Treasurer Michael Frerichs Opens 2026 Cream of the Crop Photography Contest for Younger Illinois Residents

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is asking on younger Illinois photographers to submit their agriculture-related images for the 2026 Cream of the Crop Photography Contest. Winners in three completely different age classes can be awarded Bright Start faculty financial savings account scholarships starting from $250 to $1,000.

The contest entry deadline is June 12, 2026. The competitors, now in its 14th yr, supplies college students ages 8 to 18 with a artistic alternative to share their imaginative and prescient of agriculture in our state. 

“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 mentioned. “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.” 

The Treasurer’s Office is now accepting digital submissions for the Cream of the Crop Photo Contest at this link. Each taking part scholar could submit as much as two images by June 12, 2026. 

A panel of out of doors judges will select the highest pictures in three age-based classes: ages 8-10, 11-14 and 15-18. Bright Start scholarships of $1,000, $500 and $250 can be awarded to college students who place first, second or third in every of the three classes.

To learn the principles, phrases, and authorized circumstances related to this contest, go to this link on the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office web site or contact Teri Whitfield at 217.900.0075.

Now in its 14th yr, the picture contest affords Illinois college students a possibility to showcase their most progressive or scenic photos that depict their imaginative and prescient of agriculture in our state. Nearly 900 college students have participated within the contest because it debuted in 2013, they usually have submitted nearly 1,600 images.

The Cream of the Crop Photo Contest is a part of the Illinois State Treasurer’s Ag Invest program. Winning images can be featured in Ag Invest advertising and marketing materials and subsequent yr’s Cream of the Crop calendar, in addition to on the 2026 Illinois State Fair.

Ag Invest is likely one of the nation’s largest agricultural linked deposit packages, celebrating 43 years in 2026. It helps a whole bunch of Illinois farmers and agriculture professionals. The Treasurer’s Office, by way of Ag Invest, companions with eligible monetary establishments to supply farmers and ag companies working traces of credit score and long-term, low-interest loans which can be utilized for working prices, tools purchases, construction-related bills and livestock purchases.  

***Courtesy of The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office***