THE IOWA DISH

Living the “lake life” in Iowa + back-to-school meals

8/5/2021

This summer, my daughter and I are spending our weekends visiting different beaches in central Iowa, while my husband takes his boat out on the lake to go fishing.

Why growing kids need real meat

8/5/2021

As parents and grandparents, we all want to provide healthy, nutritious foods to help our kids grow, learn and thrive.

Launching Iowa’s ‘water quality blitz’

8/5/2021

Polk County farmer Kurt Lehman admits to having some doubts the first time he heard about ambitious plans for a "water quality blitz" adding 40 saturated buffers and 11 bioreactors on farms in Polk and Dallas counties with minimal landowner effort or expense.

Your wait is over: State Fair foods are back

8/5/2021

After COVID claimed the 2020 Iowa State Fair, most are ready to return to the midway and the grandstand and the barns, where they will see not only familiar sites and faces, but changes and improvements as well.

Iowa Dish Video: Meat is healthier than you think

8/5/2021

Meat is a healthy part of a balanced diet. It's simple, tasty and nutritious, with vitamins and minerals that are hard to find in other foods.

Question: How can I introduce nutritious, protein-rich real meat as a “first food” in a young child’s diet?

8/5/2021

The latest U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, released earlier this year, recommend that infants over the age of 6 months can start eating complimentary, or solid, foods to help provide key nutrients for growth and brain development.

Toddler-friendly baked Italian Meatballs

8/5/2021

From www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com

Healthy crops, healthy food, healthy planet

6/13/2021

Like many Iowans spending more time at home, I started growing houseplants as a pandemic hobby this past year to bring a little bit of nature inside my living and work spaces.

Plants can get sick, just like their plant parents

6/13/2021

As we roll up our sleeves for the COVID-19 vaccine, we’ve learned a real-world lesson about the importance of prevention when it comes to our health.

Welcome back, Iowa fair season!

6/13/2021

Iowa’s county and state fairs are excellent - and fun - destinations to learn more about how farmers raise and care for their animals.

Sizzlin’ eats: Safe grilling tips

6/13/2021

We’re all focused this summer on staying healthy and keeping our immune system working as it should.

Iowa Dish Video: Learn why real meat is nature’s perfect protein

6/13/2021

Why tamper with what Mother Nature has already perfected? A high quality, more complete protein, Iowa-raised is the original health food, with nine essential amino acids and nutrients that are hard to get from plant-based proteins.

Question: How do farmers ensure they are safely using pesticides?

6/13/2021

When farmers do have to apply pesticides, federal and state law require that they follow the pesticide label instructions.

Sausage and potato foil packets

6/13/2021

By Iowa Pork, www.iowapork.org

Iowans helping Iowans in tough times

4/6/2021

Not to be overly sappy, but there is something awe-inspiring about this time of year, when Iowa farmers take to the fields to plant the first seeds of spring.

Why even picky kids should eat eggs

4/6/2021

If you’re a parent who knows all too well how kids seem to grow out of their clothes overnight, you understand the importance of choosing foods that pack the most nutrition to help kids grow their minds and bodies.

Sometimes, cows need to social distance too

4/6/2021

We’re all getting used to wearing face masks while out of the house and trying our best to social distance, because we want to keep our families and communities safe during the pandemic.

Good news about conservation progress

4/6/2021

Iowa farmers are making steady progress in planting more cover crops, reducing tillage, testing soil and adopting other practices that improve water quality and reduce soil loss.

Iowa Dish Video: Farmers in Action

4/6/2021

Learn how Iowa farmers are working together and adopting innovative farming practices to achieve Iowa’s water quality goals.

Question: Should I buy “antibiotic free” meat and chicken?

4/6/2021

While grocery shopping, you likely have noticed a few “antibiotic-free” or “raised without antibiotics” labels on poultry or meat in the grocery store.

