Vinton griller wins 2011 Iowa Farm Bureau Cookout Contest

DES MOINES –  Brett Richards of Vinton was crowned as the 2011 Iowa Farm Bureau Cookout Contest winner with his Poor Man's Prime Rib recipe. Richards beat out 36 other grillers, representing counties from around the state, to win the 48th annual competition.

The Iowa Farm Bureau-sponsored contest featured 37 outdoor chefs using their best grilling, roasting and smoking techniques.

“The Farm Bureau Cookout Contest continues to celebrate our state's food and farmers,” said Iowa Farm Bureau President Craig Lang. “Every year, these cookout contestants impress our judges and fair visitors with their grilling talents; creating unique and healthy meal options.”

Cookout champion Richards won first place in the beef category before being selected by the judges as the overall winner. He received $200 and a permanent trophy as the cookout champion.

Other first place winners and their categories were Paco Ochoa of Stone City, lamb/goat; Troy Burmeister of Davenport, pork; Ashley Hanson of Alden, poultry; Dennis Hanson of Alden, turkey; and Chris Albright of Boone, combo/specialty. All winners received $75.

Second place winners and their categories were Daryl Witt of Carlisle, beef; Shelana Laing of Urbandale, lamb/goat; Phil Cummings of Center Point, pork; Jason Crees of Adel, poultry; Terry Clayton of Brooklyn, turkey; and Steve Heaberlin of Indianola, combo/specialty. All second place winners received $50.

Winners in special categories were youth first place – Caroline Sceszinski of Albia and youth second place – Lydia Close of Brandon; showmanship – Gene Petersen of Vinton; team – Scott Tibbal and Mike Vroom of Albia. The youth winner received $75 and second place received $50 from the Iowa Propane Association. The showmanship winner received $100. The team winners received $150. All category winners using propane in their grilling efforts were placed in a drawing for a new grill. That winner was Troy Burmeister of Davenport. In addition, all received a trophy.