The Ankeny-based Casey's convenience stores reports continued recovery from the pandemic slowdown despite some continuing challenges. Company president, Darren Rebelez gave an update today on second-quarter results during a conference call with investors. "Diluted earnings per share were two … [Read more...]
Governor pardons two turkeys at Terrace Hill
Governor Kim Reynolds continued the annual tradition today of pardoning two turkeys from becoming Thanksgiving dinner. "Now, therefore, I, Kim Reynolds, Governor of the State of Iowa, do proudly proclaim Squash and Stuffing as symbols of Iowa's great turkey industry -- and they are free to roam," … [Read more...]
Iowa chef gives tips on cooking turkey, sides
There are a lot of ways to cook a turkey and but the director of the Iowa Culinary Institute at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) says every method has one goal. Chef John Andres says that's to keep the meat moist. "You are always kind of in a battle between getting the outside of your … [Read more...]
Cost of average Thanksgiving meal up 14%
The Farm Bureau's annual survey of items used for a traditional Thanksgiving feast found a 14 percent increase in cost compared to last year. Iowa Farm Bureau economist, Sam Funk, says they based the cost on a meal for ten people. "That amount was $53.31 cents on average -- which is on average … [Read more...]
DMACC culinary students in Newton learn process beyond baking
Students at the Iowa Culinary Institute’s Baking & Pastry Arts Program at the DMACC Newton Campus are using the upcoming holiday as a learning experience. Chef Ryan Binney says they are selling Thanksgiving Dinner rolls and have had to learn about the whole process beyond baking. "We ran into … [Read more...]
Supply chain issues may give you fewer choices for Thanksgiving turkey size
With a little over a month until Thanksgiving, there are reports of a looming turkey shortage, but the executive director of the Iowa Turkey Federation says that is not accurate. Gretta Irwin says there is an "ample supply" of turkeys, however, there are other issues which could leave your … [Read more...]
Harlan eatery’s tenderloin named best in the state
A southwest Iowa restaurant is this year's winner for the Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin in the state, as selected by the Iowa Pork Producers Association. Richard Buman, co-owner of Victoria Station in Harlan, says he's bowled over by the win. "Someone said we should be nominated for the contest … [Read more...]
Breakfast competition heats up among fast food, convenience stores
There's a breakfast war heating up now in Iowa to try and capture customers who are once again venturing out of their homes following pandemic shutdowns. Casey's convenience stores CEO Darren Rebelez talked about the competition during an investor call. "What you saw a year ago when lots of … [Read more...]
Shrimp facilities in Webster City, Blairsburg back on track after pandemic
Iowa is a long way from an ocean, but soon harvesting will begin on a seafood product that's not usually associated with the Midwest. The Texas-based company Natural Shrimp is nearing completion of two facilities in north-central Iowa, in Blairsburg and Webster City. CEO Gerald Easterling says … [Read more...]
Pork Producers push for year-round visas for foreign born workers
An Ankeny woman who is president of the National Pork Producers Council is urging members of the U.S. Senate to reform the visa system so immigrants working as farm hands or in meat packing plants can stay permanently. "Our foreign born workforce is an essential part of our supply chain and we … [Read more...]