Iowa's Big Four Cooking Contest
Each year, the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation honors Iowa’s agriculture industry and its biggest commodities – corn, soybeans, pork, and eggs through our Big Four cooking contest at the Iowa State Fair. Aspiring chefs from across Iowa can showcase their culinary skills in the sweet or savory divisions using at least two of the big four Iowa commodity ingredients or a by-product of them. The entries are judged by a panel of experts representing the commodity organizations that are responsible for helping farmers. Entries are judged on taste, creativity, and presentation. Submit your entry by July 1, 2022. Coming to the Fair? Watch the contest judging on Wednesday, August 17, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. in the Elwell Family Food Center building.
You can view past winners by searching 'big four' on our blog.
STEM Day at the Fair
Join us on Sunday, August 21 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the Grand Concourse to learn about and experience hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering, and math. Students who visit the IALF booth will learn more about biodegradable packing peanuts. For more information on STEM Day, visit the Iowa STEM Council website.