News & Updates | Prairie Fresh®

Americans feel successful at the grill long before they master it, new Prairie Fresh® survey finds

d.eaheart.sbf — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 11:00:10 +0000

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — As Americans fire up their grills this summer to celebrate the nation’s 250^th birthday, barbecue remains one of the country’s most enduring traditions. New research from the American-owned pork brand Prairie Fresh® reveals Americans’ confidence in their barbecue skills often develops well before core techniques fully take hold, highlighting how natural and rewarding grilling can feel even as key fundamentals are still being learned. In fact, the findings show Americans’ confidence in their barbecue skills exceeds their actual competence by 32 percent, underscoring a confidence/competence gap between how grilling feels and how it is truly mastered over time.

The ‘State of Barbecue Report: Understanding America’s Grill Gap’ based on responses from more than 1,500 U.S. adults who grill or barbecue, found that self‑reported confidence exceeds demonstrated understanding of essential barbecue skills, including safe cooking temperatures, preparation techniques and protein handling, by roughly one‑third, underscoring the disconnect between how barbecue feels and how it is learned over time.

That dynamic reflects barbecue’s defining traits of rewarding confidence early. While nearly 80 percent cannot accurately describe a smoke ring, three in four Americans say their barbecue rarely turns out worse than expected, reinforcing how quickly the grill can feel comfortable and successful even as deeper techniques continue to develop.

At the same time, the research shows that confidence becomes less consistent as complexity increases. Familiar methods such as gas and charcoal grilling tend to feel intuitive, while more advanced approaches including smoking and reverse searing introduce variables that require greater precision and control.

“Barbecue has always been about more than just the food. It is about bringing people together and creating experiences that feel rewarding,” said Ozlem Worpel, vice president of marketing and innovation at Seaboard Foods. “Our research shows people feel confident, even when fundamentals are developing. That creates an opportunity to make barbecue more approachable by helping people build practical skills they can use at home.”

To help close the competence gap, Prairie Fresh is introducing the Barbecue Personality Quiz, an interactive tool designed to help grillers discover their barbecue persona, better understand their approach, and identify opportunities to improve. Based on research into how Americans grill today, the quiz provides personalized guidance, tips and tools to help consumers build confidence and skill.

Based on survey findings, the competence gap becomes even more visible when it comes to pork. Despite being one of the most popular proteins for barbecue, key findings show:

More than 1 in 4 Americans avoid cooking pork altogether
3 in 4 self-described “confident” pork cooks still get the recommended safe cooking temperature wrong for grilling a pork tenderloin (145°F with a 3-minute rest)

The research suggests consumers are not avoiding pork because they dislike it, but rather because they lack confidence in preparing it correctly.

As barbecue culture evolves, more consumers are experimenting with flavors and techniques, but without a solid foundation, that experimentation can widen the competence gap. With deep roots in American barbecue culture—from backyard grilling education to championship competitions—Prairie Fresh continues to translate real-world expertise into practical guidance consumers can use at home.

“What excites us is finding ways to take what we’ve learned from pitmasters and make it useful for everyday consumers,” said David Eaheart, senior director, barbecue brand marketing at Prairie Fresh. “Our goal is to help people build on the confidence they already have and turn it into real skill.”

To explore the full research findings, take the ‘Prairie Fresh Barbecue Personality Quiz’ and access barbecue tips and tools, click HERE and view the full report HERE.

To learn more about Prairie Fresh®, visit www.prairiefresh.com and follow along on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.

About Prairie Fresh
Prairie Fresh delivers premium-quality pork raised in the United States, offering a full range of fresh and value‑added products known for consistent quality, exceptional flavor and culinary innovation. Proudly American‑owned, Prairie Fresh celebrates America’s food and barbecue traditions — from everyday meals and backyard gatherings to the world’s biggest championship cook‑offs. Everyday cuts are branded under Prairie Fresh Natural, while premium cuts are offered through the Prairie Fresh USA Prime^® line. With a strong presence in competitive barbecue, Prairie Fresh is used by hundreds of competition teams and has been featured by world champion pitmasters at the highest levels of the sport, making it a trusted choice for pork lovers nationwide. Learn more at www.prairiefresh.com.

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Heath Riles BBQ makes history at Memphis in May, reinforcing Prairie Fresh as a championship-proven brand

d.eaheart.sbf — Fri, 22 May 2026 15:48:10 +0000

MERRIAM, Kan.—Prairie Fresh® is celebrating a historic moment in competitive barbecue as Prairie Fresh Pit Crew standout Heath Riles BBQ captured overall Grand Champion honors at the 2026 Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, securing a rare back-to-back victory and further establishing Prairie Fresh USA Prime® pork as a proven winner on barbecue’s biggest stages.

