County-wide bragging rights and a new pellet smoker barbeque sponsored by Ranch & Home were on the line during the annual Backyard BBQ Contest at the Umatilla County Fair on Aug. 8.
Team “3rd Degree,” led by Tyrel Burns of Weston, took home the grand prize and top honors after gathering the highest combined scores from the five required grilling divisions of beef, lamb, potato, onion and dessert. He also took first place in the optional Bloody Mary division.
Contest food, products and prize money were provided by local sponsors River Point Farms, Blue Mountain Potato Growers, Cenex Harvest States, Eastern Oregon Mobile Slaughter, EOM Construction, Oregon Potato Commission, Ranch and Home, Tyson Foods, Oregon Lamb, Golden Valley East, Oregon Grain Growers Distillery and Umatilla County Cattleman’s Association.
The heat did not beat the grilling teams as they presented their foods to plenty of willing tasters after the official judging was conducted. The overall winner received a wood pellet smoker and cash prizes. For each of the divisions, $300 was awarded for first place, $200 for second, and $100 for third.
2018 UCF Backyard BBQ Contest Results with Team Names and Captains:
Grand Prize Winner: 3rd Degree, Tyrel Burns
Tri-tip Beef: 1st place – Smokin Hot, Jacob Potter; 2nd place – 3rd Degree, Tyrel Burns; 3rd place – Grillin & Chillin, Paula Morgan
Lamb Roast: 1st place – 3rd Degree, Tyrel Burns; 2nd place – Taylor Morgan; 3rd place – Grillin & Chillin, Paula Morgan
Onion: 1st place – 3rd Degree, Tyrel Burns; 2nd place – Conestoga, Jeffrey Marks; 3rd place – Smokin Hot, Jacob Potter
Potato: 1st place – Taylor Morgan; 2nd place – Grillin & Chillin, Paula Morgan; 3rd place – Smokin Hot, Jacob Potter
Dessert: 1st place – Smokin Hot, Jacob Potter; 2nd place – 3rd Degree, Tyrel Burns; 3rd place – Taylor Morgan
Bloody Mary (optional division): 1st place – 3rd Degree, Tyrel Burns; 2nd place – Smokin Hot, Jacob Potter; 3rd place – Grillin & Chillin, Paula Morgan
