To inspire professional, amateur and youth pitmasters to showcase the versatility, flavor and creativity of fresh pork on the smoker or grill, the National Pork Board is partnering with the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) to launch the inaugural Celebrate Real Pork Series. The Celebrate Real Pork Series will incorporate new competitions in KCBS-sanctioned competitions across the U.S. during the 2021 season, including a pork chop contest for Master and Backyard series pitmasters, as well as Kid’s ‘Que contests featuring both chops and ground pork. The series adds thousands of dollars in extra prize money and gives the winning pitmasters the opportunity to have their winning recipes featured across KCBS and National Pork Board digital platforms.

“We are proud to partner with the National Pork Board to add incremental opportunities to feature fresh pork at our sanctioned barbeque competitions,” said Emily Detwiler, chief executive officer of the KCBS. “Pork is a key element of competition barbeque, as it is featured in both the Pork Ribs and Pork (Butt/Shoulder) categories. We are delighted to encourage pitmasters of all experience levels to showcase their skill with one of America’s favorite backyard grilling proteins…the pork chop!”

Detwiler added that KCBS is also building a future generation of pitmasters who love pork by offering a ground pork category for youth 10 and under as well as a boneless pork chop category for youth in the 11-15 age range.

“These are exciting new contests for KCBS organizers, and we know that our KCBS Certified Barbeque Judges will enjoy the additional challenge.”

Pork Board’s Jim Murray, a world certified executive chef and KCBS certified barbeque judge, commented, “We’re looking forward to bringing these new competitions to KCBS events. The Celebrate Real Pork Series offers competitors an opportunity to think beyond the traditional competition pork cuts, and really challenge themselves and get creative.”

As part of the Celebrate Real Pork Series, Pork Chop contests and Kid’s Que contests featuring pork will be integrated into 14 KCBS-sanctioned barbeque competitions across the country, kicking off in Liberty, Indiana on Sunday, May 2.

To learn more about the Celebrate Real Pork Series and to check for updates on scheduled events and dates, please visit www.kcbs.us/pork.php or pork.org