With the win on May 16, Heath Riles became the first pitmaster in 42 years to repeat as Grand Champion at Memphis in May, one of barbecue’s most prestigious and demanding competitions. Cooking Prairie Fresh USA Prime backribs, Riles delivered the consistency, precision and championship-level performance required to rise above an elite global field.

Widely regarded as one of the most challenging contests in the world, Memphis in May is considered one of barbecue’s “triple crown” events alongside the American Royal World Series of Barbecue and The Jack Daniel’s World Invitational Barbecue. Today, Prairie Fresh Pit Crew teams hold titles across all three, reinforcing the brand’s position at the highest level of the sport. The Prairie Fresh Pit Crew is a collective of championship pitmasters, rising competitors and brand ambassadors who cook Prairie Fresh pork at the highest levels of competitive barbecue.

“This is a defining moment not only for Heath and his team but for Prairie Fresh as a brand built for performance,” said David Eaheart, senior director of communications and brand marketing for Prairie Fresh. “When you see teams win at Memphis in May, the American Royal and The Jack using Prairie Fresh, it reinforces what pitmasters already know—our product delivers when it matters most. That same consistency and eating experience is exactly what consumers are looking for at retail, and it’s why Prairie Fresh continues to earn its place in the meat case.”

Prairie Fresh’s success in elite competition translates directly to everyday cooking, giving retailers and shoppers confidence in a product trusted by champions. From backyard grilling to holiday meals, Prairie Fresh offers the quality, flavor and reliability that today’s consumers expect, backed by real-world results on barbecue’s biggest stages.

Next-generation talent shines

Momentum extended across the Prairie Fresh Pit Crew, with standout achievements from emerging pitmasters. Bugsy Que, led by 13-year-old Jacey Blurton, earned top honors in the Patio Porkers division, competing against and defeating adult teams while cooking Prairie Fresh USA Prime backribs.

Regarded as a proving ground for future champions, the Patio Porkers division mirrors the core elements of the main contest at a smaller scale while maintaining rigorous judging standards.

In the Junior Contest at Memphis in May, Prairie Fresh further demonstrated its investment in the next generation by providing Prairie Fresh USA Prime pork chops to all competitors. Among the top performers, whom come from competition families and are part of the Prairie Fresh Pit Crew:

Bernie Tyrna and Cooper Gunter, 360 BBQ 2.0—Junior World Grand Champion; Tyrna’s family operates The Chopping Block stores in the Houston metro, a premium butcher shop featuring Prairie Fresh USA Prime products.
Dakoda Smith, First Class BBQ 2.0— Junior Pork Chop World Champion; the family owns and operates First Class BBQ in Hempstead, Texas, and are long-time Prairie Fresh customers.
About Prairie Fresh

Prairie Fresh® is an American-owned pork brand delivering high-quality, fresh pork products to grocery retailers and foodservice operators nationwide. Known for consistency, reliability and flavor, Prairie Fresh offers a broad portfolio of conventional fresh pork cuts, along with value-added products including seasoned and marinated fresh pork, ground pork, sausage and bacon, designed to perform at the meat case and on the grill.

Prairie Fresh is dedicated to delivering products that meet the standards of pitmasters, chefs and home cooks alike. Through its Prairie Fresh Pit Crew and partnerships across the barbecue community, the brand continues to elevate the craft and bring championship-quality pork to tables across the country. Backed by a connected food system from farm to plant, Prairie Fresh is marketed and sold by Seaboard Foods. For more information, visit prairiefresh.com.

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Prairie Fresh launches “Celebrating America BBQ Giveaway” ahead of nation’s 250th anniversary

d.eaheart.sbf — Wed, 20 May 2026 11:00:38 +0000

MERRIAM, Kan. — As America approaches its 250th anniversary, Prairie Fresh® is encouraging consumers to fire up their grills and take their backyard barbecue to the next level.

Launching May 20 through June 2, 2026, the “Celebrating America Grilling Giveaway” is a nationwide social media sweepstakes designed to celebrate the traditions that define American barbecue while equipping grillers with the tools, products and inspiration to improve their skills heading into peak grilling season.

Timed to kick off just ahead of Memorial Day, the campaign reflects the ongoing commitment of Prairie Fresh to helping consumers feel more confident at the grill through accessible education, expert guidance and high-quality pork products.

