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2026 Innovative Ag Services Photo Contest Winners Announced

Dec 15, 2025

Spraying Young Corn In Field at Sunset with Sun Dogs

Written by: Shelby Wartick, Communications Director

The wait is over — and it was worth it.

After reviewing numerous incredible submissions from across our cooperative footprint, we’re excited to officially announce the winners of the 2026 Innovative Ag Services Photo Contest. These images will be featured in the 2026 IAS Calendar, celebrating the landscapes, people, and everyday moments that define life in the Midwest.

This year’s calendar took a little longer to arrive than usual as we aligned production with finalized WASDE report dates. We truly appreciate everyone’s patience — and we’re thrilled to finally share the results.

From quiet morning light to powerful scenes of harvest and livestock care, each winning photo tells a story rooted in agriculture, community, and pride in the land. Selecting just 13 images was no easy task, and every submission reflected the talent and perspective of our members and community.

Each selected photographer will receive two complimentary copies of the 2026 IAS Calendar. Our cover photographer, Corey Hoffmann of Waukon, Iowa, will receive five copies and a grand prize valued at $100.

Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this year’s contest such a success. We’re already looking forward to next year — so keep those cameras ready. The 2027 calendar will be here before we know it.

2026 Calendar Photo Winners

Cover
Bluff Country – Corey Hoffmann, Waukon, IA

January
The Firsts of Calving Season – Cole Fishwild, Monmouth, IA

February
Bottle Calf, Brutus Loves Feeding Time! – Brittany Zeimet, Monmouth, IA

March
Spreader at Dusk – Peter Niklasen, Epworth, IA

April
Impending Rain – Allison Brown, New Providence, IA

May
Feeding the Corn – Thomas Wacker, Elkader, IA

June
Summer Nights – Holly Bries, Guttenberg, IA

July
Crop Dusting – DeAnne Lee, Radcliffe, IA

August
Summer Harvest – Melissa Schumann, Garber, IA

September
Morning Glory – Dakota McKittrick, Alden, IA

October
Calves in the Morning – Shana Hilgerson, St. Olaf, IA

November
Valley Jackson County – Gabe Gardner, Maquoketa, IA

December
Sunset Ripples – Katie Vaske, Manchester, IA

See a video featuring all the images below.

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