They were packed into the West Foyer of the Colorado State Capitol Building last week during National Ag Week as Gov. John Hickenlooper, state officials, lawmakers, farmers, ranchers, the media and others took part in what was viewed as a "thank you" to the state's ag producers and agribusinesses.

This beef dish earned Mark Yacovetta top honors in the Colorado National Ag Week celebration cook-off.

More than 1,000 people were on hand to sample the dishes prepared as part of a competitive cook-off competition where local chefs, lawmakers and ag representatives cooked local Colorado foods. Every year Colorado's Ag Day at the Capitol takes place during National Ag Week, and showcases the state's ag industry, highlighting efforts in feeding Colorado's 5 million-plus people, stewardship of resources and $40 billion economic impact.

This year's event was hosted by 40 agricultural organizations that make up the Colorado Ag Council and the event also took time to recognize the ag industry's generosity to those in need. Kevin Seggelke, CEO of Food Bank of the Rockies, says the state's ag industry is a big supporter. In 2015, total value of Colordao ag products distributed by the stat's Feeding America food banks totaled about $16 million.

Recognition of Colorado’s Centennial Farms was something new to this year’s event. The Colorado Centennial Farms program is a collaborative effort among History Colorado and the Colorado Department of Agriculture, created to recognize the important role agriculture has played in our state's history and economic development. Colorado Centennial Farms was the first program of its kind in the nation to give Historic Structure Awards to families who have successfully preserved historic buildings on their farms and ranches.

Winners of the cook-off event included:

Best All Around

Chef Mark Yacovetta, Valley Country Club - center - with his sous-chefs.

Representing the Colorado Cattlemen's Association, and using Colorado beef

Team Legislators: Legislators: Sen. Randy Baumgardner, Sen. Leroy Garcia, Sen. Kent Lambert, Sen. Tim Neville, Sen. Nancy Todd, Sen. Pat Steadman, Sen. Chris Holbert, Sen. Cheri Jahn, and Sen. Beth Martinez Humenik

First Place

Chef Greg Sever, Morning Star Senior Living

Representing the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee, and using Colorado potatoes

Team Legislators: Rep. Joann Ginal, Rep. Don Coram, Rep. Alec Garnett, Rep. Beth McCann, Rep. Lois Landgraf, Rep. Max Tyler, Rep. Lang Sias, Rep. JoAnn Windholz, Rep. Rhonda Fields, Rep. Kim Ransom, and Rep. Kevin Priola

2nd Place

Chef Bob Holloway, McCoy's Restaurant, left, with his team.

Representing the Western Dairy Association, and using Colorado dairy products

Team Legislators: Rep. Steve Lebsock, Rep. Perry Buck, Rep. Susan Lontine, Rep. Angela Williams, Rep. Jonathan Singer, Rep. Terri Carver, Rep. Dominick Moreno, Rep. Jovan Melton, Rep. Clarice Navarro, Rep. Yeulin Willett and Rep. Dan Thurlow

3rd Place

Chef Klaus Krebs, Isle Casino and Hotel, second from right, along with his cooking team.

Representing Colorado Egg Producers, and using Colorado eggs

Team Legislators: Rep. Jeni Arndt, Rep. Jon Becker, Rep. Crisanta Duran, Rep. Dan Nordberg, Rep. Pete Lee, Rep. Justin Everett, Rep. Dianne Primavera, Rep. Faith Winter, Rep. Polly Lawrence, Rep. Kevin Van Winkle, and Rep. Dave Young