Can Restaurants Transform Iowa into a Farm-to-Table Mecca?

Can Restaurants Transform Iowa into a Farm-to-Table Mecca?

From At the Iowa Farm Table Podcast by From the Iowa Food System Coalition

March 24, 2026 · 14 min · Season 2

About this episode

This episode explores the efforts of chefs, farmers, and government officials to transform Iowa into a farm-to-table destination.

In the second episode of our two part mini-series on restaurants, Beth visits with those championing for the transformation of Iowa into a farm-to-table haven. She talks to the chefs and farmers making it a reality, and to those in government supporting the change. Voices Suman Hoque of HoQ and Flora in Des Moines, Iowa Jill Beebout of Blue Gate Farm , Chariton, Iowa Austin Frerick , Author of Barons: Money, Power, and the Corruption of America’s Food Industry Sam Gelman of The Webster Jessica Dunker, President and CEO of Iowa Restaurant Association Colin Tadlock, Chief of Staff to Iowa Secretary of Agriculture At the Iowa Farm Table is brought to you by the Iowa Food System Coalition . Edited by John Hogeland and Tommy Hexter . Brian Doubek and Ian Post created the music used in the show. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit attheiowafarmtable.substack.com

People in this episode

Hosts: Beth, Tommy Hexter

Guests: Suman Hoque, Jill Beebout, Austin Frerick, Sam Gelman, Jessica Dunker, Colin Tadlock

Topics covered

Sponsors

Iowa Food System Coalition

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: HoQ, Flora, Blue Gate Farm, The Webster, Iowa Restaurant Association, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture

Books & works: Barons: Money, Power, and the Corruption of America’s Food Industry

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