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I’ve heard it many times in my life
that lightening doesn’t strike twice in the same spot, and that
may be the case, but the same can’t be said for the continual
record breaking number of entries that we receive each year for
our photo contest. Just like last year we waited until all the
entries were received before we started opening them up,
probably not the same mistake we’ll make again next year. With
Jim and Mercedes assisting we started going through the
envelopes late in the afternoon and I finally recorded the last
entry in at 2:00 the next morning. When all the envelopes,
packing materials and boxes were hauled away we were left with
661 entries for this year’s contest once again breaking past the
582 number last year. As always the photos held glimpses of your
lives and loves. Some of you sent letters with your entries and
I hold those dear as they say so much about what this contest
means. Once again we were
honored to have David Stoecklein as a judge in this year’s
contest. David took time from his busy schedule to pour over the
entries and also helped me narrow the field down to select the
Editor’s Choice winner. (See David’s top five picks on the next
page). David is widely known for his gorgeous coffee table books
depicting the West and the life of the cowboy. David’s beautiful
images can be found on calendars and prints as well.
David also has a magnificent new
book coming out soon that is a beautiful chronicle of the West
and the ranching lifestyle. Our winners this year will all be
receiving a copy of this special volume. These will make the
perfect Christmas gift if you’re like myself and always looking
for the gift that is distinctive.
Our next judge Chad Jorgensen is
a long time cherished friend of the Danekas family. Chad grew up
in agriculture in the central valley of California successfully
showing Limousin cattle on the state and national level and then
went on to attend UC Davis obtaining his Bachelor of Science
degree in biotechnology, from there he returned to the central
valley and Fresno State University and acquired a Master of
Science degree focused on Quantitative genetics. He is currently
working on his PhD concentrating on genomics. Besides being one
of the smartest people I know, Chad has a discerning eye for
detail and design making him one our best judges yet.
Each year we are fortunate to
have new people come in and judge our contest. This year we
welcomed Alysicia Lundberg. Alysicia comes from the northern
half of California from a well known rice farming family, and
currently sits on the Board of the Lundberg Family Farms that
are famous nationally for their organic farming methods and
celebrated rice products.
Alysicia graduated from Ohio
State University in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in
Agriculture and a second Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology.
She currently is working as a large animal Veterinary technician
before she enters Veterinary school, where her emphasis will be
equine health. She is an accomplished rider and has competed in
national events. She was a wonderful judge and she provided a
fresh perspective to the competition.
Each year I can’t thank our
judges enough, but this year I truly want to extend my sincere
appreciation to each of them. The time to judge this year’s
competition was approximately a five to six hour stint. I also
have a few more thanks to hand out and they are to my daughter
Mercedes who has stepped and organized and helped coordinate
once again for the second year. To the JDA art department for
the hour’s it took to scan the photos and design the beautiful
pages that this year’s winners are displayed. As last year we
are unable to show our honorable mentions but they can be viewed
on the web site at www.westerncowman.com with all of the other
results. Watch for information on the 2010 contest in coming
issues as well as some new rules as our contest continues to
grow.
One more thanks and that is to
each of you that took the time to send in your entries this
year. This is a special contest made even more exceptional by
the folks that snap those extraordinary photos. Thanks again.
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