Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is inviting young photographers across the state to participate in the 2025 Cream of the Crop Photo Contest. This contest offers students ages 8 to 18 a unique opportunity to creatively express their vision of agriculture in Illinois. The deadline for submissions is June 13th.
Bright Start scholarships will be awarded to the top three students in each of the three age categories: $1,000 for first place, $500 for second, and $250 for third.
The Treasurer’s Office is accepting electronic entries for the contest at CreamoftheCropContest.com. Photographs will be evaluated in three age groups: 8-10, 11-14, and 15-18. Each student may submit up to two photos by the June 13th deadline.
For the contest rules, terms, and legal conditions, visit the website or contact Teri Whitfield at 217-900-0075.
Now in its 13th year, the Cream of the Crop Photo Contest provides Illinois students with a platform to showcase their most innovative and scenic images that highlight agriculture in the state. Since its inception in 2013, over 750 students have participated, submitting more than 1,400 photos.
The contest is part of the Illinois State Treasurer’s Ag Invest program, and winning entries will be featured in Ag Invest marketing materials, next year’s Cream of the Crop calendar, and at the 2025 Illinois State Fair.
Ag Invest is one of the nation’s largest agricultural linked deposit programs, celebrating 42 years in 2025. It supports hundreds of Illinois farmers and agricultural professionals by partnering with eligible financial institutions to provide operating lines of credit and long-term, low-interest loans for operating costs, equipment purchases, construction-related expenses, and livestock purchases.
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