If you live in Iowa, then you understand the frenzy that surrounds the Iowa vs. Iowa State football game. The Iowa Corn Growers Association surely does and realized that this game is a great way to educate Iowans about how many products are made with corn – more than 4,000. Some of the everyday products made with corn include toothpaste, milk, the tires on your car, drywall, bubblegum, and more.

I spoke with Mindy Williamson, the Iowa Corn Growers Director of Communications, to learn more about the benefits of their Grid Iron sponsorship, known as Iowa Corn Fed Game Day. “We like to call it the Super Bowl of Iowa because Iowa and Iowa State is our biggest rivalry here,” said Williamson.

This is their second year sponsoring the series, and it includes the Iowa vs. Iowa State football game, basketball game and wrestling match.

“The Iowa Corn Growers in Iowa wanted to get together and talk about things other than ethanol,” said Williamson. “We love ethanol as corn growers but we know there are also 4,000 other products made from corn. We want Iowans to know what those are and how those affect their life.”

Williamson said that one benefit of the sponsorship is that it gives them a venue to educate people about how many products use corn. Another benefit is that they want to bridge the gap between food and fuel and this is a way to do that.  “There’s not a competition there. There is plenty of corn. We are excellent at growing corn for both markets,” explained Williamson.

Iowa Corn Growers have launched a promotion to bridge that gap along with the Iowa Corn Fed Game Day. They are giving away $5,000 in groceries and $2,500 in ethanol. You can sign up on online at www.iacornfed.com or at the upcoming football game or even during some of the pump rallies leading up to the game which are being held September 7, in and around Iowa City. Flex-fuel vehicle drivers can fill up their tank with E85 for .85 cents and any driver can sign up to win food and fuel. Herky the Hawk will also be there to get everyone jazzed up for the game. If you miss the pump rallies, then come on over to the Krause Family Plaza Friday, September 11 starting at 10:00 am. CT.

We hope to see you there rooting for your favorite team! Go ISU! Oops, did I write that…

You can learn more about the Iowa Corn Fed Game Day events by listening to my interview with Mindy here. Iowa Corn Fed Game Day