Illinois State Treasurer begins 2025 Cream of the Crop Photo Contest

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is encouraging young in-state photographers to submit pictures for an annual photo contest.

The 2025 Cream of the Crop Photo Contest will provide students with a creative opportunity to share their vision of agriculture in the state of Illinois. This is the 13th year of this contest, and students from ages 8-18 can submit contest entries until the June 13 deadline.

Additionally, Bright Start scholarships of $1,000, $500 and $250 will be awarded to students who place first, second or third in each of the three age categories.

“I’m excited to announce the opening of the contest because it’s a great opportunity for students to go out, explore, and use their cameras to highlight the beauty of Illinois agriculture,” Frerichs said. “Illinois is a leader in the agricultural industry because of our skilled, hardworking farmers, millions of acres of rich farmland, and diversity in products.”

This contest offers students across the state an opportunity to show off their most scenic or innovative photos that portray their vision of agriculture in Illinois. Since the contest’s inception in 2013, more than 750 students have submitted upwards of 1,400 photos.

Cream of the Crop is part of Frerichs’ Ag Invest program. All prize-winning photos will be displayed in Ag Invest marketing material and in next year’s Cream of the Crop calendar, as well as at the 2025 Illinois State Fair.

The Treasurer’s Office is accepting electronic contest submissions at creamofthecropcontest.com. Winning photographs will be chosen in three age-based categories: ages 8-10, 11-14 and 15-18. Additionally, each student participant is allowed to submit up to two photos by June 13.

Anyone interested in reviewing the rules, terms and legal conditions associated with the competition should visit the same website as where to send electronic submissions or contact Teri Whitfield at 217-900-0075.