What's Happening?
As part of the America250 celebration, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is encouraging school-aged students in Iowa to participate in the 2026 Choose Iowa Calendar Contest. This initiative is part of the state's efforts to celebrate the 250th anniversary
of the United States. The contest invites students to submit artwork that combines elements of Iowa agriculture with patriotic themes. The Choose Iowa program, which promotes Iowa-grown and made products, supports this contest. Students are asked to create drawings on plain white paper, focusing on aspects such as food, beverages, livestock, and crop production, while incorporating symbols of American pride. The winning artworks will be featured in the 2026/2027 Choose Iowa calendar, which will be distributed at the Iowa State Fair and online. The contest is open to students up to 18 years old, and submissions must be received by June 1, 2026.
Why It's Important?
The Choose Iowa Calendar Contest serves as a platform to engage young Iowans in celebrating both their state's agricultural heritage and the broader national milestone of America's 250th anniversary. By participating, students not only express their creativity but also deepen their understanding of the importance of agriculture in their daily lives and its role in the state's economy. This initiative helps foster a sense of pride and connection to both local and national identities. Additionally, the contest promotes the Choose Iowa brand, which aims to boost the visibility and consumption of Iowa's agricultural products, potentially benefiting local farmers and producers by increasing demand for their goods.
What's Next?
The next steps involve students preparing and submitting their artwork by the June 1 deadline. Following the submission period, the entries will be evaluated based on creativity and the integration of agricultural and patriotic themes. The winners will be announced and recognized at a special awards ceremony on August 18, 2026, during the Iowa State Fair. This event will provide an opportunity for the winning students to gain public recognition and for the Choose Iowa program to further promote its mission. The distribution of the calendar at the fair and online will continue to highlight Iowa's agricultural contributions and the talents of its young residents.
