Fairgoers will get the big scoop on farming at Iowa Food & Family Project exhibit

“What farmers grow makes Iowa go” theme of unique experience at Iowa State Fair

A must-see sculpture created from nearly 50 tons of sand will provide the ideal backdrop to a one-of-a-kind celebration of farming hosted by the Iowa Food & Family Project (IFFP) during the Iowa State Fair, Aug. 7-17 in Des Moines.

The exhibit, “What farmers grow makes Iowa go,” will be located in the south atrium of the Varied Industries Building. It will feature the work of Greg and Brandi Glenn, 26-year veterans of sand sculpting and co-owners of Sandscapes®.

The work of art will measure 20-by-24 feet and stand more than 12 feet tall. It will showcase how food is grown and where it’s enjoyed. Included in the sculpture will be farms and farm fields, grocery stores, restaurants and the all-important kitchen table.

“Iowa Girl Eats” Kristin Porter, host of the IFFP’s “Join My Journey,” will make appearances throughout the fair at the exhibit. She’ll greet and meet fairgoers and autograph the popular “Let’s Cook” cookbook published this summer by the IFFP. “The fair is one of my favorite Iowa summer traditions and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone as they stop by the exhibit,” said Porter.

“From the ground up, farmers are dedicated to healthy families, communities and the environment,” said Chris Freland, Industry Relations Manager, Midwest Dairy Association. “The exhibit and related activities will reaffirm the dedication of farmers to growing safe, wholesome food, generating jobs and income that build strong communities and safeguarding air, soil and water quality.

Fairgoers can visit with farmers about food production and participate in numerous activities. Children will be invited to participate in a coloring and illustration contest and receive a complimentary ice cream cone voucher redeemable at McDonald’s. People of all ages can test their food and farming IQ for the chance to win unique prizes.

Also, the Iowa FFP will join the Iowa State Fair and U.S. Department of Agriculture in sending fairgoers on a scavenger hunt throughout the fairgrounds to learn more about agriculture. “AgVenture” trail maps will be available at information stands located throughout the fair. Once completed, they can be redeemed for a special gift at the IFFP booth.

“What farmers grow makes Iowa go” is powered by the Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Farm Credit Services of America, Midwest Dairy, Machine Shed Restaurant, Latham Hi-Tech Seeds, Iowa Corn, McDonald’s, Iowa Food Bank Association, Iowa Grocery Industry Association and United Soybean Board.

The Iowa Food & Family Project (www.iowafoodandfamily.com) is dedicated to uniting Iowans in conversations about today’s farms and food system through personal engagement and advocacy. It proudly serves as presenting sponsor of the Iowa Games, and supporter of Live Healthy Iowa and is funded in part by the soybean, pork, beef, dairy, corn, turkey and egg checkoffs.