Nominations for the Iowa Beef Industry Council’s (IBC) and Iowa Cattlemen’s Association’s (ICA) Best Burger Contest are being taken now through 5-p.m. on March 10th. Officials say the contest is not only a great way to celebrate Iowa’s 25,000 beef farmers, it’s also a great way to increase business for participating restaurants and draw visitors to Iowa communities. The contest occurs in two phases. In the first phase, Iowans are encouraged to nominate their favorite burger, whether it’s gourmet or down-home style. Nominations will be accepted between now (February 10th) and March 10th, 2020.

This is the eleventh year for the contest, which unites beef lovers and beef farmers across the state. After the nomination period, 10 restaurants will be chosen as finalists and visited by a secret panel of judges, who will determine the ultimate winner. The 2020 Best Burger in Iowa will be announced on May 1, 2020 with the kick-off of May Beef Month in Iowa. Details about the contest, rules, and the voting form are available on the Iowa Beef Industry Council’s website, www.iabeef.org. Burger lovers can also find a link to the online nomination form at the Iowa Beef Council Facebook page; or by texting BEEF to 313131. Photos of your favorite burger can be shared socially using #IABestBurger.

To qualify to be named Iowa’s Best Burger, the burger must be a 100% real beef patty and be served on a bun or bread product. Restaurants can download a digital toolkit including promotional materials for the contest from IBIC’s website at www.iabeef.org, to promote the contest to their customers. The promotional materials can be used in restaurants, online, or on social media.