A Backyard Upgrade Built for Better Barbecue, five (5) winners will each receive a premium grilling prize package curated to elevate their summer cookouts, including:

Weber Spirit® EX-425C Smart Gas Grill
$150 worth of Prairie Fresh assorted pork products
A virtual one-on-one Q&A video call with a Prairie Fresh pitmaster ambassador
Premium cooler with the Prairie Fresh logo
Rubs, sauces and a signed cookbook from acclaimed Prairie Fresh pitmaster ambassador and seven-time world barbecue champion Melissa Cookston
Swag with the Prairie Fresh logo — branded tumbler, hat and stickers

“This giveaway is rooted in the traditions that make summer barbecue season so meaningful,” said Emma Pierce, Prairie Fresh senior brand manager. “As America prepares to celebrate 250 years, it is about bringing people together around great food, great company and the outdoor cooking experiences that continue to define summers across the country.”

The campaign taps into regional pride by asking entrants to share their favorite state for barbecue pork, sparking a national conversation around America’s diverse and deeply rooted barbecue culture, from Carolina vinegar sauces to Kansas City smoke to Texas pulled pork.

Consumers can enter on Instagram now through June 2, 2026, by:

Following @PrairieFresh and @WeberGrills
Liking the official giveaway post
Commenting on their favorite state for barbecue pork and #PFBBQEntry

For a bonus entry, tag a friend in the comments.

No purchase is necessary. Open to legal U.S. residents 18+ (excluding HI, AK and CA). For official rules, full entry details and to learn more about Prairie Fresh Pork visit www.prairiefresh.com as well as follow on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.

About Prairie Fresh®
Prairie Fresh® delivers premium-quality pork raised in the United States, offering a full range of fresh and value added products known for consistent quality, exceptional flavor and culinary innovation. Proudly American owned, Prairie Fresh celebrates America’s food and barbecue traditions — from everyday meals and backyard gatherings to the world’s biggest championship cook offs. Everyday cuts are branded under Prairie Fresh Natural, while premium cuts are offered through the Prairie Fresh USA Prime® line. With a strong presence in competitive barbecue, Prairie Fresh is used by hundreds of competition teams and has been featured by world champion pitmasters at the highest levels of the sport, making it a trusted choice for pork lovers nationwide. Learn more at www.prairiefresh.com.

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Prairie Fresh kicks off season-long celebration of America’s 250th birthday with commemorative rib packaging

d.eaheart.sbf — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 18:10:58 +0000

Merriam, Kan. — As retailers prepare for spring grilling season, Prairie Fresh® is rolling out commemorative packaging on its Prairie Fresh Natural pork ribs to mark America’s upcoming 250th birthday and drive seasonal engagement at the meat case.

The limited-time packaging is now appearing on Prairie Fresh Natural rib products at grocery stores nationwide. Timed with the start of grilling season, the updated design features a patriotic red, white and blue color palette and a bold Celebrating America logo created to recognize the historic milestone.

The commemorative look is designed to carry through key sales periods from early spring grilling through Fourth of July promotions and summer entertaining. Product specifications and quality remain unchanged, delivering the same Prairie Fresh pork consumers expect while offering retailers a timely, high-visibility packaging refresh.

A summer-forward protein anchored in tradition

Grilling season remains a central moment for pork ribs, which continue to serve as a staple across regional barbecue styles and backyard cookouts nationwide. From early-season grillers to holiday-driven demand, ribs consistently anchor seasonal protein sets and promotional activity.

Ribs represent craftsmanship and patience at the grill while offering versatility across flavor profiles and cooking methods, making them a reliable favorite for both experienced pitmasters and everyday shoppers.

Built for the meat case during peak grilling season

As an American-owned pork brand, Prairie Fresh Natural focuses on quality, consistency and supply reliability as retailers prepare for increased summer demand. The commemorative “Celebrating America” packaging reinforces key brand attributes, including American ownership, premium pork and long-standing barbecue traditions.

“Grilling season is when people come together to celebrate, and this year feels especially meaningful as we recognize America’s 250^th birthday,” said Joe Pearce, champion pitmaster of Slap’s BBQ and a Prairie Fresh brand ambassador. “From spring cookouts to the Fourth of July and all summer long, ribs are at the center of those moments. Prairie Fresh delivers the quality and flavor needed for confident grilling.”

For more information about Prairie Fresh’s “Celebrating America” packaging and seasonal grilling resources, visit prairiefresh.com/celebrating-America. Additional barbecue tips and techniques are available at prairiefresh.com/bbq-pit-stop.

About Prairie Fresh

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Prairie Fresh® pork introduces its first-ever Pork Raffle experience in Milwaukee benefiting Hunger Task Force

d.eaheart.sbf — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 15:00:41 +0000

MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin — Only in Milwaukee can you grab a beer while having the chance to walk away with a rack of ribs. On Sunday, April 12, Lakefront Brewery will transform into a lively Pork Raffle where guests can take part in rapid-fire prize rounds with the chance to win more than 60 premium pork cuts — with all raffle proceeds benefiting Hunger Task Force, Milwaukee’s only Free & Local food bank.

