

*Note that an individual can only win one prize each year.

By submitting photos, the photographer gives the Kansas Department of Agriculture permission to use the photos in any publications, social media, websites, displays and other places without payment or other consideration. Additionally, by submitting a photo that includes human subjects, the photographer is indicating that they have obtained full permission from those subjects for the photograph to be used in department medium as well.