By Hunter Glasson
Communications Intern

Texas beef was the highlight of a recent high school barbecue competition where teenage pitmasters showcased their skills.

There were 99 teams from across the state that competed in the Texas High School Barbecue State Championship. The annual event is one way Texas Beef Council helps promote beef to consumers.

Jerry McPherson, who is the grill master with Texas Beef Council and serves on the Texas High School Barbecue Association’s board of directors, said the competition is tough.

“These kids are cooking amazing beef brisket,” he said in an interview with the Texas Farm Bureau Radio Network.

There are five categories the high school pitmasters must complete: desserts, beans, pork, chicken and beef brisket.

“It’s amazing the quality brisket these kids can serve up to you,” McPherson said.

The competition starts on a Friday night, where teams can hold a meeting, and return Saturday morning to start their fires around 5 a.m. The teams receive their meat at 6 a.m. and cook it until 3 p.m., making this an all-day smoking process.

The barbeque competition is open to high school students across the state. Teams are organized into groups of four to six students.

The contest, which first started in 2016, has grown considerably and allows students to showcase their best dishes and compete for scholarships. Students also have the opportunity to hone their cooking skills and showcase their love of beef, McPherson said.

McPherson encourages Texans to get involved with their communities and to check with their local high schools about the Texas High School Barbecue Association.

For more information about uniquely Texan recipes, cooking inspirations and stories, visit beeflovingtexans.com.