Winners Showcase the Pride in Illinois Agriculture
SPRINGFIELD — Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today announced the winners of the 2020 Cream of the Crop Photo Contest. The annual contest encourages young photographers to explore and take photos that share their vision of agriculture in our state.
“Illinois is a proud leader in agriculture serving people all around the world,” Frerichs said. “Thank you to all the children and young adults who participated in this contest, giving us a glimpse of Illinois farms, animals, and rich culture through your eyes.” Winning photo entries can be viewed here. Winning entries and other submissions will be featured in a 2021 calendar and used in marketing materials.
There were three age-based categories for this year’s contest: ages 8-10, 11-14, and 15-18. Each student was allowed to submit up to two photos by June 24.
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 the Ag Invest program, partners with eligible lenders to offer farmers and ag businesses annual and long-term, low-interest loans which can be used for operating costs, equipment purchases, construction- related expenses, and livestock purchases.
To read all the rules, terms, and legal conditions associated with this contest, visit our website at
8-10 Age Bracket Winners First Place: Neighbors Passing By, Mia Tope, Campbell, IL Second Place: Country Living, Lily DeAth, Indianola, IL Third Place: Guarding Eggs, Alison Koester, Red Bud, IL 11-14 Age Bracket Winners First Place: Working Dawn Till Dusk, Drew Mickey, Taylorville, IL Second Place: Cherish Every Sunset, Kelsea Klingenberg, Princeton, IL Third Place: Funk Farm, Addi Jo Funk, Du Quoin, IL 15-18 Age Bracket Winners First Place: Sunset over Corn Field and Grazing Cows, Tanner Mickey, Taylorville, IL Second Place: Beautiful Old Barn, Noah Sandage, Marion, IL Third Place: Soybean Crop, Noah Sandage, Marion, IL About the Illinois Treasurer As Illinois State Treasurer, Frerichs is the state’s Chief Investment and Banking Officer and actively manages approximately $30 billion. The portfolio includes $13 billion in state funds, $11 billion in college savings plans and $6 billion on behalf of local and state governments. The investment approach is cautious to ensure the preservation of capital and returns $42 to the state for every $1 spent in operations. Frerichs’ office protects consumers by safeguarding more than $3 billion in unclaimed property, encouraging savings plans for college or trade school, increasing financial education among all ages, assisting people with disabilities save without losing government benefits, and removing barriers to a secure retirement. The Treasurer’s Office predates Illinois incorporation in 1818. Voters in 1848 chose to make it an elected office.