Celebrating the Stories Behind Our Top Farm Photos

This year’s farm photo contest was a huge success, with more than 80 entries submitted from across Illinois. From harvest sunsets to multi-generation moments in the field, every photo told a story — which is why, to us, they’re all winners.

We caught up with the photographers behind our top four photos to learn more about the moments they captured and the farms they call home. Here’s a closer look at the stories behind this year’s winning images.

1st Place – David Larson featuring Stone Larson

A First Harvest, Six Generations in the Making

At just eight months old, Stone Larson experienced his very first harvest — perched on his mother’s lap in a Case 7250 tractor, hauling corn to the semi his dad was driving, while his grandpa ran the combine. Three generations working together in a single harvest moment.

The photo was taken on a fifth-generation family farm near Woodhull, Illinois, where the Larson family raises corn, soybeans, and hogs. Stone represents the sixth generation, already soaking in the sights and sounds of harvest that have shaped his family for decades. Even at such a young age, he loves riding along in the tractor or sitting in the combine’s buddy seat.

The farm uses no-till conservation practices and rotates corn and soybeans each year to protect soil health, reduce erosion, and ensure the land remains productive for generations to come — including Stone’s.

“This picture shows the future of agriculture rooted firmly in tradition,” the family shared. “It’s about family, hard work, and passing down values, knowledge, and respect for the land.”

Stone’s first harvest isn’t just a milestone, it’s a continuation of a story that began generations ago and will carry on well beyond a single season.



The Larson Family Legacy: Albin & Esther Larson, Martin & Ann Larson, Edward & Helen Larson, Mark & Kate Larson, David & Kylie Larson and Stone Larson

2nd Place – Amanda Blasdell Featuring Kohen and Kaden

For Amanda Blasdell, this photo perfectly captures where her boys feel most at home — the corn field.

“As soon as I picked my first grader up from school, he asked, ‘What field is Dad in?’” Amanda said. “So off we went.”

Amanda and her family farm corn and soybeans in northwestern Illinois, continuing a farm that has been passed down through generations.

Kohen and Kaden are already eager participants, helping their dad whenever they can — or at least offering commentary from the cab.

Her 7-year-old keeps a close eye on operations:

“Dad, don’t do it. Okay, push the button now.”
“Now we’re cooking.”

Meanwhile, her 4-year-old is happy in the combine… until he isn’t:

“Dad, you have a lot of beans to pick yet.”
“Dad, are you done harvesting yet?”



It’s an honest, joyful snapshot of childhood curiosity and the next generation growing up right alongside the crop.

3rd Place – Grace McCarty - “A Setting Sun on Another Day of Harvest”

Eighteen-year-old Grace McCarty grew up on her family’s corn and soybean farm, working alongside her father and grandfather. During harvest one evening, she brought along a camera and captured her dad in the combine as the sun dipped low — a moment that brought two of her passions together.



Through 4-H, Grace discovered photography as a way to tell agriculture’s story. To her, farming and photography go hand in hand: one rooted in hard work and tradition, the other offering a creative way to share those experiences with others.

Grace plans to pursue agricultural business management while continuing to build her photography skills, with the goal of promoting agriculture through storytelling, marketing, and visual communication — all while staying connected to the farm that shaped her.

(And yes — fun fact — she’s 6’2” and plays volleyball and basketball.)

4th Place – Beth Schoenebeck Featuring Jolene

Beth Schoenebeck’s photo features her daughter Jolene, born in October 2024, dressed in an adorable corn costume during her very first Halloween season.

“We’re not really a Halloween family,” Beth said, “but the corn costume was too cute to pass up.”

The photo was taken during harvest in eastern Will County, where Beth’s husband works full-time as the third generation on his family’s farm. Jolene represents the fourth generation and is already showing strong preferences — anything with a steering wheel, cows, and (slowly) her mom’s horses.

The family farms row crops and hay, has recently expanded into cattle, and practices a strong focus on no-till and land stewardship. While Beth works full-time off the farm in farm management and real estate, she’s still a familiar presence in the field.

If Beth could tell non-farmers one thing about farming, it would be this:

“In farming, the highs are worth the lows both emotionally and financially. The passion and beauty are exemplified perfectly by the pictures in this photo contest.”

From toddlers in corn costumes to teenagers capturing harvest sunsets, this year’s photo contest showcased the heart of Illinois agriculture — family, hard work, humor, and pride in the land. Thank you to everyone who shared their story with us. We can’t wait to do it again next year.