Kids Cultivate Agriculture Pitch Contest

EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION OF AGRICULTURAL INNOVATORS

New in 2025, the Erie County Fair is excited to introduce Kids Cultivate — a youth pitch competition inviting ages 5–21 to share creative ideas that support the future of agriculture.

Whether you’ve grown up around livestock or are just discovering agriculture, this contest is for you. Finalists will receive mentorship and pitch their ideas LIVE on stage at the Fair on Thursday, August 14 for a chance to win cash prizes!

Applicants can submit ideas in a range of categories—from sustainability and education to farming innovation and livestock. All youth are encouraged to apply, no experience required!

Thank you to our generous sponsors

APPLICATION PROCESS

Hit the ‘Apply Now’ button at the bottom of this page 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. Cellphone videos are acceptable.
A committee of judges will review applications and select a pool of finalists to move on to live pitch round on August 14.

WHO CAN APPLY?

Youth ages 5 to 21, 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.

KEY DATES

May 30: Applications due (by midnight)
June 13: Finalists will be notified
June 23: Online kick-off event
Late June to early August: Finalists will work to refine their pitch and collaborate with mentor (online or in-person)
August 14: Run-thru & reception in the morning and the LIVE pitch at 5 p.m. on the Avenue of Flags stage at the Erie County Fair

APPLY NOW

Questions? Email community@ecfair.org