By Andi Anderson
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig celebrated the talents of 16 young Iowans by honoring them as winners of the 2024-2025 Choose Iowa Coloring Calendar contest.
The recognition ceremony took place at the 2024 Iowa State Fair, where the students' artwork was unveiled as part of the state's signature brand, Choose Iowa, which highlights products grown, raised, and made in Iowa.
The Choose Iowa Coloring Calendar contest encourages Iowa students aged 18 years or younger to create artwork that reflects the importance and productivity of Iowa's agriculture.
This year, the contest received over 200 submissions from students across the state, showcasing their creative connections to Iowa's agricultural heritage.
“Choose Iowa is all about showcasing the food and ag products that are grown, raised or made in our state. It’s exciting to see our students creatively portray their connections to Iowa agriculture each year through this contest,” said Secretary Naig. “Choose Iowa is continuing to grow as a brand, and we are thrilled so many talented young people are interested in Iowa agriculture and participated in the contest this year. Their artwork will now be enjoyed by thousands of Iowans who utilize the Choose Iowa Coloring Calendar throughout the year ahead.”
The 16 student-artists, whose names were announced at the fair, represent various communities across Iowa.
Their winning artwork will be featured in the 2024-2025 Choose Iowa Coloring Calendar, which will be available to fairgoers at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s booths in the Agriculture Building and Varied Industries Building while supplies last.
High-quality photos of the winners receiving their certificates will be available on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s Flickr page within a month of the ceremony.
Looking ahead, students 18 years or younger are encouraged to submit their drawings for the September 2025 – August 2026 Choose Iowa Coloring Calendar.
Submissions should be in black and white, drawn horizontally on 8 ½ by 11-inch paper, and can be sent electronically to ChooseIowa@IowaAgriculture.gov or mailed to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.
The Choose Iowa Coloring Calendar contest continues to be an excellent opportunity for young Iowans to express their creativity while connecting with the agricultural roots of their state, further strengthening the bond between Iowa’s youth and its rich agricultural traditions.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-poike
Categories: Iowa, Rural Lifestyle