Iowans get creative to sell local Cordless gift ideas for dad Fruit and vegetable recipes for summer - Win a Cuisinart electric smoker
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JUNE 2021
Win a Cuisinart electric smoker See Page 3
Iowans get creative
Visit our website at www.livingwithenergyiniowa.com to sell local
Cordless gift
ideas for dad
Fruit and vegetable
recipes for summer
Iowa Association of
Electric Cooperatives
Volume 74 • Issue 6
EDITOR
Ann Thelen
CONTENTS J U N E 2021
ART DIRECTOR
Joel Clifton
________________________
Features
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
Chuck Soderberg 6 Drilling down – four efficient
D I R E C T O R O F C O M M U N I C AT I O N S cordless tools for dad
Erin Campbell
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Whether for Father’s Day or any time of
Steve Seidl, District 5 – President year, rechargeable tools are an excellent
6
Don Shonka, District 2 – Vice President gift idea if your loved one enjoys tackling
Roger Solomonson, District 3 – Secretary/Treasurer home projects.
Darrell Jensen, District 4 – Asst. Secretary/Treasurer
Gordon Greimann, District 6
Neal Heldt, District 7 8 Fresh fruit and vegetable recipes
Kenneth VandenBerg, District 1 The flavors of summer are on the menu
Marion Denger, Prairie Energy Cooperative –
NRECA Representative
with these recipes from Iowa’s co-op
Brian Krambeer, MiEnergy Cooperative – cooks. PLUS: Find out how you can
Managers’ Representative
________________________
Living with Energy in Iowa magazine (ISSN: 1935-7176) is published
monthly by the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives, a not-for-
receive a $25 credit on your power bill!
10 Iowans get creative to sell local
8
profit organization representing Iowa’s member-owned local electric
cooperatives. Association address: 8525 Douglas Ave., Suite 48, Des
With grilling season in full swing,
Moines, IA 50322-2992. The phrase Living with Energy in Iowa is Iowans are sure to find high-quality
a mark registered within the state of Iowa to the Iowa Association of
Electric Cooperatives. The magazine does not accept advertising. and flavorful protein options no matter
if they shop at the grocery store,
10
Editorial Office: 8525 Douglas Ave., Suite 48, Des Moines, IA
50322-2992. Telephone: 515-276-5350. E-mail address:
editor@livingwithenergyiniowa.com. Living with Energy in Iowa
local meat locker or purchase from a
magazine does not assume responsibility for unsolicited items. neighboring farmer.
Website: www.livingwithenergyiniowa.com
Postmaster: Send address changes to Living with Energy in Iowa Favorites
magazine, 8525 Douglas Ave., Suite 48, Des Moines, IA 50322-2992.
Periodicals Postage Paid at Des Moines, Iowa, and at additional
mailing offices.
3 Statewide Perspective 14 In the Community
Change of Address: Every local electric cooperative maintains There’s no such thing as a free Shine the Light contest
an independent mailing list of its members, so please send your
change of address directly to your local electric cooperative’s dinner for co-op members
office. Living with Energy in Iowa magazine cannot make an
address change for you.
3 Editor’s Choice Contest 15 Out Back
© Copyright 2021, Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives.
No portion of the editorial, photographic or other content of Living Win a Cuisinart electric smoker Inside a real-life farmhouse
with Energy in Iowa magazine or its website may be reproduced
without written permission of the editor.
ON THE COVER
Ellie Bockenstedt (left) and Addy Kirby were
students of Edgewood-Colesburg High School’s
2020 digital multimedia marketing class taught by
Jodi Ehlers. The class partnered with Edgewood
Locker on real-world marketing activities, such as
creating a fundraising brochure. The work inspired
several students to take an advanced foods class
where they grilled meat and staged food for
marketing photography. Cassidy Steger, a fellow
student and high school junior at the time, took
the photos (including our cover image) and runs
her own photography business, Cassidy Leigh
Photography. Read more about local meat lockers
on Pages 10-12 of this issue.
2 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA June 2021
S TAT E W I D E PE R S PE C T I V E
There’s no such thing as a free dinner: Beware
of energy claims that sound too good to be true
BY C H U C K S O D E R B E R G
“Save 50% on your energy bills!” of information you can trust, your advertised. Be wary of exaggerated
local co-op can answer your energy claims and overpriced products in
“Stop paying your electric utility!” efficiency questions and suggest these free dinner schemes.
