Big Racks Barbecue

10/20/2026

That's the wrap in IA!

This concludes our 2nd year cooking in the masters division. Like in MN - chasing rib taste held us back. This represents a slight regression over our debut in 2025 however we didn't chase points this year skipping 3 of the 8 qualifying events so we are happy with the outcome. Each contest is over 4 hours away so we enjoyed the gas and time savings!

Heath Riles BBQ
Springer Mountain Farms
Smokey Woods BBQ
ThermoWorks
The Good Charcoal Companyrcoal
Remote Tax Services
Wh***ey Creek BBQ

10/19/2026

After a busy 2 months of work we started packing at midnight on Thursday to make a trip down to IA for King of the Corn 🌽 in Ottumwa, IA. The Warehouse Barbecue Co. crew and all of the volunteers made this a fun event and the weather in the 30s was a nice change of pace.

We had some great food including pumpkin bars from Smokin’ Suckers BBQ, bananna bars from Hot Daddy's, killer Quesadilla from Smokey D’s Wannabee’s, bagels from (Dusty?), and some of the best smoked mac and cheese we have ever had but unsure which team it was from. The team bags had a lot of cool swag from LFG BBQ + Outdoor Supply including rubs. Can't wait to try them.

As for the cook - we mostly agreed with the judges assessment as we knew ribs and pork were a bit off. Out of 31 pro teams our highlights were 4th place Springer Mountain Farms 🐔, 4th place Snake River Farms brisket 🐄 finishing 16th overall.

Congrats to Meat Me in St Louis for GC and Bramble Barbeque on RGC.

This was slated to be our last competition of the year so we plan to transition back to more content and new recipe ideas. Our leftover ribs made some great rib meat egg rolls.

Thanks to our great sponsors:

Heath Riles BBQ
Smokey Woods BBQ
ThermoWorks
The Good Charcoal Company
Wh***ey Creek BBQ
Remote Tax Services
Abc Sign Shop
Springer Mountain Farms

10/18/2026

If you want to get some great ribs head on over to Route 65 Pub & Grub today - tickets on sale at noon and ribs/sides served shortly after.

We were excited to cook this event but John's Achilles this morning said it was a no go!

May stop by to see our friends in the afternoon and try some great ribs!

BBQ Rib lovers - get here this afternoon for our 7th Annual Battle of the Racks - contestants are at their stations now, seasoning and basting their hearts out in the battle for the big trophy and cash prizes! We have a record number of teams this year so it's going to be a real Battle (but it's always friendly)!

Come and cast your vote for the Peoples' Choice award and sample great ribs and sides and enjoy DJ music during the contest.
:: Rib Tickets go on sale at Noon - $2 per bone
:: Sides judging starts at 1pm
:: Rib judging and sampling starts at 2pm

Who's your money on this year? The categories are best BBQ Ribs, Best Sides and Best Desserts, and there's a People's Choice award, so be sure to cast your vote!

10/09/2026

The BBQ trailer just got an upgrade! Can't wait to test the new ThermoWorks Nano against our original and Thermapen One thermometers.

When it comes to competition these thermometers are in everyone's trailer.

10/09/2026

This Heath Riles BBQ Cajun Crawfish Queso is a quick dip you can make for any . We take Heath's recipe and add a bit more veggies to add some thickness and Garlic Jalapeno for a little kick. If you don't have a smoker you can cook it on a stove. Here is a link to the original recipe: https://www.heathrilesbbq.com/blogs/favorite-recipes/cajun-crawfish-queso?srsltid=AU7gw4WVjEpxZFYeWYtePKpfOKfoXIASu7m-Z8auY__sWv3j99f-SH4f

10/06/2026

The new Chili Seasoning wasn't the only new product that dropped yesterday - excited to give the new Heath Riles BBQ Cajun Creole Turkey Brine a shot. After smelling it I can tell it definitely going to amp up our Thanksgiving day meal.

10/05/2026

New product launch - absolutely loving this new chili seasoning by Heath Riles BBQ With the temps getting down to the 40s here the timing is perfect!

This batch was a "Midwest no bean" meaning only 3 cans of beans to 4.5 pounds of meat! As close as you get to "no bean" in the Midwest.

10/01/2026

Tag a friend who struggles with this.

Prairie Fresh Pork
Heath Riles BBQ


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