Vegetable egg roll-up

4/6/2021

From the Incredible Egg, www.incredibleegg.org

Real Meat: Better by Design

2/2/2021

Recently, I was intrigued to learn about the 2020 winners of the Beazley Designs of the Year, considered the Oscars of the design world.

Got a question? Call Iowa Farm Animal Care hotline

2/2/2021

If you’re driving along Iowa’s highways and have a question or maybe a concern about something you see on a farm while you are out and about, now you can reach out to an expert.

Building more Iowa wetlands

2/2/2021

A low, soggy patch in one of Ritch Berkland’s fields will soon be transformed into a shallow wetland growing a wide diversity of native grasses.

Help them grow: Benefits of real meat in a child’s diet

2/2/2021

As a mom of a 2-year-old and a newborn, I recognize the importance diet plays in my children’s development.

Iowa Dish Video: Meat is healthier than you think

2/2/2021

With meat alternatives and other substitutes readily available at the grocery store, it can be confusing to determine what is healthy and what may be less so. Meat, however, is a healthy part of a balanced diet.

Question: How do Iowa farmers ensure their farm animals are safe and comfortable in the winter?

2/2/2021

Iowa livestock farmers work day and night to make sure cattle and other farm animals are comfortable and well taken care of during the winter months.

Popcorn steak bites

2/2/2021

From the Iowa Beef Industry Council

Grateful for our food (and toilet paper!) in 2020

12/3/2020

If there’s anything I’ve gained in 2020, it’s a greater appreciation for everyone – from farmers to food handlers to grocery store employees

Grateful for our food (and toilet paper!) in 2020

12/2/2020

If there’s anything I’ve gained in 2020, it’s a greater appreciation for everyone – from farmers to food handlers to grocery store employees

Grateful for our food (and toilet paper!) in 2020

12/2/2020

If there’s anything I’ve gained in 2020, it’s a greater appreciation for everyone – from farmers to food handlers to grocery store employees

Sustainability on the farm

12/2/2020

As a mom, Kellie Blair says she understands why consumers today are more focused on sustainability and how their food choices impact our climate and the environment.

Don’t ignore holiday food safety

12/2/2020

The holiday dinner table will likely look a lot different this season because of the pandemic.

Iowans recognize nutritional value of real meat

12/2/2020

A strong majority of Iowa grocery shoppers see real meat and dairy as healthy food options and say they would increase their consumption of animal proteins to strengthen their immune systems, according to the latest Iowa Farm Bureau Food and Farm Index®.

Iowa Dish Video: Dairy cows are providing the protein and vitamins you need, more efficiently

12/2/2020

Milk is nature's original sports drink, providing the protein and vitamins your body needs. And thanks to advanced animal care and nutrition, cows are producing milk more efficiently than ever before!

Question: Are cows and other livestock responsible for climate change?

12/2/2020

U.S. cattle farmers continue to make progress in improving sustainability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change.

Recipe: Instant Pot Turkey Breast

12/2/2020

From the National Turkey Federation (www.eatturkey.org)

It’s “chili” weather here in Iowa

10/2/2020

I recently read a joke online about how when the temperatures dip below 70 degrees for the first time in the fall, then Iowans rush home to cook homemade chili.

Cook once, eat all week

10/2/2020

We’re all cooking more at home this fall, and you can find some great money-saving deals at the meat counter right now to make your favorite comfort food dishes for cozy family meals.

The Best Pulled Pork in Iowa

10/2/2020

It doesn’t get much better than stopping for a barbecue pork sandwich and a cold brew on a crisp fall day, while you’re on a drive to see the fall colors or to a football game.

Iowa conservation: Actions speak louder than words

10/2/2020

Mark Jackson of Mahaska County was an early adopter of conservation practices to protect soil and water on his farm.

Iowa Dish Video: America's farmers: Ordinary people doing extraordinary things

10/2/2020

In uncertain times, America's farmers are persevering in growing the food, fuel, and fiber we need, and these former Hawkeyes want to share their appreciation.

