Caring for the Land

First Prize

Leah Bigham, Fresno County

The friendship and loyalty that a working dog can bring to a farmer is priceless, and this is certainly the case for Leah Bigham and her Australian Shepherd mix, "Posse." Posse is shown here watching over her family's ranching operation. Bigham was riding around on her horse with Posse in tow when they took a break and she noticed that the dog was posing for her. Posse was a New Year's surprise from her dad and one that she says she will always cherish. Bigham, who operates a local feed store in the Fresno area with her family, says she is proud of her farming heritage and enjoys working with her family as they support the farmers in their area.

Second Prize

Tracy Vineyard, Placer County

Recycling and caring for the land are a regular way of life for Tracy Vineyard and her family. When son Andrew brought home a school project that had to do with the importance of ecology, she and the 12-year-old set out to do their regular chores--which include collecting recyclables that find their way along their property and frontage road--to satisfy one of the requirements. Vineyard recalls that the beautiful spring day provided the ideal opportunity for this busy mother of four to spend time with her oldest child doing something good for Mother Earth and getting some homework done, too!