One of my favorite parts of the BEEF Daily blog is the photography contests. It’s fun to hear from readers and get to know more about you, your families, your ranching operations, and your beloved horses and cattle dogs. It’s really a great way to connect the BEEF magazine community, and the images you send in are truly breathtaking.

Recently, Jamie Purfeerst, senior associate editor for BEEF, helped me round up the top five photo galleries from 2014. From cowboys, to cowgirls, to kids and calves, to ranching through the seasons, these galleries capture the heart and soul of American agriculture.

To kick off the work week, here are the galleries that received the most click-throughs last year:

Subscribe now to Cow-Calf Weekly to get the latest industry research and information in your inbox every Friday!

1. 60 stunning photos that showcase ranch work ethics

"Stare Down" by Laurie Johnson

2. 65 photos that celebrate cowgirls and cattlewomen

"Best Buds" by Jennifer Carrico

3. 80 photos of our favorite calves and cowboys

"I'm Trying To Stand Up, Ma" by Sarah Anderson

4. 70 photos that honor the hardworking cowboys on the ranch

"Jake and Dad" by Rachel Marthaler

5. Breathtaking photos of winter on the ranch

"Blending In" by Darcy Sexson

Feel free to browse through these amazing collections of photographs, and send me your ideas for contest themes in 2015 to [email protected]. Which photo gallery was your favorite? If you could hang one of these photos on your living room wall, which one would you pick? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

The opinions of Amanda Radke are not necessarily those of Beefmagazine.com or the Penton Farm Progress Group.

You might also like:

Top 20 beef industry events of 2014

How will declining fuel prices affect beef demand?

How Schiefelbein Farms made room on the ranch for nine sons

100 biggest seedstock producers in the U.S.

70 photos honor the hardworking cowboys on the ranch