Iowa
See how beef farmers and ranchers in Iowa are rethinking the ranch to raise sustainable beef through land-saving, wildlife-preserving, and award-winning environmental efforts.
MEET THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE BEEF
4th and 5th generation Iowa farm families put caring for their land first
Located in the quaint small town of Lewis, Iowa is Euken-Myers Farm, which has been in the Euken family for over a century. This dedicated family takes a holisitic approach to managing their farm, feeding the corn they grow to their cattle and using the cattle manure to fertilize their crops. In doing so, the Euken and Myers families have developed a truly sustainable farm with a long-term focus. In addition to care for their cattle and crops, Euken-Myers farm also prioritizes care for their land by focusing on soil health. The family conducts regular soil analysis in order to provide the ground with exactly what it needs. They have also implemented terracing and cover cropping in order to prevent soil erosion and runnoff. For their commitment to land, soil, and cattle care, Euken-Myers Farm was awarded the prestigious Environmental Stewardship Award (ESAP).
"Taking care of the land, the soil, and the cattle are a top priority for our family. It's something that is in our DNA." - Jill Euken, Euken-Meyers Farm
Meet More Members of the Beef Community:
Hanrahan Ranch
The Hanrahan Ranch of Cumming, Iowa in Madison County shares the importance of cattle care and stewardship of the resources they are provided. Dan Hanrahan, with his parents Virginia and Richard, work towards leaving a legacy for the land to be better than when they started. “The best way I can describe stewardship is that we are fortunate to be caretakers for the time we have here. Always thinking, ‘What can I do to improve the ground? What can I do to improve the herd for those who come after me?' It's a responsibility for something larger than yourself," says Dan of his vision for the farm.
Raising BEef in Iowa
Raising beef is a complex process, but throughout the entire journey, one thing remains constant – the shared commitment to raising cattle in a safe, humane and environmentally sustainable way by using the latest technology and resources. Today, there are more than 3.6 million cattle and over 25,000 cattle farms and ranches throughout Iowa. Learn more about the people and the process involved in raising beef from the pasture to the plate in The Tall Corn State.
popular Iowa-inspired recipes
RIBEYE STEAKS WITH BLUE CHEESE BUTTER AND MUSHROOMS
Ribeyes and Portobello mushrooms are grilled and served with a compound butter. Bonus recipe for sandwiches using leftovers included.
CUMIN-RUBBED STEAK TACOS WITH SPICY GRILLED CORN SALSA
A simple sweet and spicy rub gives Top Sirloin Steak delicious flavor while homemade grilled corn salsa adds a smoky finish. Top with avocado cream for a smooth finish!
Discover More Iowa Flavors and Recipes
Experience all the flavors of the Midwest with a Sweet Bacon Jam and Corn Relish Burger from Ally’s Sweet & Savory Eats. Or take a trip around the world with a Beef Negimaki (Japanese Steak and Scallion Rolls) from Iowa blogger, Lauren, at Zestful Kitchen.
Iowa Fact
Iowa is home to food inventions like Sloppy Joes which were born in Sioux City in 1930 and Taco Pizza which was invented in Bettendorf, IA in 1974.
Discover More State Stories
See how beef farmers and ranchers around the country are implementing land-saving, wildlife-preserving, and award-winning environmental efforts.
beef sustainability
cattlemen and the environment
Today beef is produced using fewer resources than ever before. But conservation is never complete; ranchers work hard to feed a growing population, while, at the same time, reduce water use, care for the land, and protect the environment.
iowa beef industry council
Learn more about the Iowa Beef Industry Council and the work they do within the state.