Teresa Bjork

1 month ago | iowafarmbureau.com | Teresa Bjork

If there’s one thing that Iowans like to chat about besides the weather, it’s the rising prices at the grocery store. But surprisingly, higher costs haven’t slowed our demand for nutritious, high-quality real meat for our families. In fact, meat sales hit a record $104.6 billion in 2024, and pounds sold increased by 2.3% compared to 2023, according to a new report from the Food Industry Association (FMI) and the Meat Institute.

1 month ago | iowafarmbureau.com | Teresa Bjork

I have a guilty mom confession: I keep several boxes of frozen French toast sticks in my freezer because it’s the only food my young daughter will eat for breakfast. I’ve tried giving her healthier options, but the girl refuses to eat even bagels or toast. (I mean, who doesn’t like toast?!) And I can’t stand the thought of her going to school on an empty stomach. What makes me feel a tiny bit less guilty is knowing that I’m not the only parent who struggles with a picky eater.

2 months ago | iowafarmbureau.com | Teresa Bjork

Some of the best conversations with my daughter happen in the car. The other day, we were talking about how everyone has their own strengths - like how I’m good with words and she loves math. Then she said something that stuck with me: “It’s like in music. If one person doesn’t know the words to the song, then the other people can sing it.” What a perfect way to explain how our different skills can come together to make us stronger. That’s true in life – and in farming, too.

2 months ago | iowafarmbureau.com | Teresa Bjork

The truth is all food contains hormones. All living things – plants and animals – naturally produce them. Hormones help regulate growth, reproduction and our everyday bodily functions. So when you hear the term “hormone-free” food, that’s just clever marketing.   Are hormones in meat and milk safe? Yes, the tiny amounts of hormones in meat and milk are completely safe for people to consume, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and nutrition experts.

2 months ago | iowafarmbureau.com | Teresa Bjork

Author Teresa Bjork Published 3/25/2025 Visit Calhoun County Farm Bureau member James Hepp, who shares his insights into the invaluable role of cover crops on his farm. Discover how these practices enhance water infiltration and improve soil health, contributing to a more sustainable and productive agricultural environment. The Iowa Dish Learn more about author Teresa Bjork here. Get more stories like this one, for free! Subscribe to the Iowa Dish.