Unveiling the Heart of America’s Harvest: My Iowa CornQuest Adventure
A few weeks ago, I embarked on a fascinating journey to Des Moines, Iowa, alongside nine other incredible bloggers for the highly anticipated Iowa CornQuest 2012. This remarkable trip, generously sponsored by the Iowa Corn Growers Association, offered an insightful and comprehensive deep dive into the modern corn industry. It was an experience that transcended mere observation, allowing us to connect directly with the dedicated farmers who cultivate our nation’s crops, understand their perspectives on evolving farming trends and groundbreaking innovations, and engage in vital discussions with experts about corn’s multifaceted role in our country’s food supply and alternative energy initiatives. We explored Iowa’s historic influence on American kitchens – a legacy proudly showcased in publications like Better Homes & Gardens – and savored an abundance of incredible food at every turn. Beyond the learning, the true joy of this adventure was sharing it with a group of wonderful new friends, making every moment even more memorable.
Join me for a brief, yet vivid, recap of our action-packed days. While I’m sure to omit countless intricate details, this “fly-over” offers a glimpse into our enlightening time exploring the heartland of Iowa.
From Kansas Plains to Iowa’s Rich Fields: A Journey Begins
After a three-hour drive, transitioning from the familiar plains of Kansas to the equally expansive and fertile plains of Iowa, I arrived in Des Moines brimming with excitement. The prospect of finally meeting our trip coordinators and fellow bloggers was palpable. And what an extraordinary group they proved to be! The nine other talented bloggers who joined this unique expedition included:
- Carrian (Oh Sweet Basil)
- Carrie (Fields of Cake)
- Janelle (Talk of Tomatoes)
- Julie (Table for Two)
- Kelley (Mountain Mama Cooks)
- Lisa (Snappy Gourmet)
- Rebecca (Foodie with Family)
- Tina (My Life As A Mrs)
- Sheri (Tickled Red)
A Taste of the Heartland: Breakfast and Farmer Stories
Our first full day, Wednesday, commenced with a quintessential Midwest comfort food breakfast at the renowned The Machine Shed. Rumors of their legendary cinnamon rolls had preceded our visit, and upon seeing our table laden with food, we understood why. These cinnamon rolls were truly enormous, generously topped with the most heavenly, fluffy cream cheese icing imaginable. The feast continued with crispy bacon, perfectly cooked eggs, tender biscuits and gravy, savory sausage, and an array of other hearty delights. As a self-proclaimed bacon enthusiast, I was in pure bliss, especially being in the heart of Iowa Pork country – a theme hilariously echoed in the gift shop’s abundant bacon-themed merchandise! However, the true highlight of this incredible meal was the opportunity to sit down with local farmers. We listened intently as they shared captivating stories of growing up on family farms, the reasons they’ve chosen to dedicate their lives to agriculture, and the unique joys and formidable challenges of operating small farms in today’s world. Their honesty and passion were genuinely inspiring.
Innovation on the Farm: The Couser Family Legacy
Following our hearty breakfast, we boarded our comfortable bus, buzzing with conversation, and headed to Bill and Nancy Couser’s farm. Bill, a fourth-generation farmer, proudly carries on a family legacy that spans over a century on the same ancestral land. His deep passion for farming, his stewardship of the land, his commitment to his community, and above all, his devotion to his wonderful family and two sons (who are poised to continue the farm’s enduring legacy) were immediately apparent. Bill delivered a captivating presentation, meticulously detailing the rich history of their farm and explaining the strategic steps and reasons behind its expansion over the decades. He is a truly intelligent and driven man, and it was incredibly inspiring to learn about the continuous innovations implemented on his farm. These advancements aim to enhance sustainability, boost efficiency, and improve the welfare of both livestock and crops. Such progress is often achieved through invaluable collaborations with researchers from the University of Iowa, environmental specialists from the EPA, cutting-edge developers from John Deere (which is headquartered in Iowa), and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Witnessing the powerful synergy of collaboration on a farm of this scale, coupled with Bill’s genuine excitement to explore every possible avenue for passing down a healthy and thriving farm to the next generation, left a profound impression on us all.
We also had the unique privilege of spending the morning and enjoying lunch in Bill’s magnificent “man cave,” a stunning barn meticulously rebuilt using reclaimed materials sourced entirely from their own farm. It was, quite simply, a Pinterest enthusiast’s dream come true, showcasing rustic charm and ingenious repurposing. After an insightful presentation from Nancy Degner of the Iowa Beef Industry Council, who educated us all about the mysterious fifth taste, “umami,” and led a delightful taste-testing session with various sauces, our anticipation for lunch grew. The enticing aromas wafting from the beautiful kitchen had us all eager to dine together. Despite still feeling comfortably full from breakfast, we thoroughly savored our exquisite lunch: a perfectly cooked flat-iron Iowa Beef steak, enhanced by a stunning espresso bourbon glaze, and, of course, a side of creamy, delicious corn. Absolutely delightful!