“Save thousands on your heating practical ways to save energy and
and cooling costs!” money on your electric bills. Resist pressure tactics
Locally owned and governed by And if you do accept an invitation
Have you ever received a the member-consumers to a free dinner, don’t feel pressured
postcard or an email featuring we serve, Iowa’s electric to make a purchase or sign on the
one of these headlines? The cooperatives fully support dotted line until you’ve had time to
postcard usually includes an energy efficiency efforts. In research the company and the claims
invitation to a free dinner at fact, your local co-op offers it is making. Any reputable business
a local restaurant where you several incentives, rebates would encourage you to take the
can learn more about how and programs that can lower time you need to make an informed
to “save big” on your energy your electric bill. We can also decision.
bills. There’s even a local provide information about Please beware of these invitations
phone number you can call which energy efficiency – the actual cost of your free dinner
to reserve your spot, causing you to products may qualify for state or could be more than you’re willing
think that a reputable, local company federal tax credits. Our priority is to pay.
is organizing this effort. It almost to make sure you’re not tricked into Chuck Soderberg is the executive vice
always is not. spending your hard-earned money president and general manager of the
As we move beyond the pandemic, on products that don’t work as Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives.
these types of invitations will likely
increase in our communities. It’s easy EDITOR’S CHOICE CONTEST
to let our guard down because we
want to believe the incredible claims
we find in our inboxes and mailboxes.
Win a Cuisinart
These dubious marketing campaigns
will tout power converters for your
electric smoker!
meter, radiant barriers for your attic This electric smoker is perfect
and other technologies that promise for backyard barbecues! A spacious
to save you hundreds or thousands of 548-square-inch interior means there
dollars on your energy bills. is plenty of room to smoke a variety of
Often, there is some truth to the Iowa-raised meats and fresh vegetables,
technology and products being with 1500 watts of heat to produce
pitched in these postcards. For temperatures from 100 degrees F to
example, an aluminum radiant 400 degrees F. The 30-inch vertical
barrier placed in your attic can help footprint makes it a perfect size for
reduce heat gain during the summer, patios and decks. Three stainless
but the efficiency claims are often steel racks can be easily removed for
overstated, and the product is often smoking large cuts of meat, and an
overpriced. easy-to-read thermometer on the
front door makes monitoring internal
Research the company temperature convenient.
Before accepting an invitation
or signing a long-term contract or
financing program, please research Visit our website and win!
the company on the Better Business Enter this month’s contest by visiting www.livingwithenergyiniowa.com no later than
June 30, 2021. You must be a member of one of Iowa’s electric cooperatives to win.
Bureau website at www.bbb.org. We There’s no obligation associated with entering, we don’t share entrant information with
also encourage you to contact your anyone and multiple entries from the same account will be disqualified. The winner
local electric co-op and speak to of the $100 Earl May Garden Center gift card from the April issue was Monte Eggers,
their member services department Grundy County Rural Electric Cooperative.
about the offer. As a reliable source
June 2021 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA 3
SCOTT’S SAFETY SHARE
Chill out – tips for air conditioning
safely and efficiently
BY S COT T M E I N E C K E
Since air circuit breakers are clean and Exhaust and ceiling fans can
conditioners functioning properly. increase the air flow in the home
run much more TIP Consider upgrading. Consider and reduce humidity in rooms
in the summer upgrading your air conditioner that are often warmer, such as
months, there is to a more energy efficient model, bathrooms and kitchens.
also a potential which can save you money in TIP Trim foliage. Clear or trim
risk to safety if an energy costs. When looking foliage around the air conditioner.
air conditioner at various units, look for the Leaving at least two feet of
malfunctions. Energy safety and Season Energy Efficiency Rating space ensures that airflow to the
efficiency often go hand-in-hand. (SEER), the most well-known appliance isn’t blocked.
Consider these tips from the Energy efficiency rating. Also, check that Additional ways to save energy
Education Council to help keep your the air conditioner has a label include shutting off and unplugging
home safe and your cooling bills lower. indicating that it has been tested unneeded electronics and using
TIP Check for compliance. by a certified laboratory. To help appliances, such as washers and
Common problems leading to air with costs, look for available dryers during cooler times of the
conditioner malfunction often government or utility incentives. day. Turning off lights that are not
include faulty installation and TIP Ensure windows and doors are being used and closing drapes to keep
inadequate maintenance. For closed tightly. While running out the sun can also help reduce the
this reason, always be sure that your air conditioner, always amount of cooling that is needed.
your equipment is being used in be sure that all windows and For more detailed information on
compliance with manufacturer doors are closed to increase efficiency improvements, check with
instructions. operating efficiency. Sealing your co-op about having an energy
TIP Inspect equipment. Before ducts, increasing insulation and audit conducted.
running your air conditioner, plugging leaks in the home can Scott Meinecke is the director of safety
inspect the equipment and be also help improve the overall and loss control for the Iowa Association of
sure that all coils, filters and efficiency of the air conditioner. Electric Cooperatives.
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
“Electric cooperatives focus on serving
consumer-members across 48 states
and ensuring the lights will turn on at
a price that consumers can afford. As
we plan for a future that depends on
electricity as the primary energy source
for a majority of the economy, strategic
investments in grid modernization
and energy innovation are critical. We
applaud the president’s commitment to
repair and improve our nation’s critical
infrastructure, with a focus on rural and
low- and moderate-income families.”
