Highlighting successful programs of NCBA as a contractor to the Beef Checkoff.

The National Cattlemen’ s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, kicked off summer grilling season and National BBQ Month in May by showcasing regional BBQ styles through Beef. It’ s What’ s For Dinner. social media channels. The cross-country odyssey features beef-centric BBQ in North Carolina, Kansas City and Santa Maria, three unique destinations with styles all their own. While flavors and styles may differ, one thing they all have in common is that beef is at the heart of BBQ.

“ Our goal is to celebrate the groundbreaking pitmasters, history and flavors that make each BBQ style unique,” said NCBA Senior Director of Social Media Becca Watters.“ People travel great distances to savor the flavor of the best BBQ in the country, and we are glad that beef plays a starring role.”

Celebrity pitmaster Erica Roby serves as the Regional BBQ Tour series host. Roby walks Instagram and Facebook audiences through a series of interviews with restaurateurs / pitmasters and cooking demonstrations, all while highlighting the unique flavors and specific beef cuts of different BBQ styles.

The tour series features three regions known for BBQ: North Carolina

While not often associated with beef, North Carolina’ s BBQ scene is evolving, and beef has arrived. With new pitmasters introducing brisket and other beef cuts to consumers, North Carolina BBQ has changed in a big way and is making headlines on a national level.

I’ m incorporating my family’ s memories and recipes into the food I’ m cooking today,” said Jake Wood with Lawrence BBQ.“ The food we are putting out is something we are very proud of.”

Kansas City

The competition heats up in Kansas City, which is known for its smoky burnt ends. With dynamic and iconic pitmasters, Kansas City is a must-visit for many BBQ aficionados.

Kansas City BBQ is an eclectic mix of styles from across the country,” said Joe Pearce with Slap’ s BBQ.“ BBQ brings people together, and we want Slap’ s BBQ to change lives.”

Slap ' s BBQ corned beef dish.

Santa Maria

A lesser-known genre, Santa Maria-style BBQ is a mainstay on the West Coast. With roots on California ranches, Tri-Tip is the cut of choice, cooked over an open flame to satisfy hungry cowboys.

Our menu reflects our family’ s heritage in the Santa Maria Valley’ s Swiss-Italian ranching community,” said Susan Righetti with Far Western Tavern.“ We blend Santa Maria style BBQ with fresh flavors from nearby farms, ranches and vineyards.”

BBQ is a matter of taste and Checkoff-funded Beef. It’ s What’ s For Dinner. social media channels are taking consumers on a flavor-filled tour across the country. Join the journey by following along on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

BBQ platter at Lawrence BBQ. www. NCBA. org

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