Unveiling the Heart of America’s Harvest: An Iowa CornQuest Adventure
A few weeks ago, I embarked on an insightful road trip to Des Moines, Iowa, to participate in the unforgettable Iowa CornQuest 2012. Joined by nine other vibrant bloggers, this immersive experience, generously sponsored by the Iowa Corn Growers Association, offered a profound look into the intricate world of modern agriculture. From engaging with dedicated farmers who cultivate our nation’s essential crops to delving into their perspectives on farming trends and groundbreaking innovations, the journey was enlightening. We engaged in compelling discussions with experts about corn’s pivotal role in our food supply and its growing importance in alternative energy. The trip also highlighted Iowa’s historical influence on American kitchens, from iconic publications like Better Homes & Gardens to everyday culinary practices. Every turn presented a new discovery, often accompanied by an abundance of delicious food and the joy of forming new friendships.
This account offers a comprehensive glimpse into our action-packed days, though it merely scratches the surface of the countless details and inspiring moments we encountered. Consider this your “fly-over” tour of our enriching time in the Hawkeye State.
Arrival and First Connections: Forging Friendships in Des Moines
Following a three-hour drive across the vast plains, transitioning from Kansas to the equally expansive landscapes of Iowa, I arrived in Des Moines with immense anticipation. I was thrilled to finally meet our trip coordinators and the incredible group of fellow bloggers. What an exceptional assembly they proved to be! The nine other talented individuals 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)
Day 1: From Midwest Comfort Food to Sustainable Farming Practices
Our first full day commenced on Wednesday with a truly hearty Midwest comfort food breakfast at The Machine Shed. Whispers of their legendary cinnamon rolls had preceded our visit, and upon seeing our table, it became clear these rumors were no exaggeration. These cinnamon rolls were colossal, generously topped with the most heavenly, fluffy cream cheese icing imaginable. This indulgent start was followed by an endless spread of bacon, eggs, biscuits and gravy, sausage, and more. As a self-proclaimed bacon enthusiast, I was in heaven – a fitting introduction to the land of Iowa Pork, as evidenced by the bacon-themed merchandise in the gift shop! Yet, the true highlight of the meal was the opportunity to meet local farmers who joined us. Listening to their personal stories, from growing up on family farms to their enduring commitment to agriculture and the evolving joys and challenges of running small farms today, was truly inspiring. Their passion was palpable.
After a satisfying breakfast, we boarded our spacious bus, animated with conversation, and headed to Bill and Nancy Couser’s farm. Bill, a fourth-generation farmer, proudly maintains a family legacy spanning over a century on the same land. His deep-rooted passion for farming, his stewardship of the land, his dedication to his community, and his love for his family (including his two sons who are set to continue the farm’s legacy) were immediately evident. He delivered a captivating presentation, detailing the rich history of their farm and illustrating the strategic expansion that has occurred over the decades. Bill’s intelligence and drive were truly inspiring; we learned about the numerous innovations implemented on his farm to enhance sustainability, boost efficiency, and improve the welfare of both livestock and crops. These advancements often resulted from collaborations with researchers from the University of Iowa, the EPA, John Deere developers (headquartered in Iowa), and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The power of collaboration in modern farming, coupled with Bill’s genuine excitement about finding new ways to ensure a healthy farm for future generations, left a lasting impression.
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 from their own farm. It was a Pinterest-lover’s dream come true! Following another insightful presentation from Nancy Degner of the Iowa Beef Industry Council, who educated us on the science of “umami” with engaging taste-testing exercises, our appetites were perfectly primed. The delicious aromas emanating from the kitchen built anticipation for lunch. Despite our earlier feast, we thoroughly savored a delightful flat-iron Iowa Beef steak, complemented by an exquisite espresso bourbon glaze, and, of course, creamy creamed corn. Absolutely delicious!
