A love of all things culinary and a passion for educating kids inspired a retired pig and crop farmer to provide an opportunity not available in the county.

Steve Heaberlin, vice chair of the Iowa State University (ISU) Extension Council in Warren County, started BBQ School for youth in the county four years ago.

Familiar with ISU Extension programming in the area, he knew there was nothing like it.

"I knew there weren’t any programs like this, and I enjoy cooking,...