Rural photographers from across the state captured farm and ranch life in South Dakota and shared their images through the 2022 South Dakota Farmers Union Celebrating Life on the Farm and Ranch Photo Contest.
“Truly, day-to-day life on South Dakota’s farms and ranches is something worth celebrating,” said Karla Hofhenke, Executive Director of South Dakota Farmers Union. “These farms and ranches and the families who do the work are the backbone of our rural communities and lifeblood of our state’s economy.”
The contest opened April 1 and wrapped up Dec. 1 with the announcement of category winners: Best of Show, Samantha Swanson, Highmore; Livestock, Dusti Berry, Philip; Fieldwork, Cody Lafferty, Reliance; Farm/Ranch Scenes, Candie Beck, Hecla; Working on the Farm/Ranch, Samantha Swanson, Highmore; and 4-H Members, Faith Kashas, Vermillion. All winners received a cash prize.
“We were overwhelmed by the scope and quality of photos submitted,” Hofhenke said. “We are so grateful to all who shared their creativity and talents with us.”
Swanson entered quality images in three of the four contest categories, prompting judges to name her the Best of Show contest winner.
She was working cattle with her sister and brother-in-law when she took the photo that won the Working on the Farm & Ranch category. It’s a photo of her brother-in-law’s horse taking a drink. “There is so much beauty out on the ranch,” Swanson said. “Ranching is in my blood. I like seeing the progress and change that happens every day when I’m out with the cattle working.”
Swanson developed a passion for cattle as a child on her family’s cow/calf and feedlot operation near Clark. A tragic accident claimed her dad’s life when she was young and the family needed a fresh start off the farm. “My siblings and I all remain connected to agriculture,” she said.
To view the winning photos and others, visit www.sdfu.org.
