It’s that time of year once again, when the Iowa Beef Industry Council asks Iowans to help identify the best burger in the State. In this year’s quest, the Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC) and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) are encouraging you to nominate your favorite burger, whether it’s gourmet or down-home style. Kylie Peterson, IBIC Director of Marketing and Communications, says COVID caused the 2020 contest to be delayed, with the winners announced in September, so it seems strange that it’s time to be doing it already.

This is the twelfth year the two groups are holding the annual Iowa’s Best Burger contest, which officially kicked off on February 15, 2021. The contest is more important than ever this year, because of how the restaurant industry was affected last year.

She suggests going out and trying a new restaurant by no later than March 15th, and then fill-out the online nomination form on the Iowa Beef Council’s Facebook page. You can also text your nomination by sending the word BEEF to (515)-220-2020. Complete rules for the contest are available on the web at www.iabeef.org.

Some of the rules state the burger must be 100% real beef, served in a patty form 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 the restaurants, online, or on social media. Peterson says 10 restaurants with the most nominations will be visited by a secret panel of judges, who will determine the ultimate winner.

The 2020 winner of the contest was the Twisted Tail in BeeBeeTown. Their winning burger features a double patty, two slices of cheese and a fried egg on top. This year’s winner will be announced on May 3^rd.