By Andi Anderson
Iowa corn is once again making its way into pint glasses. For the second straight year, Yield of Dreams, a craft lager brewed with Iowa-grown corn, is returning to celebrate the state’s agriculture and craft beer industries.
The beer is a result of a continued partnership between the Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB), Confluence Brewing, Choose Iowa, and the Iowa Brewers Guild.
This year’s brew was made with corn donated by 18 farmers, with two representatives from each of Iowa’s corn crop reporting districts. Each farmer contributed between 1.25 and 1.5 bushels, totaling about 672 pounds of corn. The collaboration highlights Iowa’s commitment to showcasing the versatility of corn.
“I believe this will open outlets to not only growers but a variety of small businesses as well,” said Travis and Erinn Spevacek, Iowa City corn farmers. “It is always important to be involved when called upon.”
The fermentation process officially began at Confluence Brewing in Des Moines, where corn farmers, brewers, and guests gathered for Yield of Dreams Brew Day. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig attended the event to support the collaboration.
Noreen Otto, Executive Director of the Iowa Brewers Guild, noted that Yield of Dreams brings people together: “Coming together with friends and neighbors over a delicious corn lager captures the shared vision of our organizations.”
The beer will launch at the 2025 Iowa State Fair on August 7 and will be available in taprooms across Iowa starting August 18. ICPB President Ralph Lents emphasized the impact: “Beer is just one of over 4,000 products made from Iowa-grown corn.”
Photo Credit: gettyimages-givaga
Categories: Iowa, Rural Lifestyle