Winners have been announced for the seventh annual Ranchland Trust of Kansas (RTK) photo contest, which concluded Aug. 15.
Each summer, RTK invites photographers of all ages to submit photos that showcase the mission of RTK and Kansas’ ranching heritage. The mission of RTK is: “To preserve Kansas’ ranching heritage and open spaces for future generations through the conservation of working landscapes.”
Crystal Socha of Augusta was the grand prize winner in this year’s contest. Socha also won the Fan Favorite category by receiving 378 votes on RTK’s Facebook page. This was the first time a photo won both the Fan Favorite and Grand Prize categories. Her winning photo, titled Keeping Watch, was taken in the Flint Hills in Butler County.
“I am speechless. Not in a million years did I think I would win both categories nor would I win the grand prize two years in a row!” Socha said.
Over 3,000 votes were cast for the Fan Favorite category, which included the top 25 photos chosen by RTK’s panel of judges. The Facebook album was able to reach nearly 9,000 Facebook users. Thank you to all who viewed and voted for these beautiful Kansas photos.
Additional winners in each category were: Landscape – Bruce Hogle, Leawood; Livestock– Alexis Clark, Lecompton; People – Mike Scheufler, Augusta; KLA Member – Howard Woodbury, Quenemo; Youth – Josie Roggenkamp, Blaine; and Honorable Mentions – Gail Griffin, Colby; Michael Cochran, Tescott; Josie Alexander, Ottawa; and Greg Kramos, Manhattan. All winning entries can be viewed on RTK’s website or Facebook page.
Prizes, sponsored by Wolfe’s Camera of Topeka, are awarded to the top 10 winning photographers. The photographs will be used, with the permission of the photographer, to promote Kansas’ ranching heritage and open spaces.
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 card packages can be purchased for $20 by contacting Samantha Weishaar at 785-273-5115 or [email protected].
RTK is an agricultural land trust affiliate of the Kansas Livestock Association, with a mission to preserve Kansas’ ranching heritage and open spaces for future generations through the conservation of working landscapes.