2026 Iowa Farm Bureau Cookout Contest
August 18, 2026
Since 1964, the Iowa Farm Bureau Cookout Contest has hosted nearly 2,450 backyard chefs on the Iowa State Fair Grand Concourse. The Cookout Contest is more than a competition—it’s Iowa pride on a plate, celebrating the farmers who raise high-quality meats with animal care and environmental responsibility as top priorities.
What past competitors say about the Cookout Contest:
“I had a blast, met a lot of great people and had some great food. The overall experience was awesome, and I’d love to come back again!”“It was one of the best ran contests I have been involved with. Everyone was so helpful and pleasant. A great experience!”
“I loved competing in the contest. Everyone was so kind, friendly and helpful. It was fun talking to other contestants.”
“I’ve done many BBQ event competitions, and this is ran great. Lots of people helping and answering questions. A+ in my book.”
“Fantastic event! Very well set up and executed. One of my favorite competitions so far. Cannot wait until the next one!”
WANT TO JOIN THIS ELITE GROUP OF COMPETITORS?
THERE ARE TWO ROADS TO THE GRAND CONCOURSE:
Win a Farm Bureau County Contest
Competitors who are named Grand Champion of a County Farm Bureau Cookout Contest will get an automatic spot to compete at the state competition. Competitors do NOT have to be residents of the County Cookout Contest they are competing in.
Click Here for County Contest Dates
Sign up for a Special Category
Due to limited qualifying cookout contest locations, we're offering the chance to fill open slots at the state competition in the following categories: poultry, turkey, lamb and a youth competition (ages 13 - 17).
SIGN UP NOW!
Eligibility
Any Iowa resident 18+ is eligible to participate in the Cookout Contest. Contestants ages 13 - 17 will compete in the youth division. Farm Bureau membership is not required. Past Cookout Contest champions and Farm Bureau or affiliated company employees are not eligible to compete.Entry categories
Entry categories at the state level include pork, beef, poultry, turkey, lamb and a youth competition. Additionally, a limited number of contestants may participate in the Showmanship category.Prizes
| Category | Prize |
|---|---|
| Beef - sponsored by the Iowa Beef Industry Council | 1st place: $400 / 2nd place: $200 |
| Pork - sponsored by the Iowa Pork Producers Association | 1st place: $400 / 2nd place: $200 |
| Turkey - sponsored by the Iowa Turkey Federation | 1st place: $400 / 2nd place: $200 |
| Poultry - sponsored by the Iowa Poultry Association | 1st place: $400 / 2nd place: $200 |
| Lamb - sponsored by Growmark | 1st place: $400 / 2nd place: $200 |
| Youth - sponsored by the Iowa Propane Gas Association | 1st place: $300 + Gas grill / 2nd place: $150 |
| Showmanship - sponsored by Farm Bureau Financial Services | $200 |
| Grand Champion - sponsored by Iowa Farm Bureau Federation and Farm Bureau Financial Services | $1,000 |
Additional Details:
Thank you to our sponsors
For additional information, contact Stacy Stevens (515 225-5633), or your county Farm Bureau office.