Meet the 1st Place Winners of the Cream of the Crop Photo Contest at the Illinois State Fair

Treasurer Michael Frerichs will honor young photographers at reception on August 14 at the Illinois Department of Agriculture tent

Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs will host a reception in the Illinois Department of Agriculture's tent at the Illinois State Fairgrounds on Friday, August 14 to honor the first-place winners of the 2026 Cream of the Crop Photo Contest. The annual contest encourages young photographers to share their vision of agriculture in our state.

WHO: Treasurer Michael Frerichs

Hadley G., Arenzville: 8-10 age category

Carter S., Windsor: 11-14 age category

Abram W., Jacksonville: 15-18 age category

WHAT: First place winners, all of whom have been invited to attend, will be recognized by Treasurer Frerichs for their achievements in the 2026 Cream of the Crop photo contest. The contest included three age-based categories: ages 8-10, 11-14, and 15-18. Each student was allowed to submit up to two photos.

Each first-place winner will be awarded a $1,000 Bright Start scholarship.

The Cream of the Crop contest is part of Ag Invest, a program in Treasurer Frerichs' office and one of the nation's largest agricultural linked deposit programs. Ag Invest offers loan opportunities for Illinois farmers and agri-businesses to start, expand, or add value to their farm operations. The program has supported more than 13,000 borrowers and partnered with more than 80 financial institutions since 2015, when Frerichs became treasurer.

WHEN: Friday, August 14, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.

WHERE: Illinois State Fairgrounds - Department of Agriculture Tent (Patio)

Media Contacts

Eric Krol 312.814.1252

Adriana Colindres 217.558.1920

*Note: Please contact us if you'd like to interview the winners and their families, and we will help make the connections.