Manitowoc, Wisconsin, July 2026
Big crowds and bigger appetites set the tone for the July 2026 edition of How’s It Growing?, the seasonal update from Lakeside Foods. From the fields to the grill, we are happy to report a growing season that is right on track and a summer lineup ready for the busiest cookout stretch of the year.
Harvest season is underway
Pea harvest is officially rolling in the Pacific Northwest, with early yields and crop conditions looking strong. Harvests in Minnesota and Wisconsin are also off to a good start. Planting for corn, green beans, and lima beans has stayed on schedule, carrot planting recently wrapped up, and beet planting is progressing as planned.
Across all growing regions, the 2026 season is off to a steady start. Corn, beans, lima beans, carrots, and beets are progressing well, supported by favorable conditions and strong field execution. While a bit more rainfall would be welcome in the Pacific Northwest, the overall outlook remains positive as teams focus on delivering another season of quality and consistency for our customers.
Built for the backyard
With grilling season in full swing, the July edition spotlights the Authentic Wisconsin™ lineup of hot dogs and bratwurst. The hot dog family includes Natural Casing, Beef, Stadium, Stadium Jumbo, Big W Dog, Cheddi Links, and Jalapeño Cheddar varieties, while bratwurst options include Homegame, Pepper Jack, and Cheddar. Products are available in gas-flushed and vacuum-packed formats, with sizes ranging from stack packs and family packs to bulk options for foodservice.
The timing could not be better. July has been full of fun, National Hot Dog Month and the Fourth of July weekend, to the America 250 celebration marking the nation’s 250th birthday and the FIFA World Cup knockout stage running through July 19.
Stars, stripes, and signature dogs
To help customers celebrate America’s 250th all summer long, the newsletter serves up three signature recipes built around hot dogs and other Lakeside Foods ingredients:
- The Chicago-Style Dog pairs an All-Beef Hot Dog with mustard, relish, tomatoes, sport peppers, and a pickle spear, served alongside Lakeside Foods Breaded Pickles.
- The Southwest Street Dog tops a rich Jalapeño Cheddar Hot Dog with Lakeside Foods Fire-Roasted Corn, pepper jack cheese, jalapeños, and chipotle mayo.
- The Wisconsin Tailgate Dog loads a “Stadium” Hot Dog onto a potato roll with Lakeside Foods Wisconsin Cheese Curds, beer cheese sauce, and crispy onions.
A full family of offerings
Beyond summer staples, Lakeside Foods offers appetizers and snacks, canned and frozen vegetables, canned dry beans, frozen whipped toppings, hot dogs and franks, smoked sausages, and smoothie and latte kits. Retailers and foodservice partners looking to stock their shelves can reach the team anytime at [email protected].