These ups and downs in temperature sure got us hopeful that warmer weather is on its way! ‘Tis the season of farmers preparing for a fast and furious spring ahead. During this time of year farmers are busy attending industry meetings to learn about innovations in farming practices, fixing equipment and getting ready for planting season come spring!
We, like our farmers, are planning for the season ahead! This edition ofWarm Welcomes from the Farm is a protein-packed edition. We know as busy individuals; everyone is looking for the best ways to stay healthy and make sure we are creating a healthy balanced diet. We are proud partners of all the livestock producers here in our state! We can all agree on one thing, corn-fed protein is not only good for our diets but good for Iowa’s economy. You can do your part to support local farmers by fueling up with Unleaded 88 and buying corn-fed meat, dairy and eggs at your local grocery store!
Thank you for subscribing to Warm Welcomes from the Farm, we hope you enjoy this protein-packed edition!
Have you ever glanced at those big pork loins on sale at your local grocery store and wondered what you could possibly do with all that meat beside throw a party? Val Plagge shows you how to utilize a whole loin by cutting it into three versatile portions for a roast, chops and stew meat. Not only is buying a whole pork loin a budget-friendly option, but it also ensures you have a high-quality source of protein for several meals. Read more on Val’s blog Corn, Beans, Pigs and Kids here.
A protein-packed meal a day keeps the doctor away, or something like that? Check out these recipes for each meal of the day to ensure you are staying full and satisfied throughout your day!
Cheddar and Mushroom Breakfast Squares:
Looking for a tasty and satisfying way to start your day? These Cheddar and Mushroom Breakfast Squares are the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy goodness and savory mushrooms, packed with protein to fuel your morning. Try this recipe from Midwest Dairy and enjoy a great start to your day!
Cheesy Egg Nachos:
These Cheesy Egg Nachos are the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and savory, all topped with the rich protein-packed goodness of Iowa eggs. Whether you're looking for a quick meal or something to share with friends, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Enjoy this delicious and easy-tomake lunch from the Iowa Egg Council!
Cheesy Turkey Spaghetti:
End your day with this light and satisfying meal! Packed with lean protein and cheesy goodness, this recipe has it all. Check out this delicious, protein-packed dish from the Iowa Turkey Federation.
Hungry for more? Visit our website to see even more corninspired recipes!
Here at Iowa Corn we are big fans of corn-fed beef! Can you tell us a little bit about the benefits of adding beef into your everyday diet?
Beef has the taste you crave while providing an excellent source of high-quality protein and containing 9 other essential nutrients, including iron, zinc, and B-Vitamins. The nutrients in beef provide our bodies with the strength to thrive throughout all stages of life.
Babies: Around 6 months of age, it is important to introduce nutrient-rich solid foods along with breastmilk or formula. Beyond its nutrient benefits, every bite of beef delivers new flavors and textures to support a growing infant’s oral and motor development, learning and discovery, and acceptance of new, healthy foods and textures.1,2
Tweens/teens: Beef contains the essential amino acid leucine which plays a significant role in muscle protein synthesis, essentially acting as a "switch" to stimulate muscle growth and repair.
Adulthood: Beef is the number three food source of iron in the American diet following ironenriched breads and cereals3, which is particularly important for pre-menopausal, pregnant and lactating women. In older adults, the protein in beef helps maintain muscle mass and strength, supporting mobility and overall health.
In terms of heart health, more than 38 cuts of beef are “lean” (including tenderloin, top sirloin, strip steak and 93% lean ground beef). Research shows that a heart-healthy diet and lifestyle that includes lean beef, even daily, improved cholesterol levels.
*Fun fact: Beef is a rich source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats (just like olive oil!) and is naturally low in sodium, perfect for heart-healthy eating.
With so many types of beef on the market (e.g., organic, grass-fed, cornfed), how can consumers know they are buying the best products?
The beef community has a long-standing commitment to caring for their animals and providing families with the safest, highest-quality beef possible. Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) is a program that trains farmers and ranchers on best practice cattle management techniques within a standard set of guidelines across the U.S. beef industry.
Simply put, BQA helps beef farmers and ranchers raise better beef so consumers can feel even better about buying it. Certification is earned, not bought. In fact, more than 85% of U.S. beef comes from BQA-certified farmers and ranchers.
There are some common myths about corn-fed beef being less nutritious. What would you say to someone who believes this?
There are a variety of beef choices, but no matter the choice, there is a delicious and nutritious beef option for you. Many cuts of both grain-finished and grass-finished beef meet USDA guidelines for lean. In general, grass-finished beef tends to be slightly leaner, but there are a number of variables that contribute to leanness (including breed, age, grade and cut). To amp up the nutrition in your diet, make sure to pair high-quality protein, like beef, with produce and fiber-rich carbohydrates at every meal.
What is your recommendation for consumers looking to get the most out of their protein consumption, and why would you recommend corn-fed beef as a part of that?
No other protein food delivers the same nutrient-rich package as beef for about 170 calories per 3 oz serving of cooked beef. *Fun fact, both beef and chicken have a similar amount of protein per serving. However, you’d have to eat 8 oz of chicken to get the same amount of iron you’d get in 3 oz of beef! You’d need to eat nearly 7 times more chicken (20 oz) to meet the amount of zinc that 3 oz of beef provides!4
Where can people go to find quick meal ideas or recipes that incorporate beef?
Visit www.iabeef.org and www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com to find a variety of easy, nutritious beef recipes for every lifestyle. Plus, find recommended cooking methods and recipes using specific cuts of beef and learn more about how beef is raised and grown.
1. U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. 2020. p. 7172 2. Hambridge et al. Evaluation of meat as a first complementary food for breastfed infants: impact on iron intake. Nutr Rev. 2011 Nov;69 Suppl 1(0 1):S57-63 3. O’Neil CE, et al. Food sources of energy and nutrients among adults in the US: NHANES 2003–2006. Nutrients 2012;4:2097–120.
4. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. (Number: 13364).
Erin Good, RD, LD is the Director of Nutrition & Health for the Iowa Beef Council. In this role, she leads beef nutrition programs, engaging with consumers, healthcare professionals, educators, and student-athletes. With over 12 years of experience as a Registered Dietitian, Erin is a trusted nutrition expert. Erin previously worked as a Corporate Retail Dietitian, where she served as a media spokesperson, provided individual nutrition consultations and health screenings, led worksite wellness initiatives, and inspired consumers with delicious meal and snack ideas.
Erin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics from Iowa State University. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and has her Certificate of Training in Adult Weight Management. Erin also serves as the Volunteer Clinical Director of Health Promotions for Special Olympics Iowa.
Enjoy some family fun with these Iowa Corn fun for kids coloring sheets! Explore, download and print materials that make learning about Iowa’s corn industry and the important ways corn makes a difference fun!
Fun for Kids Corn Coloring Sheets | Iowa Corn