Hosted by Prairie Fresh®, the largest American-owned fresh pork brand, the Prairie Fresh Pork Raffle brings a beloved Midwest tavern tradition to life for a high-energy afternoon of community, anticipation and entertainment. Meat raffles have long packed local watering holes across the region with cheering crowds, lucky numbers and the suspense of hearing your ticket called. Now gaining renewed attention beyond Wisconsin and Minnesota as younger audiences rediscover the lively tradition, the Prairie Fresh Pork Raffle taps into that same spirited atmosphere — creating a uniquely Milwaukee gathering centered on food, fun and premium pork.

Designed as a gathering for pork lovers and fun seekers alike, the Prairie Fresh Pork Raffle will feature more than 60 Prairie Fresh pork prizes ranging from bacon and ground sausage to racks of ribs, pork butts, pork tenderloins and other sought-after cuts. Prairie Fresh Pitmaster Ambassador and Beat Bobby Flay Champion Chef Matt Abdoo will be on site throughout the afternoon engaging with guests and sharing his passion for great pork and memorable food experiences. Abdoo will also be available for media interviews surrounding the event.

Ozlem Worpel, vice president of marketing and innovation at Seaboard Foods, producer of Prairie Fresh, said, “Food has this magical way of connecting people, and Prairie Fresh loves leaning into that. The Pork Raffle is a perfect recipe — a little suspense, a lot of laughter and a whole lot of delicious pork, up for grabs. It’s a fun way to celebrate the community. As Wisconsin’s anti-hunger leader, Hunger Task Force is doing incredible work across Milwaukee, and we’re proud to turn every cheer, laugh and lucky number into support for a crucial community cause.”

In addition to raffle drawings, guests can expect a lively atmosphere complete with live music from Milwaukee’s own DJ Shawna, Prairie Fresh brand experiences, photo opportunities and special appearances throughout the afternoon.

Hunger Task Force CEO Matt King, said, “We’re grateful to be the beneficiary of this community event. As more children, families and seniors need food support in our community, partners like Prairie Fresh help us ensure our network of local hunger relief partners receives premium proteins.”

Beloved Midwest grocer Piggly Wiggly will join the festivities with branded giveaways and a special appearance by its iconic Mr. Pig mascot. Known for its franchise-owned model, Piggly Wiggly stores are independently operated by local owners deeply rooted in the communities they serve.

Piggly Wiggly Midwest Vice President & General Manager Charlie Russell, said, “As a local retailer, Piggly Wiggly is proud to be part of the communities our store owners serve every day. Supporting events like the Prairie Fresh Pork Raffle reflects our commitment to bringing people together through food, fun and meaningful local engagement.”

Local attendees, media and food lovers alike are invited to experience the lively tradition while supporting hunger relief efforts across Milwaukee County. Raffle tickets for the Prairie Fresh Pork Raffle will be available for purchase on-site only, at 7 tickets for $10, with all proceeds benefiting Hunger Task Force. Attendance and ticket purchase do not guarantee a prize.

Event Details:

Prairie Fresh Pork Raffle
Sunday, April 12
Doors open and ticket sales begin at 1:00 p.m.
The raffle runs from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Lakefront Brewery
1872 N Commerce St, Milwaukee, WI 53212.

Attendees can expect:

Two drawing rounds with multiple chances to win, with all proceeds benefiting Hunger Task Force
More than 60 Prairie Fresh® pork prizes across multiple rounds including bacon, ground sausage, pork butts, racks of ribs, pork tenderloins and other premium cuts
Chef Matt Abdoo, Prairie Fresh Ambassador and Beat Bobby Flay champion, engaging with guests throughout the event
Live music from Milwaukee’s own DJ Shawna
Milwaukee-influencer JMatt will be on the mic keeping the energy high and the crowd hyped all event long.
Visual display of Prairie Fresh Pork prizes up for grabs throughout the afternoon
Photo-friendly moments including chef interactions and crowd reactions along with an appearance by Piggly Wiggly’s iconic Mr. Pig mascot
The classic Lakefront Brewery atmosphere, community energy and a Sunday afternoon built for fun

For more information about Prairie Fresh premium pork offerings, please visit prairiefresh.com or follow Prairie Fresh on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for pork news, recipes and more.

About Prairie Fresh® Pork
Prairie Fresh® Pork delivers high-quality, flavorful pork products raised with care and crafted to meet the needs of today’s home cooks and foodservice professionals. Known for its consistency, premium cuts and commitment to responsible practices, Prairie Fresh continues to bring exceptional pork to tables across the Midwest and beyond.

