Kids Cultivate Agriculture Pitch Contest

EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION OF AGRICULTURAL INNOVATORS

Finalists will receive mentorship and pitch their ideas LIVE on stage at the Fair on Thursday, August 14 at 4:30pm on the Cornerstone Avenue of Flags Stage for a chance to win cash prizes!

Youth ages 5 to 21, are divided into two age divisions:

• Junior: Ages 5-12
• Senior: Ages 13-21

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.