Farm Bureau looks for backyard chefs

Ages 13-17 may compete in youth division

WEST DES MOINES — The Iowa Farm Bureau is seeking to crown its 60th Cookout Contest “Grand Champion” Tuesday, Aug. 13 at the 2024 Iowa State Fair.

The event, held annually on the Grand Concourse during Farm Bureau Day at the fair, hosts up to 60 backyard chefs vying for the champion title and $4,500 in cash prizes.

The contest is a celebration of Iowa-raised meats and the farmers who provide them with animal care and sustainability as a top priority. Entry categories include pork, beef, turkey, lamb, poultry and a youth division.

Backyard chefs named the overall winner of a county Farm Bureau Cookout Contest receive an automatic bid to the state competition. Those unable to make a qualifying event can sign up online for a chance to compete in the lamb, turkey, poultry or youth competition.

Each first-place category winner receives $400. The Grand Champion takes home an additional $1,000 prize.

The winner of the youth division receives $300 and a gas grill valued at $1,000, courtesy of the Iowa Propane Gas Association.

For rules, county contest locations or specialty category sign-ups, visit IowaFarmBureau.com/CookoutContest