Homegrown Photo Contest

Jude Becker, of Becker Lane Organic Farm in Dyersville, is a sixth-generation hog farmer, running a family farm that dates back to 1850. By the 1980s, "the farm was struggling to keep its head above water in a sea of industrialized farms," according to “Locally Grown: Portraits of Artisanal Farms from America's Heartland.”

Becker Lane is one of 20 Midwest farms highlighted in the book, by author Anna Blessing.

Blessing tells the story of the farms that provide fresh ingredients to Chicago's top restaurants, illuminating the passion, hard work and skill that goes into producing locally grown food.

If you'd like to see more about Becker Lane and the other farms, along with mouth-watering recipes and gorgeous photos, I can help. The publisher sent me this new book and I have a new way to give it away.

Just post a photo of your bountiful harvest, beautiful flowers or other gardening or nature scenes to the Homegrown Facebook page and I'll include your name in a drawing for the book.

One winner's name will be drawn on Sept. 1, so you have the month of August to take photos and enter.

If you're not already a Homegrown Facebook friend, click “like” on the home/garden page with the pink malva flowers.