National Rural Electric Cooperative Association
(NRECA) CEO Jim Matheson, following President
Joe Biden’s April 28 address to Congress
4 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA June 2021
EMPLOYEE TRAINING
Dairyland Power Cooperative collaborates on new
workforce training opportunity
Dairyland Power Cooperative and a everything possible to provide for
community college have developed an team members and create new
innovative educational and training opportunities for family-supporting
opportunity for Dairyland employees careers in the energy industry.”
impacted by the upcoming retirement The training program includes six
of the Genoa #3 (G-3) coal-fired weeks of hands-on and classroom
power plant. instruction, with costs covered
Dairyland Power Cooperative, a by Dairyland. Participants must
Touchstone Energy Cooperative, successfully pass training to become
is headquartered in LaCrosse, Indentured Apprentice Construction
Wisconsin, and its service area Lineworkers, followed by a four-year
encompasses 62 counties in four apprenticeship program.
states (Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa The new course is just one of the
and Illinois). In Iowa, Allamakee- skill development opportunities
Clayton Electric Cooperative, Dairyland has sponsored following
Heartland Power Cooperative and begun at the college and will give the difficult decision to retire G-3.
MiEnergy Cooperative receive power employees a chance to transition to More than 50 impacted employees
from Dairyland. an in-demand career. have completed Commercial Driver
Through the collaboration, “Dairyland’s employees are Licensing certification. Boiler license
interested employees are retraining our greatest asset,” says President training has also been offered, as
to become lineworkers within the and CEO Brent Ridge. “As well as outplacement services and
Dairyland system. The class has just one door closes, we want to do internal placement openings.
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Should outbuildings be insulated?
Summer is a great time to tackle though we’re currently in warmer outbuilding. Moisture allows rot,
home improvement projects, temperatures, it’s the perfect time to insects and mold to wreak havoc on
including energy efficiency do outdoor projects that will pay off your structure, and rust to degrade
improvements. Many people often when cold temperatures return. tools and other metals. Heating
wonder if insulating sheds or other The cost to heat or cool your and insulating an outbuilding, if
outbuildings is worth the effort. outdoor shed depends on the climate, done right, can reduce or eliminate
An uninsulated outbuilding can be the size of the outbuilding and the a moisture problem. But insulation
quite expensive to heat or cool. Even price you pay for electricity. However, installed incorrectly can trap moisture
a quick calculation shows that heating and foster mold growth.
an uninsulated 6-by-8-foot shed To prevent moisture buildup, you
could cost twice as much as heating need to eliminate moisture sources
an insulated 900-square-foot home. and prevent condensation.
Wow! As air cools, it cannot carry as
Some outbuildings are heated much moisture causing condensation,
with wood, which is a sound usually on the coolest object at
choice if you have a free source of hand. Insulating walls and ceilings
firewood. Another strategy often can keep the interior wall or ceiling
used in workshops is a radiant heater surface from getting cold enough for
directed at the work area, perhaps in condensation to occur. Insulated wall
front of a workbench. But if you’re or ceiling cavities need to be carefully
paying for fuel and decide to keep air sealed so that condensation does
an outbuilding heated, you should not occur inside the cavity.
definitely insulate it. The cost of heating and cooling an
Keeping a newer shed in top condition may An important consideration is outbuilding can be much lower if the
require insulation and proper venting. the effect moisture can have in an thermostat is carefully controlled.
June 2021 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA 5
Drilling down –
four efficient cordless tools for dad
BY PAT K E E G A N A N D B R A D T H I E S S E N
A cordless drill is one of the
handiest tools for home projects.
With Father’s Day this month,
you might be thinking about buying
some rechargeable power tools for
the dad in your life whether that’s
Quality cordless tools are usually
less expensive if you buy them as
part of a set instead of one tool at a
time. And you can’t typically mix
1
or your own feet, which can be
dangerous. Cordless drills are
easy to use, and the technology
has improved so they have more
your husband or father. and match between brands because power and hold a charge longer.
If your loved one enjoys tackling each line of tools uses a unique Light-duty drills are smaller and
home projects, rechargeable tools battery. So, it may cost less in the less powerful but easy to use for
are an excellent gift idea. long run to buy a cordless starter smaller projects.
