Illinois Photographers Capture the Heart of Farming in 2025 Fields of Corn Contest

By Tara Desmond

Illinois farmers and farm families were well represented in the 2025 Fields of Corn Photo Contest, hosted by the National Corn Growers Association. Three Illinois entries earned national recognition, offering a unique perspective on modern agriculture, from the air and from the heart.

From sweeping aerial views to deeply personal harvest moments, these photos do more than showcase corn—they tell stories of planning, pride, and stewardship that often go unseen.

Behind every field are years of coordination and long-term planning. Every waterway, field edge, and structure represents decisions about drainage, soil conservation, logistics, and timing. Todd farms corn and soybeans alongside his dad and uncle, continuing a family operation where stewardship and sustainability remain a priority.

Todd hopes viewers—especially those far removed from agriculture—pause and look closer.

“Most people don’t get to see farms from this perspective, and many are far removed from agriculture altogether,” Wachtel said. “Photos like this help bridge that gap by showing the scale, complexity, and beauty of modern farming. When farmers tell their own story visually, it adds honesty and context—and it reminds people that agriculture isn’t abstract. It’s families, land, and livelihoods working together.”

For Todd, the aerial view isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about showing intention. Not simply land being farmed, but land being cared for with decisions that will matter decades from now.