The Cattlemen's Beef Quarters, a favorite dining destination for many who attend the Iowa State Fair, marks its 30^th year of service this year. "A visit to the Cattlemen's Beef Quarters is a tradition for many who attend our great state fair. We are proud to serve the highest quality beef to our customers and proud to have established ourselves as a true staple of the fair experience," says John Mortimer, manager of the restaurant.

GREAT PLACE TO EAT: Bring your appetite and be sure to visit the Cattlemen's Beef Quarters at the 2014 Iowa State Fair, Aug. 7-17 in Des Moines. The popular restaurant is celebrating its 30th anniversary of serving delicious beef to fairgoers.

According to Mortimer, the Cattlemen's Beef Quarters began its 30-year journey at the fair to serve as an advocate for Iowa cattlemen and women and the high quality beef they raise. It is comprised of 68 county cattlemen's associations and is staffed by some 1,200 beef industry volunteers each year. These loyal cattle farmers serve 74,000 customers annually and prepare 35,000 pounds of beef during the 11-day event. This year's Iowa State Fair is August 7 to 17 at the fairgrounds in Des Moines.

Creating and offering new beef menu items each year
Mortimer says that the secret to 30 years of success is creating and offering new menu items that will appeal to fairgoers. The all-beef menu includes such favorites as Prime Rib, the Mark and Gary Burger, taco salad and the Hot Beef Sundae.

"One detail that makes us special is that we have something for everyone on our menu from the casual, on-the-go diner, to those interested in a true sit down meal. Our menu has expanded and changed through the years, but one thing remains constant -- it's always about the beef," says Mortimer.

Producer-directed and consumer-focused, the Iowa Beef Industry Council is funded by the $1-per-head beef checkoff. Checkoff dollars are invested in beef promotion, consumer information, research, industry information and foreign market development, all with the purpose of strengthening beef demand. For information, visit www.iabeef.org.

~~~PAGE_BREAK_HERE~~~

Operated by Beef Promotions of Iowa, Inc., the Cattlemen's Beef Quarters is managed by John Mortimer of Dallas Center. Sixty-eight county Cattlemen's Associations bring over 1,200 beef industry volunteers to prepare and serve beef during the Iowa State Fair. The Cattlemen's Beef Quarters has been serving beef at the Iowa State Fair for 30 years.

Iowa State Fair Big Boar Competition Is Aug.
In other 2014 Iowa State Fair livestock related news, the 39^th Annual Iowa State Fair Big Boar Competition sponsored by Feed Energy Company will be held Thurs., Aug. 7 at 1:00 p.m. It will be in the Iowa State Fairgrounds Swine Barn.

Did You Know …1,335 pounds is the record for the heaviest Big Boar. In 2012, Reggie, a boar from Indiana beat the previous record by more than 70 pounds. Only one winner (2012) and four top three placers have ever come from outside of Iowa in the contest's history. The lightest big boar winner was just 923 pounds. It was the first year of the Big Boar contest in 1975. And 8 pounds is the record for the difference between first and third place. This happened in 1998.

Each year the Iowa State Fair attracts more than 1 million people and with an action packed 10 days, there are only a few stops that make each fairgoers list -- one of them being the Big Boar. With a strong history, the Big Boar competition is a fresh story each year featuring great rivalries from across the U.S. The firm that sponsors the Big Boar contest this year is Feed Energy, a liquid feed manufacturer to the swine and poultry industries based in Des Moines.

About Feed Energy: Feed Energy is an agribusiness firm primarily engaged in further refining vegetable oil as a high-energy, liquid feed ingredient. The company produces and distributes throughout the Midwest scientifically balanced ingredients specific to their customers' needs. Feed Energy's headquarters and original production facility have been in Des Moines for more than 25 years, with additional Iowa production facilities in Sioux City and Pacific Junction.