Young grillers from across the state are welcome to come show off their talents at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the Luling Foundation Youth Grill-Off Sept. 10.

The event, for youth in grades 3-12, is organized by AgriLife Extension offices of Caldwell, Gonzales and Guadalupe counties.

The beef burger grilling competition onsite check-in will start at 8:30 a.m. followed by a Chef Meeting at 9 a.m. The event will take place at the Luling Foundation Farm’s Demonstration Barn, 523 S. Mulberry Ave., Luling. 

The cost is $20 per team. There will be a junior division, grades 3-7, and a senior division, grades 8-12. Each team may have two to three members, but all must be in the same division.

The registration deadline is Aug. 29. Teams may register using the form at https://tx.ag/YouthGrillOff. Entries received after places have been filled will be put on a waiting list. For more information, call the Luling Foundation office at 830-875-2438.

Prizes will be awarded for grand and reserve grand in each division. Each registered team member will also have a raffle entry for a mega-prize drawing of a Blackstone Griddle sponsored by Texas Gas Service. 

Each team will have 1 pound of ground beef provided and they will make two to four burgers; one beef patty will be judged, and the others are for the team and their family to enjoy, said Elsie Lacy, AgriLife Extension family and community health agent, Caldwell County.

“Teams will have one hour and 15 minutes to cook a burger patty that will be judged on taste, appearance, quality and creativity,” Lacy said. “There will be a complimentary fixings/condiment bar for participants and their families to build their own burgers for lunch after the competition.”

Designated adult volunteers will light each grill and oversee each team. Parents will not be allowed in the allotted competition area but will be able to view the event.

Supplies provided, needed

Event organizers will provide the following supplies to each team:

  • Old Smokey BBQ grill. Each team may take home their Old Smokey BBQ grill.
  • Charcoal.
  • Lighter.
  • One pound of Luling Foundation ground Angus beef.
  • Meat thermometer.
  • Spray bottle.
  • Cooking resources.
  • First-aid kit.
  • Pantry items/mystery items to add creativity/flavor to the burger.
  • Presentation plate for hamburger patty.

Teams should bring the following supplies in a box:

  • Cooking Utensils – such as tongs, spatula, brush, etc.
  • Spices/BBQ rub.
  • Gloves or hand wipes.
  • Foil.
  • Small table/tray to set supplies on.
  • Additional charcoal, wood chips, etc. if necessary.
  •  
     
    Susan Himes is a writer and media relations specialist for Texas A&M AgriLife. She writes news releases and features from science-based information generated by the agency. She also covers human interest stories and events across the state.
  • Floating Vimeo Video