About Hunger Task Force
Hunger Task Force is Milwaukee’s Free & Local food bank and Wisconsin’s leading anti-hunger organization. The organization’s mission is to feed people in need today and end future hunger. Hunger Task Force operates a food bank that provides healthy food absolutely free of charge across Wisconsin. As advocates, Hunger Task Force works to end hunger through strong public policy work, legislative analysis, education and community organizing. For more information, visit HungerTaskForce.org.

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Prairie Fresh USA Prime pork chop helps Chef Matt Abdoo win on Beat Bobby Flay

d.eaheart.sbf — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 14:48:10 +0000

Merriam, Kan. — A Prairie Fresh USA Prime® Pork Chop delivered a national TV win when Prairie Fresh brand ambassador Matt Abdoo defeated Bobby Flay on the Jan. 29 episode of Beat Bobby Flay. Abdoo chose Prairie Fresh USA Prime® for its reliable marbling, tenderness and consistency under pressure, and the pork chop played a key role in the dish that earned him the victory.

Abdoo’s winning dish demonstrated how high-quality protein and proper technique translate directly to results in competitive kitchens, restaurants and retail settings.

“When you’re competing at that level, you don’t choose ingredients casually,” Abdoo said. “Prairie Fresh USA Prime® Pork Chops gave me exactly what I needed going in. Reliable marbling, great texture and real depth of flavor. It cooked evenly, stayed juicy under pressure and let me focus on execution instead of worrying about the protein. That confidence makes a huge difference when every second counts.”

Prairie Fresh USA Prime® represents the highest tier of the Prairie Fresh portfolio.

“Prairie Fresh USA Prime® is designed for chefs and home cooks who expect consistency and performance from their pork,” said David Eaheart, senior director of communications and brand marketing for Seaboard Foods. “Seeing Matt choose Prairie Fresh USA Prime in a high-pressure competition reinforces what operators and pitmasters tell us every day: when quality matters, the product delivers.”

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Kansas City classics unite: Garozzo’s and Prairie Fresh bring iconic Italian sausage to local grocery shelves

d.eaheart.sbf — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 22:29:28 +0000

MERRIAM, Kan. — Two Kansas City icons are teaming up for the first time to bring one of the city’s most beloved restaurant flavors to home kitchens across the metro. Prairie Fresh®, part of Seaboard Foods, has partnered with Garozzo’s Ristorante for a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the two local brands to launch Garozzo’s Italian Style Ground Sausage by Prairie Fresh, now available in the refrigerated or frozen sections of select Kansas City grocery stores.

Crafted with the same signature seasoning blend that has made Garozzo’s Ristorante a staple since 1989 and brought to life through Prairie Fresh’s dedication to quality, this new product brings the unmistakable flavors of Michael Garozzo’s Italian kitchen straight to local households. Just in time to kick-off a new year, it allows Kansas Citians to re-create their favorite Garozzo’s dishes at home, from hearty baked lasagna and classic stuffed shells to cozy, Italian-inspired weeknight dinners.

What began as a simple conversation between two Kansas City businesses quickly turned into a shared vision to bring authentic local flavor to more tables. Both teams saw an opportunity to pair the trusted quality and craftsmanship of Prairie Fresh with Garozzo’s signature Italian sausage recipe — a combination rooted in authenticity, community and hometown pride.

Michael Garozzo, founder of Garozzo’s Ristorante, said the collaboration represents what Kansas City cuisine is all about. “We have always believed that Kansas City is more than just a great barbecue town. It is a city that loves great food of all kinds,” Garozzo said. “This collaboration lets us share a piece of our restaurant’s legacy in a way that families can enjoy at home. It tastes exactly like what we serve in the restaurant, and that means a lot to me.”

Ozlem Worpel, vice president of marketing and innovation at Seaboard Foods, said the partnership is a natural fit between two Kansas City names that represent quality and care. “Working with Michael and the Garozzo’s team has been an exciting opportunity to bring restaurant-level flavor to grocery shelves,” Worpel said. “Prairie Fresh is proud to make Garozzo’s signature sausage more accessible while maintaining the quality and flavor that local fans have loved for decades.”

Garozzo’s Italian Style Ground Sausage by Prairie Fresh will be available this month in the refrigerated or frozen sections of select grocery stores across Kansas City, with a suggested retail price of $4.99 to $5.99. Made with the same care, authenticity and bold flavor that have defined both brands for generations, the product celebrates Kansas City’s culinary community and brings the best of local flavor to more homes across the metro.

For more information, visit PrairieFresh.com or Garozzos.com; and be sure to follow both brands for additional updates on Instagram and Facebook for Prairie Fresh, and Instagram, X (Twitter) and Facebook for Garozzo’s.

