The Iowa Farm Bureau is seeking to crown its 61st Cookout Contest “Grand Champion” on Tuesday, Aug. 12 at the 2025 Iowa State Fair.  

The event, held annually on the Grand Concourse during Farm Bureau Day at the fair, features up to 60 backyard chefs vying for the champion title and cash prizes. Contest categories include pork, beef, turkey, lamb, poultry and a youth division for ages 13-17. 

First- and second- place category winners will receive $400 and $200, respectively, thanks to sponsorships from the Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Turkey Federation, North Central Poultry Association, GROWMARK and Farm Bureau Financial Services. The overall Grand Champion walks away with an additional $1,000.

In the youth division, the runner-up will receive $150, and first-place takes home $300 and a gas grill valued at $1,000, courtesy of the Iowa Propane Gas Association.

“While there’s certainly big money at stake—no pun intended—this contest celebrates the Iowa farmers who work hard to raise the high-quality meats Iowans enjoy, especially during summer gatherings,” says Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson. “It also highlights the diversity of Iowa’s family farms and the strong legacy they’ve built through responsible animal care and environmental stewardship.”

To be eligible, 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. 

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