High-Tech Harvests and the Future of Farming
Following our delicious lunch, we embarked on another exciting field trip, heading directly to the expansive fields. In addition to raising cattle, Bill manages vast acres of land, and on that particular day, his team was in the midst of harvesting soybeans. It was a thrilling opportunity for us “city girls” to experience modern agriculture firsthand. We climbed aboard a super-high-tech combine, joining one of Bill’s sons, and got right into the action. The sheer sophistication of the John Deere equipment – which Bill enthusiastically tests for their development team – was astounding. We were particularly amazed to discover that in modern farming, there’s surprisingly little traditional “driving” involved; the combine operated almost entirely by GPS! Watching these colossal machines work with such precision was truly remarkable, prompting us to reflect on how farmers from 50, 100, or even 500 years ago would perceive the technological advancements in agriculture today. It’s a testament to what innovation can achieve.
Engaging with the farmers about the various crops being grown was equally insightful. While many people instantly associate “corn” with the sweet corn enjoyed fresh from grocery stores or farmers’ markets, a substantial percentage of the corn cultivated in Iowa (and in Kansas, where my dad grew up on a farm) serves diverse purposes: as seed for future crops, as feed for livestock, and significantly, as raw material for ethanol production.
Fueling the Future: Corn and the Iowa Speedway
This brings us to our next thrilling adventure of the day: a visit to the iconic Iowa Speedway! We were all incredibly excited at the prospect of zooming around in racecars. However, our earlier discussion with the president of Iowa Corn profoundly deepened the experience. We gained a critical understanding of how these powerful racecars – and indeed, many of our own everyday vehicles – are fueled by the very cornfields we had just visited. It was astonishing to learn that 10% of regular cars across the board are now powered by ethanol, a fact I had previously been unaware of! Furthermore, we discovered that numerous vehicles are already capable of utilizing higher blends of ethanol, including E85, which offers significant benefits: it’s considerably cleaner for the environment and often more affordable than traditional petroleum. Crucially, it’s a domestically “grown” fuel, produced right here in the United States. In fact, a remarkable 30% of all U.S. ethanol production originates from Iowa. How incredibly cool is that?
Following our informative chat, we eagerly made our way to the racetrack. Yours Truly had the exhilarating experience of being in the first “heat” of ethanol-fueled Indy racecars, rocketing around the track. And when I say rocketed, our nimble car actually topped out at an astounding 114 mph! It was an absolute rush! My professional driver, of course, considered that speed “no biggie,” given that actual race drivers achieve far greater velocities on a normal day. But for me, it was definitely a far more thrilling pace than my little Prius typically delivers!
An Evening of Inspiration: Farmers’ Stories and Community Spirit
For dinner that evening, we traded our farm attire for something a bit dressier and gathered for a truly enchanting rooftop dinner at the State of Iowa Historical Museum. Conveniently located just a short distance from our hotel, the museum boasted an absolutely breathtaking view of the Iowa State Capitol building. We began the evening with refreshing drinks on the roof, capturing some wonderful group photos against the illuminated skyline, before settling down for yet another magnificent meal shared with a new group of farmers. This time, three different farmers took center stage, and we were privileged to hear each of their personal narratives: what life truly entails on a small Iowa farm, the deep-seated reasons why they continue this challenging yet rewarding work, and the unwavering dedication that defines their lives. Oh my goodness, what an inspiration they were. These men epitomized the salt of the earth – brimming with joy and laughter, remarkably committed to their land and livelihoods, profoundly devoted to and proud of their families (many brought cherished photos to share), and incredibly intelligent and thoughtful in their approach to running 21st-century farms. Most profoundly, they were simply deeply kind men. Their stories of resilience, hard work, and profound connection to their land and community moved us all, bringing tears to our eyes repeatedly as we witnessed their incredible devotion to their life’s work. The entire evening was an extraordinary gift, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts.
