One of my daughter’s favorite books to read before bedtime is titled “The Happy Book and Other Feelings.” There’s a character in the book named Wet Hen, who wears a shower cap and bath towel, and she’s always angry about being soaking wet.

I had wet hens on my mind when I learned about a new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) food safety study, which shows why we shouldn’t wash raw poultry in the sink before cooking.

For our latest issue of the Iowa Dish, we talk to a USDA expert about safe poultry handling at home, just in time for the upcoming Thanksgiving turkey-palooza.

We also introduce Iowa Farm Bureau’s “ Real Farmers. Real Food. Real Meat” campaign, which celebrates the Iowa farm families who work year-round to provide nutritious, safe and protein-rich foods like meat, poultry, dairy and eggs for us all.

Be sure to read our story, with expert advice from Iowa State University’s Dr. Ruth MacDonald, about the many health benefits of real meat, dairy and eggs for growing kids and teens.

Plus, learn about the latest Iowa Farm Bureau Food & Farm Index ®, which confirms that Iowans love the taste, nutrition and quality of real meat, dairy and poultry.

Speaking of real meat, check out our featured recipe for Italian pork sandwiches, the perfect gameday meal to cheer for the Iowa Hawkeyes as they take on Penn State at the annual ANF (America Needs Farmers) game Oct. 12.

To learn more about the ANF game day activities and this year’s ANF Wall of Honor inductee, former Hawkeye football and NFL player Matt Kroul, who currently farms near Mount Vernon, visit www.iowafarmbureau.com/ANF.

And if you’re looking for fall décor, plan a road trip to Kroul Farms, where the family grows pumpkins, squash, mums and more. Enjoy a safe harvest season!

Teresa Bjork
Editor, The Iowa Dish

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