(Radio Iowa) – A rare bird came into sight in eastern Iowa this weekend. A four-legged chicken was hatched in the Mississippi Valley Fair’s Expo building. Gary Kaase and his wife manage the display where the chick hatched. “I was taking the chicks out and I thought that one was laying on top of the other. I saw four legs,” Kaase says, “and then I picked the chick up and I realized this was a real rare oddity that I had hatched here at the fair.” Sunday was the last day of the fair in Davenport. The tiny chick is now at home on Kaase’s farm just outside of Eldridge. “He is running around, he’s keeping up with everybody, he’s eating, drinking,”Kaase says. “The future for this chick — we hope to do some educational things with him.” The chick is the offspring of a Brown Sex Link chicken and a Leghorn rooster.

Kaase will be seeking permission to take the chick to visit patients at the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital and he’s hoping to line up other venues where the chick could spread the message that anything is possible. “With the kids…hopefully show them that life isn’t so bad,” Kaase says. “You can handle anything as long as you try.” About two decades ago, Kaase took eggs to his daughter’s third grade classroom so the students could watch the chicks emerge from the shells. He and his wife now take incubators to dozens of classrooms — and three fairs. “We bring in about three dozen eggs every day and we have a big glass incubator where people can actually see the chicks hatch,” Kaase says. “We have two barns set up, one for the chicks that we hatch, one for the ducks…Everything is educational.”

A rare four-legged chick born in Iowa. (Photo courtesy Mississippi Valley Fair.)

His daughter became a veterinarian. She checked the chick out and says he’s healthy. The family has not named him yet. “He’s kind of a light yellow color,” Kaase says. “I don’t know what he’s going to look like when he gets bigger. I’m sure he’ll change some colors.” Kaase’s four-legged chick is motoring around on its two front legs. Kaase’s family has done some research about four-legged chickens. “All we could find is maybe one in 10 million,” Kaase says. “I’ve got to say it’s rarer than that. I’ve been doing this for probably close to 40 years as far as hatching and everything else and I had never even heard of it.”

Kaase’s farm, by the way, is called Anything is Kaase-able.

(Des Moines, Iowa) – This year (2024) marks a milestone for the Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters with the celebration of its 40th anniversary grilling at the Iowa State Fair! Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC) officials says, since 1984, the Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters has became a beloved destination for fairgoers, offering high-quality beef dishes and a welcoming atmosphere. The Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters began its 40-year journey at the fair serving as an advocate for Iowa cattlemen and women and promoting the beef they raise. Comprised of 68 county cattlemen association and FFA groups bringing more than 1,600 volunteers each year, these passionate individuals are crucial in creating a memorable dining experience for fairgoers. These loyal cattle farmers serve nearly 90,000 customers annually and prepare roughly 28,000 lbs. of beef during the 11-day event.

For four decades, Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters has been dedicated to promoting and showcasing the best of Iowa’s beef industry. Commitment to quality and tradition has made them a staple at the Iowa State Fair. CBQ Manager Wayne Baumhover, says “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.”

The Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters all-beef menu includes such favorites as Prime Rib, Taco Salad, Ribeye Steak Sandwich and the Hot Beef Sundae. Serving up mouthwatering meals is well-known amongst fairgoers, and their breakfast offerings are no exception. You can enjoy a hearty start to your day with their classic breakfast menu, featuring biscuits and gravy, brisket breakfast burrito, salt beef bagel and more. It’s the perfect way to fuel up for a day of fair fun.

Iowa cattlemen and women invite you to visit them at the Iowa State Fair to celebrate this special milestone. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, there’s something for everyone at the Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters. Enjoy a delicious meal, learn more about the beef industry, and be a part of the 40th anniversary celebration. Visit the CBQ’s iconic location August 8 through August 18, 2024. Located north of the Horse Barn and east of the Walnut Center, look for the black steer on the roof.

Hours of operation are 6:30 AM to 9:30 PM. Breakfast is served daily until 10 AM. Learn more about the Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters and find a full menu at www.cattlemensbeefquarters.com.