Food: Who Has the Best Beef Jerky?

West Des Moines Cook Wins State Fair Jerky Honors

Jacqueline Riekena of West Des Moines won first place in the Who Has The Best Jerky competition judged Saturday, August 10, at the 2024 Iowa State Fair.

Mary Burr of Iowa City claimed second place and James E. Martz of Des Moines earned third place.

Contestants were tasked to create an award-winning jerky made with any type of meat.

Entries were judged on taste and presentation.

The Iowa State Fair Food Department is the largest of any state fair in the country. There were 140 divisions, 726 classes and over 6,400 entries at this year’s Fair. Food Department judging is held in the Elwell Family Food Center.