Day 2: From Field to Fuel – Harvesting and Ethanol’s Impact
After a memorable lunch, our agricultural exploration continued with a field trip directly into the expansive fields. Beyond raising cattle, Bill manages vast tracts of land. On this particular day, he was in the midst of harvesting soybeans. We city dwellers were given an exhilarating ride in a super-high-tech combine alongside one of Bill’s sons, immersing ourselves in the heart of the harvesting action. While witnessing the advanced John Deere equipment at work (which Bill often tests for their development team), we were astonished to learn how little “driving” is actually involved these days—the combine was almost entirely operated by GPS! It was truly remarkable to observe these colossal machines in operation and to ponder what farmers from 50, 100, or even 500 years ago would make of today’s technological advancements in agriculture. The power of modern technology in farming is simply incredible.
Conversations with the farmers provided fascinating insights into the diverse applications of the crops grown. While many associate “corn” solely with the sweet corn found in grocery stores or farmers’ markets, a significant portion of the corn cultivated in Iowa (and in Kansas, where my father grew up on a farm) serves various crucial purposes: as seed, as livestock feed, and importantly…
…for ethanol production! This revelation led us to our next exciting adventure of the day: a visit to the Iowa Speedway! The prospect of zooming around in racecars was thrilling enough, but our prior discussion with the president of Iowa Corn amplified the experience, as we gained a deeper understanding of how the very cornfields we had just visited fuel not only these high-performance racecars but also a significant percentage of our everyday vehicles. It was astonishing to learn that 10% of regular cars nationwide are now powered by ethanol. Furthermore, we discovered that many vehicles are already capable of utilizing higher blends of ethanol, such as E85, which offers considerable environmental benefits by being cleaner and often cheaper than petroleum. Crucially, it’s a domestic fuel source, literally “grown” in the United States. In fact, a remarkable 30% of all ethanol produced in the U.S. originates from Iowa. Truly remarkable!
Following our informative discussion, we headed to the racetrack. Yours Truly found herself in the first “heat” of ethanol-fueled Indy racecars, experiencing the sheer exhilaration of speed as we tore around the track. When I say speed, our little car topped out at an astonishing 114 mph! While my experienced driver assured me this was “no biggie” compared to professional speeds, it was undoubtedly a far cry from the modest pace of my trusty Prius. An unforgettable adrenaline rush!
Evening Reflections: Inspirational Stories from the Heart of Iowa Farming
For dinner that evening, we swapped our farm attire for more elegant wear and enjoyed a delightful rooftop dinner at the State of Iowa Historical Museum. Conveniently located just a short walk from our hotel, the museum offered an absolutely breathtaking view of the state capitol building. We savored refreshing drinks on the roof and captured some group photos before settling down for yet another wonderful meal, shared this time with three additional Iowa farmers. During this intimate gathering, these three gentlemen were given the floor, and we were privileged to listen to their heartfelt narratives about life on a small Iowa farm and the profound reasons they continue their demanding work. Their stories were nothing short of inspiring. These men embodied the salt of the earth – brimming with joy and laughter, remarkably committed to their farms, deeply devoted to and incredibly proud of their families (many brought cherished photos to share), and remarkably intelligent and thoughtful in their approach to running twenty-first-century agricultural operations. Above all, they were profoundly kind individuals. We were all deeply moved, many of us shedding tears repeatedly as we witnessed their unwavering devotion to their life’s work. The entire evening felt like an extraordinary gift, leaving us with a renewed appreciation for the people who feed our nation.
