Iowa Students Invited to Enter Choose Iowa Calendar Contest

Artwork should combine Iowa agriculture with patriotic themes for 250th anniversary celebration.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:20pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen print featuring repeated images of an iconic Iowa farm product, such as corn or soybeans, in a vibrant pop art style that celebrates the state's agricultural identity.The Choose Iowa Calendar Contest encourages students to creatively combine the state's agricultural heritage with patriotic themes for the nation's 250th anniversary.Des Moines Today

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has announced the 2026 Choose Iowa Calendar Contest, inviting school-aged students across the state to create original artwork that showcases Iowa agriculture alongside patriotic themes as part of the country's 250th anniversary celebration.

Why it matters

The Choose Iowa program promotes local agricultural products and producers, and this calendar contest provides an opportunity for young Iowans to showcase their creative talents while connecting their state's rich farming heritage to the broader American identity.

The details

Students up to 18 years old can submit entries featuring elements such as crops, livestock, food or horticulture alongside symbols of American pride. Winning artwork will be featured in the 2026-27 Choose Iowa calendar and recognized at the Iowa State Fair on August 18.

  • The contest submission deadline is June 1 at noon.
  • The winning artwork will be showcased at the Iowa State Fair on August 18.

The players

Mike Naig

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, who announced the 2026 Choose Iowa Calendar Contest.

Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

The state agency supporting the Choose Iowa program and organizing the calendar contest.

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What they’re saying

“The Choose Iowa program highlights Iowa-grown, made and raised products.”

— Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture

What’s next

The winning artwork will be featured in the 2026-27 Choose Iowa calendar, which will be distributed across the state.

The takeaway

This calendar contest provides a creative outlet for young Iowans to celebrate their state's agricultural heritage and connect it to the broader American identity as the country marks its 250th anniversary.