Rechargeable cordless tools kit with a few helpful tools and a
are worth the investment when battery, then add tools to the set as 2 Leaf blower
the corded version is the least needed. If the father in your family
convenient option. For example, a Here are a few cordless tools that uses a gas-powered leaf blower,
power drill is something you usually the father in your family will love! you can do him (and your
move around with and often use neighbors!) a favor by giving
outside, so a cordless drill is much 1 Power drill him a cordless leaf blower. This
more convenient and a worthy As one of the most-used option is more energy efficient,
investment. On the other hand, power tools, a drill should be much quieter and less polluting.
a table saw is usually not the first everyone’s first cordless tool.
choice for cordless tools because it Using a corded drill can mean 3 String trimmer
doesn’t need to be moved repeatedly constantly moving the cord A string trimmer is a quick
during a home project. around furniture, other tools way to trim weeds and grass
6 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA June 2021
near walls, bricks and rocks. If
your family uses an outdated
2
to headlamps to waterproof
spotlights. A flashlight can
confident you will be able to find a
replacement battery. Lithium-ion
gas trimmer around the usually give better light than a batteries should not be disposed
yard, it’s time for a change. cell phone, especially if you’re with trash because they are a fire
Two-stroke engines pollute working in a tight space like hazard and contain toxic chemicals.
the air and require regular under a sink. A flashlight often Your local waste disposal service
maintenance. Electric trimmers comes as part of a cordless tool can provide information on how to
are more energy efficient and set, or you can buy a single unit dispose of these batteries properly.
quieter. You can find a variety that recharges using a USB port It goes without saying, but these
of models between $50 and on a charger, USB wall socket or cordless tool gift ideas aren’t just
$150, and it’s worth paying a mobile phone battery. for dads or Father’s Day. All DIY
little more to get a highly rated Batteries make cordless tools enthusiasts would enjoy any of
model that will last longer. possible. Lithium-ion batteries are these gifts any time of the year and
more expensive, but they’re gaining hopefully put them to good use!
4 Flashlight popularity because they hold a
Today’s LED technology is charge longer. While they hold a Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen of
amazing – LED flashlights can longer life, they still degrade over Collaborative Efficiency write on energy
produce 20 times as much light time and may need to be replaced in efficiency topics for the National Rural
Electric Cooperative Association, the
as incandescent ones. And they about three years. national trade association representing
come in a variety of options, It’s worth buying a reputable more than 900 local electric
from tiny key chain lights brand of cordless tools so you can be cooperatives.
A rechargeable
string trimmer is
quieter and more
energy-efficient
than a gas-
powered model. 4
3 Photo Credit: Makita Tools
A rechargeable
flashlight can bring
full light into small
spaces.
June 2021 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA 7
Fresh Basil
Cucumber Salad
1 English cucumber, diced
2-3 Roma tomatoes, cubed
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
1 cup bread cheese, cut into small cubes
2-3 tablespoons olive oil
Himalayan salt
pepper
In a bowl, combine the cucumber, tomatoes and
basil. On medium-low heat, warm cubed bread
cheese until hot. Once hot, add to veggies. Drizzle
with olive oil, add salt and pepper to taste and blend.
Best served while cheese is hot. Serves 3-4
Amy Rudolph • Renwick
Boone Valley Electric Cooperative
Awesome Marinated
Tomatoes
1 pound cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
½ green pepper, diced (more if you prefer)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Green Beans ½
½
tablespoon cilantro
tablespoon parsley
and Bacon ½
½
tablespoon lemon juice
tablespoon lime juice
salt and pepper, to taste
2½ pounds green beans, trimmed
kosher salt Toss all ingredients together. Refrigerate for 2-3
Fresh Facts Source: ½ pound bacon, roughly chopped hours, or 24 hours for full flavor.
Iowa State University 1 small onion, finely chopped
Extension and
3 cloves garlic, minced Becky McClenathan • Toledo
Outreach, Spend
Smart. Eat Smart. 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes T.I.P. Rural Electric Cooperative
juice of ½ lemon
freshly ground pepper
RIPEN TO
salt, optional
Grandma’s Pasta Salad
SWEETEN Add green beans to a large pot of boiling
Avocados, ½ pound spaghetti
salted water. Cook until bright green in color 1 onion, chopped
unripe melons and crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Drain, then
and tree fruits 1 green pepper, chopped
shock green beans in a large bowl of ice water 1 cup celery, chopped
(pears, plums,
peaches and
to stop the cooking. Drain again, pat dry, then 7 grape tomatoes, chopped
nectarines) set aside. Cook bacon in a large, heavy sauté 1 cup fresh peas
should be pan until crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove 1 cup cheese, shredded
kept at room bacon and place on a paper-towel lined plate to 8 ounces creamy Italian dressing
temperature drain. Spoon off excess grease from the pan, 1/3 cup sugar
to ripen and leaving 2 tablespoons. Add onion and sauté 1 teaspoon dry mustard
become until soft, about 4-5 minutes. Sprinkle in garlic
sweeter. Once and red pepper flakes and sauté 1 minute. Add In a large bowl, combine cooked spaghetti,
fully ripened, green beans and cook until heated. Return vegetables and cheese. In a separate bowl, mix
F R E S H FAC T S
store in the bacon to the pan. Add lemon juice, pepper Italian dressing, sugar and mustard then pour over
refrigerator
and salt, if desired. Stir well. Serves 6-8 salad. Cover and chill.
until you are
ready to eat
Kathleen Steele • Hedrick Marlene Burns • Swisher
them.
