SPRINGFIELD — Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today encouraged families to take a drive, enjoy a walk, or explore their own farm, while physical distancing, to take pictures to submit for the 2020 Cream of the Crop Photo Contest.
The 8 th annual contest encourages young photographers to share their vision of agriculture in our state.
“With kids at home from school with their families, this is a great opportunity to go on a walk, take a drive, or even explore their own farming property to capture the beauty of Illinois agriculture,” Frerichs said. “This is a fun contest for kids, but also a great teaching moment about the importance of agriculture in Illinois.” The treasurer’s office is accepting electronic submissions for the Cream of the Crop Photo Contest from Illinois students, ages 8-18. Top photographs will be chosen in three age-based categories:
ages 8-10, 11-14, and 15-18. Each student is allowed to submit up to two photos by June 24, 2020.
The photo contest is part of the Ag Invest program and offers an opportunity for Illinois students to submit their most innovative or scenic picture that depicts their vision of agriculture in our state. Winning photos will be featured in Ag Invest marketing materials and at the 2020 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 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 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.