Question: What’s the best immunity-boosting diet?

10/2/2020

A healthy diet — including fruits and vegetables, dairy and protein-rich meat and poultry — plays a vital role in helping our immune system work like it should, protecting our bodies from viruses and other germs that can make us sick, explains Rochelle Gilman, a registered dietitian with the Iowa Beef Industry Council.

Recipe: Beef & Pasta with Asian Peanut Sauce

10/2/2020

From Rochelle Gilman, registered dietitian, Iowa Beef Industry Council

Healthy foods, healthy Iowa communities

8/6/2020

If there’s one thing I learned over these past historic months, it’s that we need to support the local businesses that we missed so much when they shut down.

Eat local. Eat healthy.

8/6/2020

Iowa growers and farmers markets are committed to providing safe, nutritious foods.

Food safety from grill to plate

8/6/2020

We’re all focused on staying healthy these days. Experts say a nutritious diet – including fruits and vegetables, dairy and protein-rich meat and poultry - plays a vital role in helping our immune system work like it should, protecting our bodies from viruses and other germs that can make us sick.

Making progress toward Iowa’s water quality goals

8/6/2020

A recently released progress report on the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy (INRS) shows that Iowa farmers’ initiative and hard work has produced significant gains in water quality in the seven years since the strategy was adopted.

Iowa Dish Video: Working together to achieve Iowa's water quality goals

8/6/2020

Iowa's farmers have reduced phosphorus loss by 22%. Now they're using the same approach (involving innovation and collaboration) for the state's nitrate goals.

Question: Is organic produce safer to eat than conventionally grown produce?

8/6/2020

Research has shown that organic foods are just as safe and nutritious as conventionally grown foods

Iowa State Fair hot beef sundae

8/6/2020

From the Iowa Beef Industry Council (www.iabeef.org)

Do “cow farts” cause global warming?

7/17/2020

Cows burp (and fart) methane gas. But U.S. cow herds contribute very little to global warming, and cutting beef would only reduce global GHG emissions by 0.36%.

What are you grilling this summer?

6/2/2020

Like many of you, I’m planning to spend more time at home this summer. One of the unexpected benefits is that I’m getting to know my neighbors and community better.

What foods boost my immunity?

6/2/2020

We all are more focused on our health right now so we can continue to care for our families, neighbors and communities.

New wetlands help improve Iowa’s water quality

6/2/2020

A new wetland on Denny Lyle’s farm is expected to both solve an ongoing agronomic problem and produce long-term water quality benefits for decades to come. That’s exactly what the Keokuk County farmer was aiming for.

Iowans invited to ‘Feed the Need’

6/2/2020

The COVID-19 global pandemic has resulted in an increase in food insecure Iowans across the state.

Video: America's farmers: Ordinary people doing extraordinary things

6/2/2020

In uncertain times, America's farmers are persevering in growing the food, fuel, and fiber we need, and these former Hawkeyes want to share their appreciation.

Question: I’m visiting the grocery store less frequently to limit my exposure to the coronavirus. How do I maximize my shopping trips to ensure I’m making healthy, nutritious meals at home?

6/2/2020

To make your grocery shopping trip as efficient as possible, take some time to plan ahead, says Ruth Litchfield, professor of food science and human nutrition at Iowa State University.

Recipe: Pork and Pasta Skillet Supper

6/2/2020

From the Iowa Pork Producers Association

How does coronavirus impact your food?

5/8/2020

No question, our lives and routines have changed within the span of a few weeks, and perhaps nowhere is this more evident than how we choose to fill our grocery carts, fridges and pantries.

Keep calm and cook at home

4/2/2020

No question, our lives and routines have changed within the span of a few weeks, and perhaps nowhere is this more evident than how we choose to fill our grocery carts, fridges and pantries.

