Iowa's Next Top Inventor 2009

For the second year in a row, the Iowa Beef Center of Iowa State University Extension will be awarding $3,000 in cash prizes for the organization’s “Iowa’s Next Top Inventor” competition.

Last year’s competition was deemed a large success, with more than 400 Iowa producers voting for the winner at the 2008 Cornbelt Cow-Calf Conference last February. To see the details of the first competition, including the winning inventions, go here.

The Iowa Beef Center, along with the Iowa Farmer Today, is hosting the competition again in hopes of using the competition’s continued success to bring attention to a problem facing many producers in today’s beef industry: the storing, handling and feeding of wet distillers grains.

Interested in showcasing your ideas at a prominent state conference and receiving a prize for your inventiveness? Here's the answers to your most pertinent questions:

What type of inventions are you seeking?
This year’s entrants, like last year’s, are asked to submit inventions that effectively store, handle or dispense corn co-products, especially wet distillers grains. Participants can build new inventions or modify existing ones. The options are endless; the Iowa Beef Center is just looking for the
most effective result. Make sure to take a look at last year's winners as well to make sure your entry is something fresh and unique.

How do I submit an entry?
Entries need to be submitted to the Iowa Beef Center via the address provided on the entry form. The deadline for RECEIVING entries is January 9, 2009. A completed entry form and photos of the invention (video optional) are required for an entry to be considered complete.

How will my invention be judged?
A panel of five judges will select the top three finalists based on the following criteria:

• practicality: Is it a simplistic design? Is it simple and safe to operate?
• affordability: Is it reasonably affordable to buy/build and operate?
• functionality: Does it have a broad appeal to Midwest beef operators?
• accuracy: Does it deliver the correct amount, and can it be adjusted?
• style: Is the design creative? Cleverly named? Original and/or appealing?

What happens if I'm selected as a finalist?
The top three finalists selected by the judges will need to attend the 2009 Ottumwa Cornbelt
Cow-Calf Conference to give a brief presentation on their invention. Conference attendees will do a ballot vote to determine first, second, and third place. The Iowa Beef Center will cover the expense to attend the conference, including a one-night stay at a nearby hotel. All three finalists will receive cash prizes and have their inventions featured in the Iowa Farmer Today.

What prizes could I receive?
Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three finalists, totaling $3,000:

First place: $1,500
Second place: $1,000
Third place: $500

In addition, the three finalists will receive an all-expense-paid trip to the 2009 Ottumwa Cornbelt Cow-Calf Conference, including a one-night stay at a hotel.

For additional information see the following:

• official competition rules
• information on last year's competition

"Iowa's Next Top Inventor" press releases/podcasts:

• 10/15/08: IBC announces second "Iowa's Next Top Inventor" competition
• 11/5/08: IBC Director John Lawrence discusses submitting to the contest (podcast)
  

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