A cut above the competition

Matt Ouverson of Warren County was crowned champion of the 60th annual Iowa Farm Bureau Cookout Contest last week at the Iowa State Fair.

Ouverson presented smoked and sliced rack of lamb topped with chimichurri sauce, which propelled him to top the lamb category and ultimately to win the grand prize of $1,000, the champion's crown and a trophy as the 2024 Iowa Farm Bureau Cookout Contest Champion.

"I think the activated charcoal rub I used helped set my dish apart," Ouverson said after taking home the crown. "Along with the infused Worcestershire sauce, I think."

He also added jalapeno and garlic salt to the rack of lamb's exterior, creating an aromatic and appealing bark, and tender, mild-flavored lamb meat. He said he has been working with lamb for about four years...