About Prairie Fresh
Prairie Fresh is the brand of a uniquely connected food system relentlessly seeking a better way to produce wholesome pork by purposely connecting every step between its American-owned farms in the Midwest and Great Plains, and family tables around the world. Prairie Fresh pork is produced, sold and marketed by Seaboard Foods and processed in Oklahoma, Iowa and Missouri.

About Garozzo’s Ristorante
Founded by Michael Garozzo in 1989, Garozzo’s Ristorante is one of Kansas City’s most beloved dining institutions, known for its authentic Italian dishes, warm hospitality and the famous Chicken Spiedini. With multiple locations across the metro, Garozzo’s continues to serve generations of Kansas Citians with recipes rooted in family tradition.

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Gettin’ Basted, Electro-Que-ted dominate barbecue’s biggest stages as Prairie Fresh Pit Crew Teams of the Year

d.eaheart.sbf — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 19:01:20 +0000

MERRIAM, Kan. — Gettin’ Basted and Electro-Que-ted have been named the 2025 Prairie Fresh® Pit Crew Teams of the Year, marking a historic season for Prairie Fresh Pit Crew teams with major victories at the most prestigious barbecue contests in the world.

The Prairie Fresh Pit Crew is a nationwide network of competitive barbecue teams that choose Prairie Fresh pork products for contests. To celebrate excellence in barbecue, Prairie Fresh created the Pit Crew Honor Roll — a recognition program for teams that win Grand Championships or first place in pork or rib categories at U.S.-sanctioned contests while cooking with Prairie Fresh pork. Participating teams earn points toward prizes and the prestigious Prairie Fresh Pit Crew Team of the Year title in both the Masters and Backyard divisions.

2025 Prairie Fresh Pit Crew Masters Division Team of the Year: Gettin’ Basted

Leading the way in the Masters division is Gettin’ Basted, headed by Pitmaster Brad Leighninger of Nixa, Mo. A Prairie Fresh brand ambassador, Leighninger’s team delivered a dominant season with 13 Honor Roll inductions including nine grand championships and multiple category wins across the country, including the World Rib Championship at the American Royal World Series of Barbecue Invitational Contest.

In addition to being named Prairie Fresh Pit Crew Team of the Year, Gettin’ Basted will also be recognized by Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) as the KCBS Masters Team of the Year as well as Rib and Pork Team of the Year.

Leighninger said, “The best pitmasters in the world use Prairie Fresh ribs and pork in competition. I am extremely proud of finishing this season on top as the Prairie Fresh Pit Crew Team of the Year!”

2025 Prairie Fresh Pit Crew Backyard Division Team of the Year: Electro-Que-ted

In the Backyard division, Electro-Que-ted, led by Pitmaster Brian Ford of Dickson, Tenn., electrified the barbecue world with nine Honor Roll inductions including eight Grand Championships and numerous category wins. Their 2025 season featured standout performances, including the Grand Championship at the 7th Annual KCBS World Invitational Backyard Series.

“I am honored to receive this accolade, especially with the caliber of teams competing and using Prairie Fresh products,” said Ford. “Prairie Fresh is the not-so-secret, secret ingredient of championship barbecue.”

Ford’s team demonstrated consistency, creativity and mastery of flavor, earning their spot as the top Prairie Fresh Backyard team in the nation and KCBS Backyard Series Overall Team of the Year and Backyard Series Rib Team of the Year.

Historic Year for Prairie Fresh Pit Crew Teams

The 2025 season was one for the record books, with 274 Prairie Fresh Pit Crew teams earning 673 Honor Roll recognitions and claiming top honors at the most prestigious barbecue competitions in the world, including:

Kings BBQ, Jacksonville, Fla. — Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational BBQ Grand Champion and World Rib Champion
Rooters-N-Tooters, Mount Pleasant, Tenn. — American Royal World Series of Barbecue Invitational Grand Champion
Heath Riles BBQ, Olive Branch, Miss. — Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest Grand Champion and World Rib Champion
Rescue Smokers, Sycamore, Ga. — Smoke Slam Grand Champion
Love 2 Q, Desoto, Kan. — American Royal World Series of Barbecue Open Contest Rib World Champion
Mulkey’s BBQ, Imperial, Mo. — American Royal World Series of Barbecue Invitational World Pork Champion
Damn Fine Beef & Swine, Lee’s Summit, Mo. — KCBS World Invitational World Pork Champion
Local Yokels BBQ, Crossville, Ill. — KCBS World Invitational Open World Champion Pork
Too Sauced BBQ, Topeka, Kan. — American Royal World Series of Barbecue Backyard Contest Grand Champion
Give ’Em Hell, Hutto, Texas — Memphis in May World Championship Jr. Contest Grand Champion
Bugsy Que, Coldwater, Miss. — World Junior BBQ League Championship Grand Champion
Totally Bodacious BBQ, Ingleside, Texas — Smoke Slam World Junior BBQ League Grand Champion
Caught Smokin’, Overland Park, Kan. — National High School BBQ Association National Championships Grand Champion

