An outdoor cooking contest designed to promote Iowa meat is being planned by the Washington Count…

By Kalona News

An outdoor cooking contest designed to promote Iowa meat is being planned by the Washington County Farm Bureau. Contest co-chairmen Ed Moeller and Kevin Reed say, “You don’t have to be an expert chef to participate, you just need to enjoy cooking outdoors with quality Iowa meat.”

Anyone who participates will receive a complimentary season pass to the fair.

This is the 35th year for the Iowa Farm Bureau cookout contest.

Farm Bureau’s cookout contest is open to anyone 13 years of age or older who is a resident of Iowa. Farm Bureau or affiliated company employees are not eligible.

Contestants can compete in one of six categories— beef, pork, lamb, poultry, turkey or combo/specialty. Combo is a combination of at least two of the five domestic raised products (this does not include wild game). A Cookout Champion will be named, and awards will be given to winners in each category. Special recognition will also go to winners of the showmanship, teenage and team cooking categories.

The county contest will be held on Thursday, July 22 at 4 p.m. with judging at 6 p.m. Prizes will be given to the Cookout Champion and category winners.

The Cookout Champion, along with all first place category winners and winners of the showmanship, teenage and team awards will have the chance to compete in the state finals at the Iowa State Fair on August 17. A special category this year will be for former champions, only past cookout “Kings” or “Champions” will be eligible to compete in this category.

Anyone interested in entering the Washington County Farm Bureau cookout contest should contact the county office at 319-653-5428.