Students Invited to Enter Ag Photo Contest

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is encouraging young photographers to submit entries for the 2026 Cream of the Crop Photography Contest, with scholarships of up to $1,000 available through Bright Start college savings accounts.

The contest, now in its 14th year, is open to Illinois students ages 8 to 18 and invites participants to capture images that reflect their vision of agriculture across the state. Entries are due by June 12, 2026, and each student may submit up to two photos.

“I enjoy hosting this contest each year because it inspires students to go out and explore the beauty of Illinois agriculture while also displaying their creative talents,” Frerichs said. “Illinois is home to skilled and dedicated farmers, millions of acres of fertile farmland, and a diverse range of products, all of which make us a leader in the agricultural industry.”

Winners will be selected in three age categories: 8 to 10, 11 to 14, and 15 to 18. First-, second- and third-place finishers in each category will receive Bright Start scholarships of $1,000, $500 and $250, respectively.

Submissions are being accepted electronically through the Treasurer’s Office website. Contest rules, terms and additional details are also available online, or by contacting Teri Whitfield at 217-900-0075.

Since its launch in 2013, nearly 900 students have participated in the contest, submitting close to 1,600 photos.

Winning entries will be featured in Ag Invest marketing materials, the 2026 Cream of the Crop calendar and displayed at the 2026 Illinois State Fair.

The contest is part of the Illinois State Treasurer’s Ag Invest program, one of the nation’s largest agricultural linked deposit programs. Ag Invest partners with financial institutions to provide farmers and agricultural businesses with access to low-interest loans for operating costs, equipment, construction and livestock purchases.