Editor's Note: Dynamite Duos

Dynamite Duos

In every season, certain things pair perfectly together. In spring, it’s rain and flowers. Tailgating and football are signs of fall. Winter pairs snow with sledding.

When I think about warm-weather months, many pairings come to mind, awakening the senses. Fresh-cut grass, tangy cold lemonade, sizzling barbecue grills and newly applied sunscreen are at the top of my list. With the sun setting well into the evening hours, there’s plenty of time for fun and relaxation.

When I think of the warmest weather months, I find delight in the following pairings:

Families & Road Trips

There’s something quintessentially summer about packing up the family and hitting the open road. Whether traveling across the country or staying within the great state of Iowa, road trips are a perfect way to explore new and exciting places. In this issue, you’ll read about a historic road trip idea (Page 28) that spans the entire state and allows travelers to experience history and agritourism.

Meat & Grilling

A smoky barbecue grill is one of the most iconic smells during the summer. Whether gathering with friends and family or cooking a quick evening meal, grilling turns Iowa-raised proteins into the stars of flavorful meals. Discover a new favorite grilling recipe by browsing this issue’s recipe spreads (Page 34) highlighting sizzling-good ingredients.

Ice Cream & Warm Evenings

Nothing says summer like enjoying a frozen dairy treat with the family on a warm evening. Cookie dough, strawberry, chocolate or rocky road, the flavor options are endless. Those frozen delicacies are thanks, in large part, to Iowa’s dairy farmers. Iowa ranks near the top 10 when it comes to dairy production in the U.S., producing about 500 million pounds of milk per month (if used solely for ice cream, that’s equivalent to more than 40 million gallons of ice cream!). Read about a familyowned dairy focused on sustainability on Page 14.

The enjoyable warm-weather days are made sweeter when paired with the sights, smells and tastes made possible, in part, by Iowa farm families. Whether you’re traveling near or far, to a ballgame or the local ice cream shop, know that Iowa farmers are dedicated to producing the safe foods that fuel your summer adventures.

Enjoy the issue, Lydia Zerby