Day 3: Exploring Food Science, Media, and Culinary Creativity
The following morning, our day began with an early breakfast and an engaging Q&A session with Dr. Ruth MacDonald, the distinguished chair of the Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition at Iowa State University. This session provided a crucial opportunity to ask pressing questions about the corn industry. We delved into major controversies surrounding high-fructose corn syrup, the complexities of GMOs, the “big business” aspect of corn, and the political dimensions influencing agriculture. It was a truly fascinating and candid conversation, underscoring the reality that there are indeed multiple facets to every issue. Dr. MacDonald asserted (a point I’ve heard echoed before) that many widely publicized statements, particularly in documentaries, often lack the rigorous scientific testing and repeated verification characteristic of university-level research. For example, claims that our bodies struggle significantly more to break down high-fructose corn syrup than sugar were dispelled as scientifically unfounded. The discussions about genetics were equally compelling, offering balanced perspectives on how crops are protected from pests and brought to harvest. This incredibly honest dialogue resonated deeply with all of us, highlighting the urgent need for more frequent, fair, and scientifically grounded public discourse to genuinely inform consumers. Even as food bloggers deeply invested in these issues, we left with a collective sense of wishing for more accessible, robust research and information on these critical topics. Nevertheless, our conversation with Dr. MacDonald was invaluable, and we sincerely appreciated her candor and profound insights.
Next, we packed our bags and ventured into the heart of Des Moines to visit a place beloved by food bloggers worldwide: The Meredith Corporation! As the publishing powerhouse behind numerous magazines, Meredith is perhaps best known for producing the iconic Better Homes & Gardens magazines and cookbooks. It was a nostalgic moment for me when I spotted my own college graduation gift cookbook, a thoughtful present from my mom, within their historical timeline display. Everyone was particularly eager to tour their magnificent test kitchens, where the culinary magic truly happens. It’s safe to say we all envisioned ourselves as official taste-testers, eager to sample the delicious creations!
Our tour continued to the vibrant photo studios, where we witnessed live shoots for various “home” scenes, including food photography and a charming bedroom setup. Afterward, we explored the beautifully maintained gardens—a serene oasis where I could easily imagine spending a peaceful lunch break if I worked there. The prop rooms, overflowing with every imaginable dish and food styling accessory, elicited collective “oohs” and “aahs” from our group. Having worked in a similar prop room at Hallmark, that particular segment felt like a delightful déjà vu!
Meeting the dedicated professionals at Meredith was incredibly inspiring. I hold immense respect for a corporation that has left such an indelible mark on generations of Americans. Founded in 1902, Meredith was celebrating its 110th birthday that year, a testament to its enduring legacy and influence. We are profoundly grateful for the invaluable work they continue to do in shaping home and garden culture.
Culinary Collaboration and Lasting Impressions
Our Iowa CornQuest culminated at the Country Club Market, a vibrant cooking school situated above a Hy-Vee in Des Moines. Upon entry, we were delighted to receive personalized aprons and even more excited to learn that we would be preparing our own lunch that day! While ten food bloggers in one kitchen might sound like a recipe for chaos, it turned out to be an absolute blast. Under the expert guidance of Chef Terrie Kohl, we divided into four teams, each tasked with preparing a part of our menu. I was assigned to the “pork” team, where we crafted a truly magnificent Maple Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin with Rosemary Cherry Sauce. This recipe was so outstanding that I later shared it on my blog for everyone to enjoy (a huge thank you to Chef Terrie for the inspiration!). Following our culinary endeavors, we received a concise yet informative presentation on “The Other White Meat” from Iowa Pork. We celebrated the new 145°F cooking temperature for pork, now approved by the FDA, which promises an end to dry pork—a culinary game-changer! We also learned that pork can be just as lean, or even leaner, than chicken, debunking common misconceptions.
Undoubtedly, the most challenging part of this incredible journey was bidding farewell to these new, cherished friends. I cannot adequately express how much I adore these sweet bloggers and how deeply honored I feel to be a part of such a wonderful food blogging community. It was a true pleasure to catch glimpses into their lives and understand their profound passion for what they do. I am immensely grateful for each and every one of them.
My heartfelt thanks also extend to our phenomenal trip coordinators – Hana, Roxi, Shannon, and Mindy. Their welcoming nature, constant encouragement, and visible passion for this project were exceptional. I know we all left Iowa feeling enriched and inspired by having spent these unforgettable days with them.
In response to my mom’s text that day, “Corn College” was, without a doubt, a blast. A wonderfully corny, inspiring, and hilariously memorable experience. Cheers to Iowa, its dedicated farmers, and the innovative spirit that defines its agricultural landscape!