Addressing Controversies: Science, Food, and Corn
The following morning, we rose early for a stimulating breakfast and an engaging Q&A session with Dr. Ruth MacDonald, the esteemed chair of the Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition at Iowa State University. This was our invaluable opportunity to openly address pressing questions surrounding the corn industry – from the considerable controversies surrounding high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), to the complexities of “big business” in corn, and the political dimensions of agricultural policy. It proved to be a profoundly fascinating conversation, one that truly underscored the reality that there are indeed “two sides to every coin.” While sensational documentaries often dominate public discourse, Dr. MacDonald firmly asserted (a point I’ve encountered before) that many widely broadcast statements lack the rigorous, repeated scientific testing characteristic of university-level research. For instance, claims regarding high-fructose corn syrup – such as the notion that our bodies struggle significantly more to break it down compared to sugar – are scientifically unfounded. The discussions around genetics were equally captivating, as we heard balanced perspectives on the strategies employed to protect crops from pests and ensure a successful harvest. It was an incredibly candid and honest exchange, and we all wholeheartedly agreed that such vital conversations need to occur far more frequently, and with greater fairness and scientific rigor, in the public sphere so that consumers can truly be informed. Even as dedicated food bloggers deeply invested in these issues, I believe we all left scratching our heads, wishing we knew how to consistently access better, research-backed information on these complex topics. Nevertheless, our dialogue with Dr. MacDonald was immensely valuable, and we deeply appreciated her transparency and insightful contributions!
Next, we packed our bags and ventured into the bustling city for a visit to a place held dear by all food bloggers: The Meredith Corporation! Home to a multitude of popular magazines, Meredith Corp is perhaps best known for publishing the iconic Better Homes & Gardens magazines and cookbooks. (During the visit, I even spotted my own cherished cookbook, a gift from my mom when I graduated college, proudly displayed in their historical timeline – third shelf, second from the left!) Everyone was particularly excited to tour their beautiful test kitchens and witness firsthand where culinary magic happens. And yes, I’m pretty sure every single one of us would gladly accept a job as an official taste-tester there!
Behind the Scenes: Meredith Corporation’s Creative Hub
Our visit to Meredith Corporation continued with an engaging tour of their impressive photo studios. We had the opportunity to observe ongoing shoots, including intricate “home” shoots capturing beautifully styled meals and even a cozy bedroom scene. The artistry and meticulous attention to detail required for food and lifestyle photography were truly captivating. Afterwards, we explored the serene and beautifully maintained gardens, a tranquil oasis where I would happily spend every lunch break if I worked there. Everyone also “ooohed” and “ahhhed” over the legendary prop rooms, which house an almost unimaginable collection of every possible dish, utensil, and food styling prop one could ever dream of! As someone who works in a very similar prop room at Hallmark, that particular segment felt wonderfully like déjà vu!
Overall, meeting everyone at Meredith was incredibly inspiring. I hold immense respect for a corporation that has so profoundly shaped generations of American homes and lifestyles. Having begun in 1902, this year marked their impressive 110th birthday! We are profoundly grateful for the enduring and invaluable work they do, continually inspiring countless individuals in their kitchens and homes.
Culinary Creations: A Hands-On Cooking Class with Iowa Pork
Our enriching Iowa CornQuest adventure culminated at the Country Club Market, a delightful cooking school conveniently situated above a Hy-Vee supermarket in Des Moines. Upon entry, we were thrilled to receive our very own aprons and learn that we would be responsible for preparing our lunch that day! Ten food bloggers in one kitchen might sound like a recipe for chaos, but it turned out to be an absolute blast! Chef Terrie Kohl, a true culinary expert, masterfully supervised the meal preparation. We were divided into four enthusiastic teams, each tasked with preparing a specific part of our delicious menu. I found myself on the “pork” team, and together, we crafted a truly fabulous Maple Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin with Rosemary Cherry Sauce. I was so excited by the recipe that I shared it on the blog for all of you to enjoy! (A big thank you again to Chef Terrie for that incredible recipe!) Afterward, we enjoyed an insightful presentation from Iowa Pork, emphasizing pork as “The Other White Meat.” We collectively celebrated the exciting new FDA-approved cooking temperature of 145°F for pork, a game-changer that promises perfectly juicy, never-dry pork, every single time! We also learned that modern pork cuts are often as lean, or even leaner, than chicken. What a revelation!
Farewell to Friends and a Lasting Impression
Without a doubt, the most challenging part of this unforgettable trip was bidding farewell to these new, dear friends. I cannot express enough how much I adore these sweet bloggers and how deeply honored I feel to be a part of such a wonderful food blogging community alongside them. It was genuinely a joy to catch a glimpse into their lives and understand their unique passions that drive them to do what they do. My gratitude for each of them is immense!
My heartfelt thanks also extend, once again, to our rockstar trip coordinators – Hana, Roxi, Shannon, and Mindy. Their welcoming spirit and unwavering encouragement knew no bounds. I know we all left feeling enriched, having spent these few days with them and witnessing their genuine passion for this entire project. Their dedication made all the difference.
Iowa: A Corny, Wonderful, and Inspiring Blast!
So, in response to my mom’s text message inquiring about the trip, I can confidently say that “Corn College” was indeed an absolute blast. It was a perfectly corny, wonderfully enriching, incredibly inspiring, and hilariously memorable adventure. Cheers to Iowa – a state that truly embodies the heart and soul of American agriculture, innovation, and hospitality!