How the coronavirus impacts our food

4/2/2020

With so much uncertainty, we’re exposed to a lot of rumors and false information about COVID-19 and how to protect our health.

Farmers remain committed to food safety and animal care

4/2/2020

When we choose to buy real meat and poultry for our dinner table, we trust that farmers are doing whatever they can to ensure food safety and provide the best possible care for farm animals.

Is it a food allergy or a food sensitivity?

4/2/2020

Maybe you’ve seen or heard about wellness centers that offer food sensitivity tests, which claim to diagnosis if your body is intolerant to certain foods, such as dairy or gluten.

Video: Working together to achieve Iowa's water quality goals

4/2/2020

Iowa's farmers have reduced phosphorus loss by 22%. Now they're using the same approach (involving innovation and collaboration) for the state's nitrate goals.

Question: Are food allergies increasing? And if so, why? Is it because of GMOs (genetically modified foods)?

4/2/2020

If it seems like more people – your son, your granddaughter, the neighbor kid down the block – have a food allergy, it isn’t your imagination.

Recipe: Bunnies’ Tres Leches Mini Cakes

4/2/2020

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray 12, 4-oz. ramekins (or use a muffin tin*) with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

Are there antibiotics in meat and poultry? Why farmers use antibiotics to treat animals

2/13/2020

USDA testing ensures that meat and poultry are free of antibiotic residue, and farmers cannot use medically important antibiotics to "fatten" livestock.

There’s never an off-season for athletes or farmers

1/30/2020

Now that football season is over, I’m always fascinated to discover what professional athletes do in the off-season

Measuring Iowa’s water quality progress

1/30/2020

Iowa farmers, working with government agencies, ag retailers, Iowa State University (ISU) and others, have over time made significant strides in reducing the amount of phosphorus leaving fields and entering the state’s surface water.

Nobel laureate: GMOs can benefit those who don’t have the luxury of food choice

1/30/2020

Access to food developed through genetic modification is an urgent humanitarian issue, and those who oppose GMOs are guilty of crimes against humanity.

Video: Upcycling is a key sustainable farming practice for livestock farmers

1/30/2020

Livestock can convert inedible plant waste like corn stalk residue and soy hulls into protein-rich food for humans like meat and dairy through upcycling.

Question: Are most of the antibiotics sold in the United States used in livestock farming?

1/30/2020

Maybe you’ve read or heard that 70% to 80% of the antibiotics sold in our country are given to farm animals. It’s a percentage that is often repeated by the media and by activist groups.

Recipe: Mexican Beef and Potato Soup

1/30/2020

From Rochelle Gilman, registered dietitian, Iowa Beef Industry Council

Jump start your 2020 healthy eating goals

12/10/2019

A few days ago, I was chatting with a friend about our holiday plans. She told me that for Thanksgiving, everyone in her family was asked to bring a favorite holiday dish to share.

Want to eat healthier in 2020? It’s OK to eat meat

12/10/2019

If you have considered cutting back on meat in your diet because of health concerns, now there’s good news for those of us who enjoy nutritious, protein-rich meat.

CBD: Is it worth the hype?

12/10/2019

You can find it in gummy candies, bottled water, cosmetics and even beer. Many Iowa farmers are interested in growing it.

Iowans struggle after spring floods

12/10/2019

When we look back at the most impactful events of 2019, we can’t forget the historic, widespread flooding along the Missouri River in western Iowa and Nebraska this spring.

Video: Updated drainage leads to improved water quality

12/10/2019

Did you know that updating Iowa's 100-year-old drainage system helps reduce fertilizer usage and allows crops to better absorb nutrients? When that water is channeled through new conservation structures, it leads to improved water quality for everyone.

Question: Does eliminating certain foods, such as dairy or gluten, in the diet benefit children with special needs, including autism or other behavioral issues?

12/10/2019

Research doesn’t support claims that eliminating dairy, gluten, sugar or other foods can benefit a child’s behavior, says Dr. Ruth MacDonald, chair of the department of food science and human nutrition at Iowa State University.

