Yield of Dreams: Iowa’s Signature Brew at the State Fair

By Cami Koons

This year, fairgoers at the Iowa State Fair can enjoy a unique brew called Yield of Dreams, crafted from locally sourced corn donated by 18 Iowa farmers. This lager, tapped at the Confluence Brewing Company in Des Moines, symbolizes a collaborative effort between the Iowa Brewers Guild, the Iowa Corn Growers, and the Choose Iowa initiative, all of which champion locally produced goods.

A Growing Tradition

Yield of Dreams is making its return for a second year at the fair, showcased exclusively at the Iowa Craft Beer Tent. This initiative not only promotes the relationship between the craft beer and agricultural industries but also highlights the importance of supporting local farming practices.

Noreen Otto, executive director of the Iowa Brewers Guild, cites the fair as the perfect venue to roll out this signature brew: “Building on last year’s success, there’s still no better place than the Iowa State Fair to enjoy Yield of Dreams. Brewed right here in Iowa with Iowa corn, it’s an ideal way for fairgoers to cool off while directly supporting our state’s rich agricultural heritage.”

A Taste of Iowa’s Agriculture

Farmers from each crop reporting district donated just over a bushel of corn, incorporated into the brew at Confluence Brewing Company in June. Ralph Lents, president of the Iowa Corn Promotion Board, emphasized the broad range of products derived from Iowa-grown corn, stating, “ICPB continues to invest in partnerships, like Yield of Dreams, to help strengthen corn demand while increasing corn knowledge across the state of Iowa.”

The Iowa State Fair kicked off on Thursday and runs through August 17. After the fair, Yield of Dreams will be available in taprooms across the state, including at Confluence Brewing.

Other Iowa-Grown Fair Goodies

In addition to Yield of Dreams, the Choose Iowa initiative features various cooking classes, contests, and partnerships throughout the fairgrounds. This year, 30 food vendors are committed to utilizing ingredients sourced from Iowa farms. These vendors are participating in Choose Iowa’s favorite fair food contest, allowing fairgoers to vote for their favorite local-influenced delicacies until August 13.

Among the eligible choices are innovative items like “The Butcher’s Donut” from Destination Grille and classic favorites such as a pork chop on a stick from the Iowa Pork Tent. A complete list of participants and voting options can be found on the Iowa State Fair website.

Interactive Experiences Beyond Food

Visitors to the fair can also participate in free cooking lessons featuring local ingredients at The Kitchen in the Maytag Family Theatre Building daily at 1 p.m. These classes vary from cooking a whole chicken to making dill pickle lemonade, ensuring a delightful experience for all skill levels.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig noted the importance of the Choose Iowa initiative: “Whether you live on a farm or in a city, the Iowa State Fair offers something for everyone to connect with our state’s rich agricultural heritage.”