2004 IFAJ Photo Contest Winner

(CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 18, 2004) -- Photographer David Lundquist of the USA, from the publication Cooperative Partners, is the winner of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists' 2004 Photo Contest, with his stunning aerial photograph of two farmers cutting alfalfa in a center pivot irrigated field.

Lundquist’s entry was one of 24 photos from 11 countries entered in the Federation’s annual contest. The winning entries were announced March 18, 2004, during the Federation’s 48th annual Congress in Cape Town, South Africa. As one of the judges described the photo, "Technically, it’s wonderful – the colors are vibrant, the clarity is exceptional, showing detail on even the bug-like machinery below. And, the photographer chose just the right angle for the photo."

Winning second place was a photo by Karen Simon, USA, showing a close up of an individual kernel of corn in a planter in the process of being planted. Simon is managing editor of Corn & Soybean Digest. "The idea for the photo was fantastic," noted one of the judges. "The photographer picked out a very small detail of planting to produce a photo with a lot of impact."

All photos had to have been published to be eligible.

The first place winner received a crystal trophy and a 500 euro cash prize. Second place received a crystal trophy.

Special mention was given by the judges to photos entered by Dietrich Habbe, Germany; Kathy Birt, Canada; Marcel Bekken, The Netherlands; and Dennis McClintic, USA.

The International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) is a non-political, professional federation of agricultural journalist associations and guilds in 28 countries. IFAJ supports and encourages the practice of agricultural journalism worldwide.