Access Energy Cooperative T.I.P. Rural Electric Cooperative
8 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA June 2021
Carrot Raisin Salad Sautéed Summer STORE IN
¾-1½
4 cups carrots, shredded (4-5 large)
cups raisins
Squash CRISPER
DRAWER
Keep your
¼ cup Miracle Whip 2 tablespoons canola oil refrigerator at
2 tablespoons sugar ¼ cup onions, diced or below 40
F R E S H FAC T S
2-3 tablespoons milk ¼ cup green peppers, diced degrees F and
¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning use the crisper
Combine carrots and raisins in a bowl. In a ¼ teaspoon salt drawer for
separate bowl, mix remaining ingredients, then ½ teaspoon garlic salt produce when
spread over carrots and raisins. Mix thoroughly. 4 cups zucchini and summer squash, sliced possible.
¼-inch thick
Sonya Colvin • Ames • Consumers Energy 2 tablespoons water
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
STEM SIDE
Blackberry Salad Add oil to a large skillet. Sauté onions and green DOWN
F R E S H FAC T S
peppers with Italian seasoning and salts until Tomatoes will
the vegetables are tender. Add zucchini, summer keep longer
3 ounces cherry Jell-O
when stored
1 cup boiling water squash and water. Cover and cook over low heat
stem side
1 cup blueberry yogurt for 15 minutes, or until squash is tender. Top with down.
1 tablespoon lemon juice cheese. Keep on low heat until the cheese melts.
1 cup fresh blackberries Serve immediately. Serves 4-6
Dissolve Jell-O in boiling water. Add yogurt, Gloria Moser • Larchwood
REFRIGERATE
lemon juice and blackberries. Mix and refrigerate Lyon Rural Electric Cooperative
CUT PRODUCE
for 30-60 minutes. Serves 4 Any cut
F R E S H FAC T S
Deanna Foreman • Rock Valley Angel Food produce must
be refrigerated
North West Rural Electric Cooperative
Strawberry Dessert to prevent
foodborne
Cucumber Salad
illness.
1 small package strawberry Jell-O
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing 1 cup boiling water
¼ cup sugar 1 cup cold water (can have ice in it) USE RUNNING
4 teaspoons vinegar 2 cups whipped topping WATER
½ teaspoon dill weed 4 cups angel food cake, torn into pieces Wash produce
½ teaspoon salt, optional 2 cups strawberries under running
4 medium cucumbers, peeled and sliced thin water rather
3 green onions, chopped Dissolve Jell-O and lemon juice in boiling water. than putting it
Add cold water to thicken (can be refrigerated to in a container
help thicken). Once thickened, whip Jell-O until of water. This
F R E S H FAC T S
Combine mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, dill and increases the
salt. Mix well, then toss in cucumbers and onions. light and fluffy. Fold in whipped topping, angel
likelihood
Cover and chill for at least 1 hour. Serves 8 food cake pieces and strawberries. Add mixture to of washing
a 9x13-inch pan. Chill before serving. Serves 12 away potential
Esther Miller • Alvord • Lyon Rural Electric Cooperative contaminants.
Karen Heiden • Dows • Prairie Energy Cooperative
Wanted: Flavorful Pork Recipes WASH ALL
PRODUCE
The Reward: $25 for every one we publish! Wash all
produce
Pork is a versatile protein that pairs perfectly with any flavor EMAIL: recipes@livingwithenergyiniowa.com before you eat
profile! No matter if it’s tangy, herbaceous or fruity, we want your (Attach your recipe as a Word document or it. Even fruits
favorite recipe for a flavorful pork dish. If we run your recipe in the PDF to your email message.) that have thick
magazine, we’ll send a $25 credit for your electric co-op to apply peels, such
F R E S H FAC T S
to your power bill. Recipes submitted also may be archived on our MAIL: as oranges,
website at www.livingwithenergyiniowa.com. Recipes bananas
The deadline is June 30, 2021. Please include your name, address, Living with Energy in Iowa magazine and melons,
telephone number, co-op name and the recipe category on all 8525 Douglas Ave., Suite 48 should be
submissions. Also provide the number of servings per recipe. Urbandale, Iowa 50322 washed.
