From the Editor

If you believe that Iowa is flat and boring, please turn to page 40. There, Justin Rogers will show you why the Hawkeye State is God’s country. With its weathered barns, covered bridges, pastoral landscapes and the genuine character of those who call it home, Iowa captures the spirit and beauty of America’s heartland. Justin became a contributor to the magazine thanks to the Country Life Photo Contest. Last year, his image of a foggy morning sunrise at Iowa’s Badger Creek State Recreation Area won the scenery category. I was so intrigued by the photo that I reached out to him, and we turned his enthusiasm for photography and Iowa into a cover story.

That’s what makes the Country Life Photo Contest special—the people who enter share with us not only their snapshots, but also their love of the land. We’ve gathered this year’s winning and honorable mention photos in a collection that starts on page 32.

The grand prize winner is Dana Foreman of Old Fort, North Carolina. In her contest entry, Dana wrote that looking at the famous Schwabacher Landing in Wyoming’s Grand Tetons in her image gives her a feeling of peace.

And on page 24, you’ll meet Tawny Nelson, the grand prize winner of the Our Country Home Contest. As a kid, Tawny dreamed of living in the country. Today she grows hay on 80 acres in Oregon. Her story is an inspiration to all who dream of a simpler life.

Readers like Justin, Dana and Tawny take some amazing photos. In 2018, we’ll give all you shutterbugs out there more opportunities to enter and win. First up is our Winter Photo Contest. If you have fun snapshots of snow play or gorgeous winter scenes to share, turn to page 8 for details. We hope the contest will inspire you to get outside and capture the beauty around you.