Cheese curds. Goat cheese. Ice Cream. Beverages.
At the Iowa State Fair, the Iowa Quality Dairy Products Competition showcases the best dairy products in the state, from small family creameries to large-scale brands that are investing in Iowa.
In this episode, we follow Heather Moore of Moore Family Farms in Maquoketa as she enters her cheese curds in one of the fair’s most competitive categories. We go behind the scenes at Iowa State University for judging day, hear from founder Stephanie Clark on how Iowa’s dairy industry is growing at both ends of the spectrum, and find out what this contest reveals about the future of farming in our state.
Featured Voices
* Heather Moore – Dairy farmer and cheesemaker at Moore Family Farms in Maquoketa, Iowa.
* Stephanie Clark – Iowa State University Emeritus Professor of Food Science and Human Nutrition; founder of the Iowa Quality Dairy Products Competition.
* Danielle Christofferson – Production Manager at the Iowa State Creamery and organizer of the dairy competition.
Dairy Competition Winners
Cultured Products
* Hinterland Dairy Quark - Original
* Hinterland Dairy Quark - Garlic & Herb
* Woods, Zach French Onion Dip
Cheese Curds
* WW Homestead Dairy - White Cheddar Cheese Curds
* Hinterland Dairy - Original Curds
* WW Homestead Dairy - Pizza White Cheddar Cheese Curds
Cow Milk Cheese
* Hinterland Dairy - Hoppin' Jalapeno Cheddar
* WW Homestead Dairy - Chipotle Morita
* Hinterland Dairy - Brooks Place Aged Alpine Cheddar
Goat Milk Cheese
* Korver, Justin - Cranberry Spice Swirl
* Smith, Diana - Chevre
* Smith, Diana - Cheddar
Dairy Beverages
* Country View Dairy - Chocolate Whole Milk
* Woods, Zach - 1% Buttermilk
* Woods, Zach - 36% Heavy Whipping Cream
Ice Cream/ Gelato
* Country View Dairy - Muddy Buddy Frozen Yogurt
* Korver, Justin - Wildberry Lemonade
* Korver, Justin - Chocolate
Best of Show
Country View Dairy - Muddy Buddy Frozen Yogurt
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Very special thanks this week to Danielle Christofferson, Stephanie Clark, Heather Moore, and the judges at ISU. Mallory DeVries edited. Meghan Holloran assisted media production. Music by Chris Schwartz and Lobo Loco.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit attheiowafarmtable.substack.com