June 2021 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA 9
Iowans get creative
to sell local
BY K AY S NYD E R
Farmers,
agribusinesses
and meat lockers
innovate to
meet consumer
demand
Nothing says summertime like Iowa’s livestock farmers lead the business, increasing the production
pork chops or ribeye steaks sizzling nation in pork production and are in of products such as jerky, sausage
on the grill! With grilling season in the top 10 states for beef production. and more. As of early this year,
full swing, Iowans are sure to find Globally, Iowa meats are recognized Edgewood Locker’s processing
high-quality and flavorful protein as the standard of high quality and capacity for individual farmer-
options no matter if they shop at flavor. With the challenges large owned beef was sold out through
the grocery store, local meat locker meat processing plants faced during 2021 and 2022. Owners expect the
or purchase from a neighboring 2020, Iowans turned their attention new facility to open sometime next
farmer. to sourcing meat from small local year and anticipate adding 14 full-
The movement to “buy lockers. time jobs for the community.
local” foods – especially meat – In general, local demand for Central Iowa Power Cooperative
skyrocketed when the COVID-19 meat has far outweighed capacity. has applied for possible U.S.
pandemic hit and consumers Local meat lockers – many in Department of Agriculture (USDA)
were preparing more of their own electric cooperative-served areas support of this project. Maquoketa
meals. The increased demand – have developed unique offerings Valley Electric Cooperative,
for animal protein exposed gaps and business model responses to Allamakee-Clayton Electric
in meat processing systems, strengthen Iowa’s overall food Cooperative and Dairyland Power
causing the traditional farm-to- processing supply chain, support also offered to provide support
fork cycle to derail. There wasn’t rural communities and help meet from their revolving loan funds, if
a shortage of livestock; the supply consumer demand. needed.
chain was disrupted by worker
shortages at processing facilities Expansions in Edgewood New opportunities in Camanche
due to the pandemic. As a result Edgewood Locker is embarking on Naeve Family Beef in Camanche
of the disruption, food insecurity the construction of a 19,000-square- plans to construct a 14,000-square-
increased and consumers wanted foot facility in Edgewood. The foot, state-of-the-art processing and
more control over the source and additional space will help satisfy packaging facility this year. The
supply of their food. The trend to demand from wholesale and startup company will provide locally
buy local is expected to continue retail customers. It is expected to raised protein products to local
throughout 2021 and beyond. quadruple the volume of wholesale consumers, retailers, restaurants,
10 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA June 2021grocery stores and food distributors. time for slaughter. Bringing the access those plants due to volume
It will also offer custom processing processing facility to the farm saves requirements and logistics tailored
and packaging to farmers across the time and is less stressful for the to larger producers. The CIS
Midwest. The new plant is expected animals. The carcass is brought back program allows farmers to grow
to process 50 head-per-day and to a permanent location on the Van their business, move more products
create 45 to 50 new jobs for the Grouw family farm between Rock and access new markets. It also gives
region. Valley and Hull, where meat can be consumers more access to Iowa-
aged, cut, trimmed and packaged to raised processed meats.
Customer service in Osage customers’ specifications. “Local meat lockers play an
S&S Meats & Spirits has a vending important role in their communities
machine filled with meat products Program expands market and the food supply chain,” says
that are available to the community opportunities
In May 2020, the Iowa Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike
of Osage all year. No matter if the Naig. “We pursued the CIS program
shop is open, this vending machine Department of Agriculture and
Land Stewardship adopted the to help small Iowa businesses grow
offers a rotating stock of beef and give consumers more access
sticks, bacon, cured pork and other Cooperative Interstate Shipment
(CIS) Program, designating Iowa to Iowa-grown meat and poultry
locker-made products. In addition products.”
to the vending machine, they offer as the seventh state to enter the
program. CIS allows meat processed Story City Locker was Iowa’s first
curbside pick up and meat bundles meat processor to be approved for
for customers who may not have at state-inspected plants to be
sold outside of Iowa. To qualify the CIS program. They originally
the finances or freezer space to were interested in the CIS program
buy a half or quarter of beef or for the program, a meat processor
to fill a 15% lag in their schedule,
pork. The meat bundles provide a must have less than 25 full-time
but with COVID-19-related product
larger selection of meat at a reduced employees and comply with all
demand, the locker quickly gained
per pound price. Throughout federal food safety, sanitation and
traction and experienced a 25%
COVID-19 shutdowns, S&S owners facility regulations.
increase. Story City Locker is now
and staff used social media to stay This means that livestock
booking well into 2022 for custom
connected with customers. producers can sell their meat
processing. Being approved for the
and poultry across state lines if
Mobile meat processing in Hull program has positioned the locker
processed at a CIS facility. Before
Old Parlor Meat Company is a well for future growth.
this program, farmers had to use
custom meat-processing business a USDA-inspected facility to sell Kay Snyder is the director of marketing
with a unique twist – its mobile out of state, but small and mid- and communications for the Iowa Area
unit travels to livestock when it is sized livestock farms could rarely Development Group.
