KANKAKEE – Senate Agriculture Chair Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is encouraging young photographers to submit photos for the 2021 Cream of the Crop Photography Contest.

“This is a great contest for kids, but also a great teaching moment about our state’s number one industry – agriculture,” Joyce said. “I encourage young photographers throughout the area to share their vision of Illinois agriculture by submitting an entry.”

Electronic photo submissions will be accepted from Illinois students ages 8-18. Top photographs will be chosen in three age categories: ages 8-10, 11 14 and 15-18. Each student is permitted to submit up to two photos by June 24, 2021.
 
The photo contest is part of the Ag Invest program. Winning photos will be featured in Ag Invest marketing material and displayed at the 2021 Illinois State Fair.

Ag Invest is one of the nation’s largest agricultural linked deposit programs. It helps hundreds of Illinois farmers and agriculture professionals. The treasurer’s office, through Ag Invest, partners with eligible financial institutions to offer farmers and agriculture businesses annual and long-term, low-interest loans which can be used for operating costs, equipment purchases, construction-related expenses and livestock purchases.  

“Let’s seek photographs to showcase why Illinois is a leader in the agricultural industry with its rich soil, diversity in products, and millions of acres of farmland,” said Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs. “We want to encourage students to grab their cameras, get out, and explore the beauty Illinois has to offer.”
 
To read the rules, terms, and legal conditions associated with this contest, visit the treasurer’s website at www.CreamoftheCropContest.com or contact Teri Whitfield at 217-900-0075.