Young Creators Contest returns for a third year

The Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) Young Creators Contest is back for a third year, inviting young Albertans to explore the people, practices, and landscapes behind the province’s beef sector through art, photography, video, podcasts, and more. 

Over the past two years, the contest has highlighted the talent and unique perspectives of young people from across the province. This year, participants once again have the opportunity to explore Alberta’s beef industry through art, storytelling, photography, video, podcasting, and other creative mediums while competing for exciting prizes and recognition. 

With tailored challenges for a variety of age groups, the Young Creators Contest is designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a deeper understanding of the role cattle and beef production play in Alberta. 

Why enter the contest? 

Exciting prizes: Win cash prizes, books, educational resources, ABP-branded gear, networking opportunities, and even hands-on industry experiences. 
Showcase your talent: Selected entries will be featured on ABP’s online platforms and displayed in ABP offices and at industry events. 
More ways to create: From drawings and infographics to podcasts and videos, participants can choose a format that best showcases their talents. 
Learn while you create: Explore topics such as cattle care, sustainability, food production, and the importance of the beef industry through engaging, age-appropriate challenges.

Important dates

• Contest opens: October 5, 2026
• Submission deadline: December 7, 2026
• Winners announced: December 19, 2026

Categories 

• Pre-School (Ages 1-5) and Kindergarten
• Grade 1 to Grade 4
• Grade 5 to Grade 8
• Grade 9 to Grade 12
• Ages 19 to 23

Unleash your creativity, tell your story, and help share the many perspectives that make Alberta’s beef industry unique.  

Choose your category and get ready to make your mark! 

Contest categories 

Pre-School (Ages 1-5) and Kindergarten 

Assignment: Create an original piece of artwork that features cattle. You can draw, paint, colour, or use mixed materials to show cattle on the farm, in a pasture, or in any scene you imagine. We want to see your creativity and your own unique ideas come to life! 

Creation notes: Entries must be created by the participant, on their own. AI-generated artwork is not permitted.

Selection: Winners will be selected through a random draw from all entries that meet the contest criteria and are received during the contest period.

Prizes: Two lucky winners will receive a prize package that includes ABP swag and other fun items.

Entry Submission  

Grade 1 to Grade 4 

Assignment: Create an original artwork that shows cattle and the things they need to thrive, such as food, water, shelter, space or care from producers. Use your creativity to tell a story through your artwork. 

Creation notes: Entries must be original creations by the participant. AI-generated images or artwork are not permitted. If any digital design tools or software are used, such as Canva, Procreate, or Adobe products, please tell us which tools were used when submitting your entry.

Selection: Winners will be selected through a random draw from all entries that meet the contest criteria and are received during the contest period.

Prizes: Two lucky winners will receive a prize pack featuring ABP swag and other fun items. 

Entry Submission 

Grade 5 to Grade 8 

Assignment: Choose one of two creative streams: 

• Art stream: Create an original piece of 2D artwork, photography, or mixed-media art that highlights cattle, beef production, stewardship, or the role cattle play in Alberta’s landscapes and communities. Your work should tell a story or share a message that is meaningful to you. 

• Technical stream: Create an infographic, either digitally or on poster board, that explains an aspect of Alberta’s beef industry, cattle care, environmental stewardship, or beef production. Include a clear takeaway or call to action for your audience. Keep text concise and limit your infographic to approximately 50 words. 

Creation notes: All submissions must be original. AI-generated artwork, images, text, or graphics are not permitted. For the Technical Stream, stock graphics and photos may be used if properly credited. If you use software such as Canva, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or other design programs, please indicate which tools were used when submitting your entry. 

Selection: Winners will be selected through a random draw from all entries that meet the contest criteria and are received during the contest period.

Prizes: Two lucky winners in each stream will receive cash prizes and ABP swag. Prize values range from $50-$100.

Entry Submission 

Grade 9 to Grade 12 

Assignment: Choose one of the following formats: 

• Video: Produce a 2-5 minute video that explores a topic related to beef production, cattle care, food, sustainability, stewardship, or another aspect of Alberta’s beef industry. Consider your audience and include a clear key message or call to action. Videos must be submitted as .mp4 or .mov files and not exceed 1 GB. 

• Podcast: Record a 5-10 minute podcast that shares a story, explores an issue, highlights a producer, or discusses an aspect of Alberta’s beef industry. Consider who your audience is and what you want them to learn, think about, or do after listening. Files must be submitted as .mp3 and not exceed 100 MB. 

Creation notes: Submissions should showcase your own ideas and creativity. You may incorporate outside content where appropriate, but all sources must be properly credited in your production and on the submission form. If you use editing software, design tools, or AI assisted tools at any stage of production, please disclose which tools were used. Participants must have permission from any individuals featured in or contributing to their submission.

Selection: Winners will be selected by a panel of judges who will assess submissions based on originality, relevance, presentation, emotional impact, and overall effectiveness. Judges will also evaluate how clearly the submission considers its intended audience and communicates a meaningful key message or call to action.

Prizes:

• 1st place: $200 cash and ABP swag
• 2nd place: $150 cash and ABP swag
• 3rd place: $100 cash and ABP swag

Entry Submission 

Ages 19-23 

Assignment: Create a podcast (10-20 minutes) or video (5-8 minutes) for a general audience that explores an important topic related to Alberta’s beef industry. Topics may include stewardship, innovation, food production, cattle care, sustainability, community impact, or producer perspectives. Judges will pay particular attention to how well participants consider their audience, including the use of clear, engaging language, effective storytelling, and explanations that make complex topics easy to understand. Judges will also consider how well your entry communicates a clear message and includes a call to action that encourages your audience to learn more, think differently, or take action. 

Creation notes: Submissions must be original and primarily created by the entrant. Sources, interviews, photos, music, and other third-party content must be properly cited within the production and on the submission form. If you use editing software, production tools, or AI-assisted tools, please identify them when submitting your entry.

Selection: Winners will be selected by a panel of judges who will assess submissions based on originality, relevance to Alberta’s beef industry, presentation quality, storytelling, and overall impact. Judges will also evaluate how effectively participants engage their intended audience through clear, accessible communication and how well complex topics are explained. Particular consideration will be given to submissions that communicate a clear and compelling key message and include a meaningful call to action that encourages audiences to learn more, think differently, or take action.

Prizes: 

• First place: $500 cash, ABP swag, and an expenses-paid trip to an Alberta beef industry event selected by ABP. 
• Second place: $400 cash and ABP swag 
• Third place: $300 cash and ABP swag 

Entry Submission 

For questions regarding the contest, please email Kara Mastel at karam@albertabeef.org. 

Educators wishing to submit on behalf of their class can use this Bulk Entry Form.