June 2021 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA 11Sizzling-delicious local meat
options for consumers
BY A N N T H E L E N
Iowa’s farmers, agribusinesses
Photo Credit: National Pork Board
and meat processors continually
demonstrate flexibility and creativity
when working to supply food to
consumers. If you are interested
in buying local from a meat locker
near you, access the business list
online at: data.iowaagriculture.gov/
licensing_lists/meatpoultry/.
The following are two examples
of innovative solutions developed by
Iowa organizations, designed to help
consumers connect with high-quality
Iowa-raised proteins.
Iowa beef directory
A year ago, the Iowa Beef Industry
Council (IBIC) announced the
launch of a local beef directory
to connect farmers that sell beef
with consumers who want to buy
it. Those looking to purchase beef
have a great deal of freedom to select
from a variety of beef choices. The
Iowa Local Beef Directory provides
educational resources to help
shoppers through the buying process
and directly connects them with
Iowa beef farmers.
“Today’s global challenges have best fits their particular product pickup, ChopLocal is for you.
shown us that consumers want to preferences. Founded by Iowa farmers in 2020,
support their local economies,” The local beef directory provides ChopLocal is an online marketplace
says Janine Moore, IBIC 2020 chair. resources to help buyers understand that makes it easy for farmers and
“We’ve seen a growing desire by what to expect when purchasing butchers to connect with modern
consumers to learn more about how their desired amount of beef, meateaters. They simplify the process
beef is produced and where they can including carcass breakdowns, cut from farm-to-fork, support small
find direct marketing opportunities. guides, insight into reading beef businesses and provide great-tasting
Since IBIC supports all types of beef product labels, storage and shelf-life products.
production and purchasing options, recommendations, food safety and Consumers can find beef, pork,
this beef directory is a resource that cooking tips, family-friendly beef turkey, chicken, lamb, duck, rabbit,
will help make that connection.” recipes and frequently asked Beef seafood and more on the site. Plus,
The directory features an Quality Assurance questions. there are options to buy whole, halves
interactive map and contact Visit iabeef.org to learn more. or quarters of beef and pork.
information for a growing list Visit choplocal.com for more
of farms and farm retail stores. ChopLocal options.
Shoppers can use the various If you want to support farmers
comments and certifications found and small businesses, and you also Ann Thelen is the editor of Living with
on each listing to determine what want the convenience of delivery or Energy in Iowa.
12 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA June 2021ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Three ways to save energy outdoors
BY PAT K E E G A N A N D B R A D T H I E S S E N
The deck often becomes the kitchen
during summer months. While you
may have invested a lot of time and
effort making the interior of your
home more energy efficient, there
are ways to also take those saving
outdoors. Here are three ways to save
energy outdoors this summer.
1 Pumps and maintenance
Many homes have one or more
pumps that service our yard or
reside on our property. Pumps
can supply water for a swimming
pool, lawn and garden, septic
system or well. It’s easy to let
maintenance slip, which cuts the Cooking all the courses
pump’s efficiency and shortens its on the grill eliminates the need to
life. turn on the kitchen stove.
Maintaining pumps involves
cleaning filters or checking oil
and belts. If you have multiple
pumps and need to hire a
professional for assistance, try to
do all the maintenance at once to
reduce the overall cost. You may Doing annual
also want to consider replacing Solar landscape maintenance on
older pumps with energy efficient lighting is a popular outdoor pumps, like
ENERGY STAR®-rated ones outdoor lighting the swimming pool
option, and they pump shown here,
before they break down. While use natural energy can make it more
you’re at it, check for leaks in the from the sun. energy efficient.
water lines, which make pumps
work harder and longer.
2 Outdoor lighting 3 Grilling Other fuel types like charcoal
If you have security lighting, Using your oven can raise briquettes or wood take more
there’s a good chance you can save your kitchen’s temperature up preparation and can be fussy to
a little energy. Some security lights to 10 degrees F, increasing the work with, and charcoal grills
can be 500 to 1000 watts. That’s need to run your air conditioner, emit three times as much carbon
the equivalent of 40 to 80 indoor so grilling outdoors is a great as gas grills.
LED bulbs – quite a lot of energy! way to save energy. If you like to Whichever fuel type you
Adding timers, motion sensors barbecue or grill most of your choose for your grill, you can
and light sensors can reduce your meals, you may want to consider save energy by barbecuing (rather
bulb energy use. Plus, when you the fuel you use. If natural gas than grilling because barbecuing
use your lights less often, your is available, it’s usually much keeps the lid closed during
neighbors may appreciate a little less expensive than propane. cooking).
less light pollution! Natural gas is also convenient Hopefully these ideas will help you
Switching to LEDs is another because you don’t have to refill enjoy your outdoor living space this
great strategy. Solar lights any tanks. On the downside, if summer – and help you save energy!
are also a good way to light you don’t already have gas lines
Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen of
walkways, a water feature or your running to your patio or deck, Collaborative Efficiency write on energy
deck – without having to buy any the cost of installing them can be efficiency topics for the National Rural
electricity at all. prohibitive. Electric Cooperative Association.
