Welcome to Summer!
Summer means time on the road, going to see family, exploring somewhere new or going on a drive with the windows down. For farmers, it's time to hurry up and wait: wait for rain, wait for the next stage of growth and wait for harvest time to be here.
Farmers do many of the same summer activities you enjoy as well as checking on all of their fields regularly.
As you are out enjoying road trips or doing your day-to-day activities, choose to pump it up with Unleaded 88. This fuel supports farmers, is more affordable and is clean burning. That’s why this edition of Warm Welcomes from the Farm is all about choosing the right fuel for your vehicle.
When you pull up to the pump, it can be very confusing. What do all the options mean? Which fuel is right for your car? What is best for the environment? What fuel is best for your car and your wallet? Thankfully, a fuel expert broke it all down for us. Check out this video, created in partnership with Iowa Renewable Fuel Association, to learn all about your fuel choices.
Learn more about Iowa grown fuels here!
Summer is officially in full swing! Check out a few recipes to mix up and cool off your summer routine.
Bacon & Sweet Corn Mac N' Cheese
It's time to start thinking about all the creative ways to enjoy the delicious 1% of Iowa corn, that’s right, sweet corn. Did you know Iowa is not only #1 in corn production but also pork production? Why not celebrate with a dish that brings the best of both worlds to your plate? See the full recipe here.
Frozen Custard in a Bag
Summer heat is no joke. Consider cooling off with your own home-made custard. The secret ingredient that sets it apart from ice cream? Eggs! That means this creamy treat supports not one, but two corn-fed industries—dairy and eggs. Get the full recipe here.
Kettle Corn Snak Mix
Summers are made for road trips, and no adventure is complete without a farmer-approved snack! Mix it up with some of your favorite sweet treats. Did you know many candies use corn as a sweetener to give them their signature taste? Click here for the full recipe.
Hungry for more? Visit our website to see even more corninspired recipes!
By Bridget Johnson, 2025 Iowa Corn Communications Intern
When I got my first car, I did what many teenagers do, turned up the radio to drown out any strange noises and let Dad discover the problem the next time he drove it. Over time (and after getting in trouble more than once for not reporting issues), I realized how important it is to actually know your car. So, I learned how to change a tire, check the oil and handle the basics.
But even with that knowledge, I still found myself Googling at the gas pump: What’s the cheapest fuel I can use? Now that I’m in college and putting a lot more miles on my car, I’ve finally found my go-to fuel, no Google needed. It’s Unleaded 88.
At most gas stations, Unleaded 88 is the most affordable option and contains 15% ethanol. What I didn’t know is that it’s also cleaner for the environment and better for my car. Plus, it comes with an added bonus, supporting local farmers and rural communities. In fact, more than 4.76 billion gallons of ethanol are produced right here in Iowa.
While Unleaded 88 is right for my vehicle, there are other options that might be better for yours, like E85 if you drive a flex-fuel vehicle.
Knowing your car and how to care for it is key to making sure it survives your next road trip, vacation or commute. So, join me in being intentional about vehicle care, starting by pumping it up with Unleaded 88.
Summer Activity Work Sheet
Summertime means no school, hours in the car and looking for entertainment over those long hours. Print out this activity sheet to keep all your passengers busy this summer!
Click here for your printable worksheet!
