The Iowa Farm Bureau's 59th Annual Cookout Contest is calling on backyard chefs across Iowa to showcase their culinary skills and compete for the title of "Grand Champion." The event, held on Tuesday, August 15th during Farm Bureau Day at the Iowa State Fair, celebrates Iowa farmers who prioritize animal care and sustainability while raising real meats.
The competition has been held since the mid-60s and has welcomed over 2,000 participants. Competition spots are primarily reserved for grilling and smoking enthusiasts who have been named overall winners of a county Farm Bureau Cookout Contest. Those interested in competing in specialty categories such as lamb, poultry, turkey, or the youth division (ages 13-18) can sign up online if they cannot make it to a qualifying county event.
The winners of each first-place category will receive $400, with the Grand Champion taking home an additional $1,000 prize. The youth division winner will be awarded $300 and a gas grill valued at $1,000, courtesy of the Iowa Propane Gas Association. Participants can visit IowaFarmBureau.com/CookoutContest for rules, county contest locations, or specialty category sign-ups.
Photo Credit: Iowa Farm Bureau
Categories: Iowa, General