June 2021 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA 13IN THE COMMUNITY
Nominate a community
volunteer by June 30!
Step 1:
Go to www.IowaShineTheLight.com
from June 1-30 to make a nomination
and to review the contest rules.
As a nominator,
provide your contact
information and
answer the following
Step 2: question in 500
words or less.
How has your
nominee made a
positive difference in
the community, and
why do they deserve
to be recognized?
It’s time to nominate a Cooperatives. “So many people How to nominate
community volunteer! throughout the areas served by Iowa’s Member-consumers and
Iowa’s electric cooperatives electric cooperatives deserve to be employees of Iowa’s electric
are excited to announce a new recognized for making a positive cooperatives are eligible to
statewide contest, which celebrates impact.” nominate local volunteers. If you
our cooperative commitment to Sponsored by the Touchstone Energy receive electricity from an electric
community. Called Shine the Light, Cooperatives of Iowa, the Shine the cooperative in Iowa, you’re a
the contest will accept nominations in Light contest will accept contest entries co-op member-consumer and
June and award three winners with a online during the month of June. invited to nominate someone
$1,500 check to their local charity or The three winners will be announced who is making a positive impact
community organization. during the Iowa State Fair in August. In in the community. The volunteer
“We’re excited to launch this addition to receiving a $1,500 donation being nominated does not need
cooperative effort to shine the light on for their charity or nonprofit of choice, to be a co-op member-consumer.
local volunteers,” says Erin Campbell, the winners will also be featured in the Minors may be nominated with
director of communications for September issue of Living with Energy consent from their parents or legal
the Iowa Association of Electric in Iowa magazine. guardians.
14 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA June 2021OUT BACK
Inside a real-life farmhouse
BY VA L E R I E VA N KO OT E N
It’s impossible not to notice the
farmhouse decorating craze has
taken over. On Instagram, you’re
invited to vote for your favorite farm
kitchens. In magazines, you have an
opportunity to win the items pictured
in the spread. On home decorating
TV shows, you can hold your phone
camera up to the screen to find out
where to buy the items featured.
I often chuckle when viewing these
glossy creations. In my opinion, not
one of those houses has come within
100 miles of a real farm. How do I
know?
Both Kent and I grew up in
farmhouses on real farms with real
animals and crops and buildings.
And we know that a real farmhouse
contains the following at one time or
another:
A mud porch or breezeway. Now,
that’s not to say that some of these
illustrious houses don’t sport
those as well, but a real farmhouse
has a spot for mud-encrusted A pile of farm publications. tacked on the wall that you’ll see
boots sitting on a scrap of rug or The pile starts in the kitchen in these various media. Instead,
some newspapers. It holds an old and expands from the desk to it has filthy, grease-encased blue
refrigerator full of animal serums the floor to beside the rocking jeans in a heap on the floor. In
and other veterinary medicines. chair. Not the carefully placed a sink next to the washer, soak
Syringes for administering the and curated tomes that the ancient towels used to stanch
meds litter the countertops, along photographers want you to see. the bleeding of the dog, who
with a variety of work gloves. On These include the oldies that your had wandered into some sort of
the floor is a gunny sack or an grandfather also read to the new scrape with a larger animal and
old box with bulbs that haven’t ones that propose more modern is bearing the wounds to prove
yet been planted and starts of the methods of agriculture to those it. The detergents piled on top of
neighbor’s flowers that need to get catering to the women in the the dryer are all extra heavy-duty
in the ground. family. There’s 4-H information grease lifters, bleaches and soda-
Evidence of animals in the mixed in, along with the local based concoctions to get rid of
house. This is in addition to shopper, open to an upcoming the smells.
any pampered pet you may have auction bill. You will notice that So, I’ll smile and give a
roaming the premises. Real some of these publications have condescending glance at the
farmhouses are known to harbor gaping squares, where a recipe farmhouses that are proffered for
piglets in a bushel basket behind or a phone number was clipped my decorating wants. And then I’ll
the oil burner stove or a calf born out and stuck inside the wonder how a pile of dirty blue jeans
too early in cold temperatures cupboard door. would look in that magazine spread.
lounging in the bathtub. Real A less-than-picturesque laundry
farmhouses have a bucket of eggs room. The laundry room in a Valerie Van Kooten is a writer from Pella
who loves living in the country and telling
that have been recently gathered real farmhouse isn’t the neatly its stories. She and her husband Kent have
but still retain evidence of their ordered shelves, clean appliances three married sons, two incredibly adorable
origins clinging to the shells. and cheery oversized words grandsons and a lovely granddaughter.
June 2021 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA 15You can also read