“We’re honored that the world’s top barbecue teams choose Prairie Fresh pork,” said David Eaheart, Prairie Fresh senior director of communications and brand marketing. “That same championship quality is available to everyone at home. If you want to barbecue like our Pit Crew Teams of the Year and other world champions, Prairie Fresh delivers the products and know-how to make it happen. We created the Prairie Fresh BBQ-Pit-Stop https://www.prairiefresh.com/bbq-pit-stop/ to share expert tips and tricks from world-class pitmasters with barbecue fans everywhere.”

Visit the Prairie Fresh BBQ Pit Stop to see all the 2025 Pit Crew Honor Roll https://www.prairiefresh.com/25-pit-crew-honor-roll/ inductees.

About Prairie Fresh
Prairie Fresh is the brand of a uniquely connected food system relentlessly seeking a better way to produce wholesome pork by purposely connecting every step between its American-owned farms in the Midwest and Great Plains and family tables around the world. Prairie Fresh pork is produced, sold and marketed by Seaboard Foods and processed in Oklahoma, Iowa and Missouri. The brand proudly supports Operation BBQ Relief, donating enough pork since 2015 for the organization to serve more than 4.8 million meals.

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Prairie Fresh® celebrates culinary creativity with nationwide “Prairie Fresh & Pickle” contest

d.eaheart.sbf — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 16:30:07 +0000

Prairie Fresh®, the premium pork brand known for its flavor, quality and culinary inspiration, has officially announced the winners of its Prairie Fresh & Pickle Contest, a nationwide celebration of one of the year’s biggest food trends: pickles.

Pickle flavors have taken over menus, kitchens and social feeds as consumers crave tangy, nostalgic bites in new and creative ways. Over the past year, Google searches for “pickle” have increased by 3,800 percent (Mother Murphy’s, 2025), while 63 percent of consumers worldwide have shared positive sentiments about pickles on social media (Seattle Times, 2025).

Leaning into this cultural moment, Prairie Fresh invited home cooks, food creators and flavor enthusiasts to show how the tangy pickle trend could elevate their favorite pork dishes. The goal was simple: spotlight the versatility of pork while inspiring fans to experiment with craveable, briny flavors and share their most creative pairings. From smoky ribs with spicy pickle slaw to tenderloin tacos topped with sweet-heat pickle chips, participants showcased their imagination and appetite for innovation.

Recognizing how social media fuels food culture, Prairie Fresh hosted the contest on Instagram, where food content drives some of the highest engagement on any platform. The hashtag #Food appears on more than 250 million posts, and 38 percent of Instagram users look at food content while 27 percent share it (MenuTiger, 2025). In addition, new Talkwalker data underscores just how much pickle-related content has exploded on Instagram. In 2025, posts and comments mentioning “pickle” or #Pickle generated more than 6.2 million engagements and a potential reach of 134.9 billion, representing a year-over-year increase of more than 13,000 percent in engagement and a 5,000 percent increase in reach compared to 2024. That surge in audience activity and cultural relevance made Instagram the ideal platform for Prairie Fresh to celebrate culinary creativity and connect with fans in real time.

The contest captured the imagination of food lovers across the country, generating widespread engagement and thousands of impressions as participants demonstrated how these two iconic foods create a flavor combination that is both craveable and creative.

In total, $4,500 in prizes were awarded to the top three entries, with the grand-prize winner receiving $2,000, second place $1,500 and third place $1,000.

After careful review by the Prairie Fresh culinary and brand teams, three standout winners were selected for their creativity, presentation and passion for flavor:

1st Place: Shannon Kohn, Murrells Inlet, South Carolina (@shannonkohncreates)
Shannon’s “Triple Pickle Caesar Salad with Crispy Pork Croutons” brought unexpected flair to a classic favorite. Her version featured pickle-brined, pickle chip-crusted Prairie Fresh pork tenderloin “croutons,” topped with a zesty dill pickle Caesar dressing. Judges praised the playful balance of tangy, smoky and savory elements that made this dish both restaurant-worthy and instantly social-media ready.

