Kids Cultivate Agriculture Pitch Contest

• Hit the ‘Apply Now’ below to access the brief Google Form, including questions about your project and what you plan to do with the prize money.
• At the end of the Google Form, applicants will be asked to submit a 1-3 minute pitch video. TIP: This can be a super simple "selfie mode" video.
• Video should include key details like:
  • Introduction about yourself
  • Clear explanation of your project (Describe your idea. What does it do? How does it relate to agriculture?)
  • Rationale (Think: What problem is your project trying to solve? Who is your target audience? Why is this project a good idea?)
  • Why you deserve the prize money (if you win, how will it be used?)
• A committee of judges will review applications and select a pool of finalists to move on to live pitch round on August 20.

Example of the Google Form PDF

WHO CAN APPLY?
Youth ages 5 to 21, divided into two age divisions:

• Junior: Ages 5-12
• Senior: Ages 13-21
• Youth from all states are eligible to participate. Depending on the number of applicants, the Erie County Fair may create additional divisions

CATEGORIES

• Innovation in Farming: Projects can include tools, techniques, or technology to improve farming efficiency.
• Sustainability: Ideas on environmentally-friendly farming practices or reducing waste in agriculture.
• Community: Projects that promote agriculture within the community, increase accessibility, or support local farmers.
• Education: Initiatives aimed at teaching younger generations about agriculture.
• Livestock: Proposals to improve animal health, welfare, or management. Can include unique opportunities to acquire livestock.
• Other: If you have a project idea that does not meet the above categories but supports agriculture, please select this category.

PRIZES

• Finalists will receive (3) admission tickets to the Erie County Fair
• Cash prizes will be awarded to the top 2 winners in each age division selected by the panel of judges. A People’s Choice award will also be awarded based on audience voting.
  • $1,000 to first place in each division
  • $750 to the second place in each division
  • $250 to People’s Choice

JUDGING CRITERIA

• Creativity (20%) – Originality and uniqueness of the idea.
• Relevance to Agriculture (20%) – Clear connection to agriculture and potential benefits.
• Practicality (20%) – Feasibility and scalability of the idea.
• Community Impact (20%) – How it could benefit the local community or agricultural industry.
• Presentation Skills (20%) – Clarity, confidence, and ability to communicate the idea effectively.

KEY DATES

• May 1: Applications due (by midnight)
• June 1: Finalists will be notified
• June to early August: Finalists will work to refine their pitch and collaborate with mentor (online or in-person)
• August 20: Mandatory rehearsal at 9 a.m. on the Cornerstone Avenue of Flags stage, with breakfast to follow
• August 20: LIVE pitch on the Cornerstone Avenue of Flags stage at the Erie County Fair

Questions? Email community@ecfair.org