Abram W., “Corn Rows” — Jacksonville
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS/WRSP) — Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs has announced the winners of the 2026 Cream of the Crop Photography Contest, highlighting young photographers who captured the state’s agricultural landscape.
The contest featured students ages 8 to 18 from across Illinois, with the top nine photographers earning Bright Start 529 college savings scholarships.
First-place winners in each age category will receive a $1,000 scholarship, while second-place winners will receive $500 and third-place winners will receive $250.
The winning photos will be displayed Aug. 13 through Aug. 23 at the Treasurer’s Tent during the Illinois State Fair. Winning entries will also be featured in the 2026-2027 Ag Invest calendar, and first-place photos will be displayed at the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office in downtown Springfield.
This year’s contest received 152 entries focused on Illinois agriculture.
Winners include:
Ages 8-10:
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First Place: Hadley G., “Hello Brown Eyes” — Arenzville
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Second Place: Eleanor W., “Pasture” — Jacksonville
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Third Place: Skye P., “Progress” — Danville
Ages 11-14:
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First Place: Carter S., “Cutting Wheat” — Windsor
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Second Place: Graham C., “Beginning to Sprout” — Camargo
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Third Place: Jesse S., “Grain Elevator” — Petersburg
Ages 15-18:
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First Place: Abram W., “Corn Rows” — Jacksonville
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Second Place: Hope N., “History” — Smithton
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Third Place: Olivia C., “We’re Ready” — Bunker Hill
Frerichs invited the first-place winners to an Aug. 14 reception during Agriculture Day at the Illinois State Fair.
Click here to view all the winning photos.