2nd Place: Chera Little, New Braunfels, Texas (@cheralittlefood)
Chera’s “Pickled Pork Sausage Dogs with Sweet-Dilly Corn Salsa” delivered layered flavor and creativity from bun to topping. Using Prairie Fresh Original pork sausage blended with sweet-dill relish, seasonings and a touch of heat, Chera pan-seared her sausage and finished it with a quick pickle juice bath for tenderness and depth. Her fresh corn salsa, built with jalapeños, red onion, cabbage and a cilantro-dill pickle drizzle, completed the dish with texture, color and a burst of brightness.

3rd Place: Dave White, Solsberry, Indiana (@greatwhitesmoke)
Dave’s “Pickleback Rack” combined his championship barbecue skills with bold pickle flavor in every bite. His smoked and glazed Prairie Fresh baby back ribs were de-boned and layered across garlic-herb Italian bread, then stacked with dill pickles, creamy dill slaw and crispy fried pickles on the side. The result was a craveable, over-the-top sandwich that captured the best of Southern barbecue innovation and backyard fun.

“The creativity and enthusiasm from those who took part has been incredible,” said David Eahart, Senior Director of Communications & Brand Marketing, Prairie Fresh. “This competition highlights not just the versatility of Prairie Fresh products, but also how the pickle trend continues to inspire culinary innovation. It has been exciting to see home cooks and creators across the country transform something so simple into dishes full of flavor, heart and originality.”

The Prairie Fresh & Pickle Contest underscored the brand’s commitment to celebrating food culture and engaging directly with the growing community of culinary enthusiasts who bring bold ideas to life on their own tables.

To learn more about Prairie Fresh, the Prairie Fresh & Pickle Contest, and view the winning recipes, visit www.prairiefresh.com and follow the brand on Instagram and Facebook.

About Prairie Fresh
Prairie Fresh® is the brand of a uniquely connected food system relentlessly seeking a better way to produce wholesome pork by purposely connecting every step between its American-owned farms in the Midwest and Great Plains and family tables around the world. Prairie Fresh pork is produced, sold and marketed by Seaboard Foods and processed in Oklahoma, Iowa and Missouri.

The post Prairie Fresh® celebrates culinary creativity with nationwide “Prairie Fresh & Pickle” contest appeared first on Prairie Fresh.

Prairie Fresh introduces bacon line, delivering hardwood-smoked flavor backed by a trusted connected food system

d.eaheart.sbf — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 13:30:09 +0000

MERRIAM, Kan. — Prairie Fresh®, a trusted name in fresh pork, is bringing its signature quality and taste to one of America’s favorite foods—bacon. The new line of naturally hardwood-smoked bacon, crafted for rich, savory flavor in every bite, is now available in Applewood Smoked, Hickory Smoked and Hickory Smoked Thick Cut varieties. Prairie Fresh® Bacon delivers the delicious taste and reliable quality consumers have come to expect.

The introduction of bacon to the Prairie Fresh portfolio reinforces the brand’s commitment to deliver great-tasting pork with uncompromising quality. Backed by a connected food system called the Prairie Fresh Way and a legacy in bacon processing, Prairie Fresh is well-positioned to compete in the $7B bacon category, which boasts 74% household penetration and the highest sales of any processed meat.

“Prairie Fresh Bacon delivers the flavor, quality and consistency that today’s shoppers are craving, backed by the same connected food system that’s earned our brand trust across retail and foodservice,” said Emma Pierce, senior brand manager for Prairie Fresh bacon. “This launch meets rising demand in a category where brand switching is high, and value and transparency matter more than ever.”

Prairie Fresh® Bacon is:

Naturally hardwood smoked with real hickory or apple woods
Made in the USA from pork sourced from Prairie Fresh Way farms and processing plants located in the United States
Crafted with a signature cure trusted by leading national foodservice chains
Offered in 12 oz. and 16 oz. L-board packages

The launch will be supported by Prairie Fresh’s “Now THAT’S Pork.™” campaign, digital and social advertising, influencer partnerships and on-pack QR codes linking to recipe inspiration.

With 80% of fresh pork buyers also purchasing bacon and a clear shift toward smaller pack sizes, Prairie Fresh Bacon hits the mark on consumer trends and quality expectations.

For more information, visit prairiefresh.com/wholesale or contact your Prairie Fresh sales representative.

About Prairie Fresh®
Prairie Fresh® is the brand of a uniquely connected food system relentlessly seeking a better way to produce wholesome pork by purposely connecting every step between its American-owned farms in the Midwest and Great Plains, and family tables around the world. Prairie Fresh pork is produced, sold and marketed by Seaboard Foods and processed in Oklahoma, Iowa and Missouri.

The post Prairie Fresh introduces bacon line, delivering hardwood-smoked flavor backed by a trusted connected food system appeared first on Prairie Fresh.