Here’s How These Illinois Kids Turned Ag Photos Into College Money
We recently took a visit to the sunflower fields at Skelly's Farm Market in Janesville, Wisconsin, and it was easy to look like a professional photographer with all the beauty in the farm fields.
A group of young photographers used their creativity on the farm to snap photos that ended up winning them college scholarship money through an Illinois Agriculture photo contest.
Young Illinois Photographers Turn Farm Scenes Into Money
Winners of the 2026 Cream of the Crop Photography Contest were just announced after students from across the state submitted pictures they captured showing the beauty, diversity, and importance of agriculture across Illinois.
The contest featured over 150 photos from students ages 8 to 18, with winners selected across three age categories, with the top nine photographers receiving Bright Start 529 college savings scholarships.
Winning Photos Highlight Illinois Farms and Rural Life
The winning images showcase everything from crops and livestock to the history and daily work behind Illinois Ag.
Students competed in three age groups: 8-10, 11-14, and 15-18, with first place in each category receiving a $1,000 Bright Start scholarship, second place receiving $500, and third place $250.
Age 8-10 Group Winner: Hadley G. of Arenzville for "Hello Brown Eyes"
Age 11-14 Group Winner: Carter S. of Windsor for "Cutting Wheat"
Age 15-18 Group Winner: Abram W. of Jacksonville for "Corn Rows"
Photos Displayed at 2026 Illinois State Fair
The winning photographs will be proudly displayed during the Illinois State Fair from August 13-23 in the Treasurer's Tent; first-place photos will be in the lobby of the Illinois State Treasurer's Office in Springfield.
The Cream of the Crop Photography Contest began in 2013, and since its inception, nearly 1,000 Illinois students have had their work featured.
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