By Andi Anderson
The annual #CornCutie contest brought smiles and warm farm memories as families across Illinois shared adorable photos of their young farm helpers. This year’s winners captured the true spirit of agriculture and family tradition.
First Place – Greta
Greta, age 12, is the proud daughter of a fifth-generation grain farmer near Lisbon, Illinois. She is part of KEJ Friestad Farms, where her grandpa, dad, and uncle work together to raise grain and a small herd of cattle.
Greta also enjoys showing pigs and lambs each summer. On the day her winning photo was taken, she and her brothers had been cleaning grain bins—a job she tackled with determination. Greta says harvest is her favorite time of year because she loves delivering meals, riding in the combine, and taking samples at the dryer.
Second Place – Elmer Temple
The runner-up prize went to two-year-old Elmer Wayne Temple of Serena, Illinois. Elmer is already a busy helper on his family’s sixth-generation corn and soybean farm. His dad, Bryan, also raises Montadale sheep, feeder cattle for direct sales, and operates a hay and straw business. His mom, Carolann, is an agriculture-focused lawyer, making farming a true family affair.
Elmer even runs his own small business, Elmer’s Eggs, managing 50 laying hens and selling eggs directly to customers and a local grocery store. Whether feeding animals, picking rocks, or riding the tractor, Elmer loves farm life.
Although the contest has ended, families are encouraged to keep sharing their #CornCutie photos. These young farmers remind everyone that agriculture’s future is bright and filled with heartwarming moments worth celebrating.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-ridvan-celik
Categories: Illinois, Rural Lifestyle