West Des Moines, Iowa – January 18, 2024 – The Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation (IALF) and the Iowa Turkey Federation are happy to announce the winners of the 2023 Gobble Up! Turkey Marketing Competition. 

The contest was open to Iowa students in grades 3-12. Students created marketing plans, including advertisements, cost analyses, and nutrition information, for specific turkey-centric products. The cross-curricular contest helps teachers meet educational standards while students learn about turkey production and nutrition. 

“The students were creative in how they developed their turkey products and designed marketing plans to promote the health benefits of turkey,” said Kelly Foss, IALF Executive Director. “It was fun to read through the innovative plans and creative designs. The judges loved seeing how inspired students were to learn about turkey.” 

This year, IALF added three virtual learning opportunities for students through its Ag in Action FarmChat® series. This series included a monthly opportunity where students could interact with a turkey farmer on their farm and learn about unique poultry. Later in January, they will have an opportunity to learn about food safety and preparation. 

The 2023 winners are as follows: 

Elementary Division:

  • 1st place: Guthrie Center Elementary taught by Amber Wetzel, Fried Turkey Wings poster.
  • 2nd place: Walcott Elementary taught by Jan Garland, Turkey Lasagna poster.
  • 3rd place: Walcott Elementary taught by Jan Garland, Turkey Meatloaf poster. 

Middle School Division:

  • 1st place: Clear Creek Amana Middle School taught by Hannah Gorsh, Mini Turkey Empanadas project.pdf.
  • 2nd place: Pella Middle School taught by Megan Ferguson, Avocado Toast with Turkey Bacon project.
  • 3rd place: Pella Middle School taught by Megan Ferguson, Turkey Slip ‘n Slider's project. 

High School Division:

  • 1st place: Knoxville High School taught by Jessica Conard, The Gobbler Turkey Sliders project.
  • 2nd place: Essex High School taught by Rebekah Sampers, Turkey Tetrazzini project. 
  • 3rd place: Essex High School taught by Rebekah Sampers, Turkey Patties project. 

“Iowa is an important turkey producing state,” said Morgan Pothoven of the Iowa Turkey Federation. “This contest helps students understand about the industry and how turkey can be a nutritious part of a balanced diet.” 

Submissions were judged by a panel of industry experts, turkey producers, and educators. Prizes include up to $200, a chance to share their winning recipe and serve as panelists in the Food and Safety Preparation Farm Chat on January 23 (Register here), and have a turkey-centric lunch with Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation. The program is funded in part by the Iowa Turkey Marketing Council. 

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About the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation
Iowa is the leading producer of agricultural products that are essential to feed a growing world population, estimated to reach more than nine billion by 2050. The Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation (IALF) believes it is important for all Iowans to understand the essential role agriculture has in their lives. Through Agriculture in the Classroom efforts, IALF engages with teachers and students throughout Iowa. IALF is supported by the Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Soybean Association, GROWMARK, Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Turkey Federation, Corteva Agriscience, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Nutrien, , and others in the support of strengthening agriculture literacy among pre-kindergarten through 12th grade teachers and their students. For more information visit IALF online at www.IowaAgLiteracy.org, on Facebook, and on X (formerly known as Twitter).