Recipe: Dried Pickle Dip

12/10/2019

From the Iowa Beef Industry Council (www.iabeef.org)

Don’t be a wet hen: Practice good food safety habits at home

10/7/2019

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.

Don’t wash your chicken!

10/7/2019

Get ready for a food safety pop quiz: Let’s say you’re planning to make chicken for dinner tonight.

Growing kids need real meat and dairy

10/7/2019

One of the biggest challenges for busy parents is trying to encourage kids to choose healthy, nutritious foods.

Iowans agree there’s no substitute for real meat

10/7/2019

For the sixth consecutive year, the Iowa Farm Bureau Food and Farm Index® finds that Iowans have a strong affinity for meat and dairy products with more than nine in 10 (99 percent) saying their households eat meat, eggs or dairy at least weekly.

Video: Innovation helps farmers build on conservation success

10/7/2019

2019 Conservation Farmer of the Year Jarad Weber is deeply invested in his land. It's his livelihood, and he wants to keep the soil where it belongs.

Question: Childhood obesity is on the rise. Should I limit meat and dairy from my child’s diet?

10/7/2019

Meat and dairy consumption isn’t linked to the rise in childhood obesity, says Ruth MacDonald with Iowa State University’s Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition.

Recipe: Big Game Italian Pork Sandwiches

10/7/2019

From the Iowa Pork Producers Association (www.iowapork.org)

Kicking off football and the Iowa State Fair

8/1/2019

It’s hard to believe we’re only a few days away from the start of the Iowa State Fair, football season and the first day of school.

Dairy fat is back

8/1/2019

If you’re like most Iowans, you don’t leave the grocery store without a gallon of milk in your cart.

Go ahead, enjoy your Cheerios

8/1/2019

For many busy families, a favorite on-the-go healthy breakfast is whole grain cereal.

Real meat, real good

8/1/2019

The Iowa State Fair is the place to feed our love of high-quality, Iowa-raised meats and to recognize the Iowa farm families who work year-round to provide nutritious, safe and protein-rich food for all.

Video: Meat’s back on the menu

8/1/2019

We love our crops in Iowa; we're number one in corn and soybeans, after all. But we're also a top meat-producing state, and that's good for the economy and consumers. We explore why meat is an essential part of your diet.

Question: Should I buy organic foods to reduce my exposure to pesticides?

8/1/2019

If reducing your exposure to trace amounts of pesticides is important to you, then organic foods may be an option, says Joel Coats, a professor of entomology and expert on toxicology at Iowa State University.

Recipe: Pork chop on a stick

8/1/2019

From the Iowa Pork Producers Association, www.iowapork.org

Baseball, burgers and beer: Savor the summer in Iowa

5/28/2019

I know it’s officially summertime when RVs roll through town on their way to Saylorville Lake; cyclists return to the nearby High Trestle Trail; and our neighborhood ice cream shop, the Filling Station in Madrid, opens for the season.

Beef and brews: A delicious partnership

5/28/2019

There’s nothing better in the summer than a Prime steak or an all-beef burger on the grill.

Bite for bite, the best burger in Iowa

5/28/2019

Enjoying the view from the indoor patio at the Oskaloosa Public Golf Course, Wood Iron Grille diners bask in the atmosphere and the culinary experience, including Iowa’s 2019 Best Burger.

Batter up! Root for the home team at Pig Pen Park

5/28/2019

A gentle breeze caresses a warm summer night. The sky fills with pigment-rich hues as the sun sets over the Iowa cornfield. The crack of a bat against a ball echoes through the prairie stillness.

Video: Iowa Minute: Measuring Soil and Water Conservation Techniques

5/28/2019

From cover crops to terraces, Iowa farmers use many techniques to protect the water and soil, and Iowa is the only state to thoroughly track those practices.