News : Benton County FB Cook-Out winners to compete at State Fair, Aug. 16

These winners of the Benton County FB Cookout can advance to the State Fair contest.

The 9th Annual Benton County Farm Bureau Cookout Contest was held Saturday July 16 at the fairgrounds in Vinton during the Benton County Fair. Ten people competed for Grand Champion of the event, with Brian Halstead winning the title with his entry in the Pork category.

Bill Newton, contest coordinator, was on hand to run the event, along with Teddi Newton, Matt Werner and Robert Ritscher to assist with the Farm Bureau sponsored Cookout. The ten grillers competed with creative meat recipes and preparation, while enjoying the county fair activities.

The purpose of the Cookout Contest is to promote quality Iowa meat, says coordinator Bill Newton. Entries were judged on the basis of taste, appearance and originality. Three judges, Brett Nelson, Pete Burmeister and Tom Lindauer, came together to taste each entry and fill out a scorecard. 1st Place winners in each category won cash prizes and have the opportunity to compete again at the Iowa Farm Bureau Cookout Contest at the Iowa State Fair.

Congratulations to the 1st Place category winners Justin Meredith (poultry); Emmet Cummings (youth); Dawn Richards (turkey); Halane Cummings (beef); Michelle Bruce (combo/specialty) and Brian Halstead (pork). Also competing in the contest were Mike Peters, Gene Petersen, Jeff Whitson and Cameron Peters.

Benton County will be well represented at the Iowa State Fair on Tuesday August 16th, as the winners plan to travel to Des Moines to compete in the state Cookout. The Benton County Farm Bureau thanks everyone for participating and wishes the winners the best of luck at the state fair.

See more photos HERE.