Iowa students are invited to enter their artistic pieces to the 2026 Choose Iowa calendar contest as part of the nation’s upcoming semiquincentennial. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says, “The Choose Iowa Calendar Contest offers school-aged students a fun opportunity to highlight Iowa agriculture and its incredible importance to our state and our country. As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, we’re reminded that many of our nation’s founders were farmers and that agriculture has helped sustain our country and our communities for generations. I encourage students to create artwork that showcases Iowa agriculture while also incorporating elements, themes, or symbols that reflect patriotism and American pride.” The contest is organized through the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) and promotes Choose Iowa, the state’s branding program for Iowa-sourced food, beverages, and agricultural products. Students up to 18 years old are asked to submit black-line drawings featuring elements of Iowa agriculture, such as crops, livestock, or horticulture, combined with patriotic themes tied to the nation’s anniversary. Winning artists will be recognized Aug. 18 during a ceremony at the Agriculture Building at the Iowa State Fair. Selected artwork will also appear in the 2026-27 Choose Iowa coloring calendar distributed during the fair and online. The deadline to enter is June 1. Details on how to send in submissions are included below.
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Choose Iowa Coloring Calendar Contest | Choose Iowa
