Lighting a Spark for Future Beef Lovers

With the arrival of fall in the Texas Panhandle comes cooler temperatures, football season, and—in Lubbock—the annual District 2 4-H Grilling Games. For the past six years, young grill masters from across the region have gathered to fire up their grills, sharpen their skills, and compete for top honors in their age divisions. The event blends family involvement, creativity, and hands-on cooking skills that highlight the importance of protein like beef in a healthy diet.

Lubbock County AgriLife Extension Agent Robert Scott started Grilling Games in October 2020 after watching BBQ Pitmasters with his wife during quarantine.

“By then, everyone was ready to get out of the house,” Scott said. “After talking about the idea, we decided we needed to have a pit master contest for 4-H kids.”

Scott created the contest to be an avenue where youth could learn by doing while having fun—gaining valuable cooking and grilling experience they may not always get at home.

What began with 35 participants now draws more than 80 young competitors from 3rd through 12th grade. The contest features five categories, including a hamburger patty portion. Families can share a grill, but the cooking is strictly up to the kids—parents may only help start and manage the fire.

Building Communities of Beef-Loving Texans 

TBC’s partnership with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension has become an essential part of the Grilling Games experience. Each participant receives a Beef Loving Texans bag packed with branded items and cooking tools that help them feel like true pit masters.

“The kids are very hands-on,” Scott said. “They all love the aprons. The first thing they do is put that thermometer in their apron or shirt pocket like they’re real cooks.”

Over the years, these bags have become one of the most anticipated parts of the contest—items kids take home, talk about, and use to continue learning long after the event ends.

Scott also incorporates educational videos to reinforce food safety and teach participants about different beef cuts, proper cooking temperatures, and the difference in grinds.

Beyond the competition, Scott says one of the most meaningful outcomes has been the quality time families spend preparing together. With busy schedules filled with work, school, and activities, setting aside time to cook and share meals has helped families slow down, reconnect, and create lasting memories.

“The biggest positive has been getting parents involved and being active in the cooking and learning process,” Scott said. 

As an interest sparked by the contest, Scott says many contestants are barbecuing more on their own and have started competing in High School BBQ competitions.

A Skill That Becomes a Gift

Ryan Muller, 15, and Grant Muller, 13, from Littlefield, Texas, have competed in the Grilling Games for the past six years. Their mother, Janet, says the skills they’ve gained have turned into a way to give back.

“Whether it is grilling for church fundraisers for youth to go to camp, serving an opening business in our town, or even grilling at our own county end-of-year banquets, this skill they have learned has turned into a gift t that they have shared with others and it makes this Mama heart proud,” Janet said. 

Ryan and Grant’s favorite Beef Loving Texans items are the measuring spoons and recipe cards. From burgers to Tomahawk steaks, the Muller boys are trying their hand at it all.

“I like to grill hamburgers because the variations are endless,” Grant said, “We eat hamburgers a lot at family and community functions, so it is a crowd pleaser.”

Improving Confidence, One Cut at a Time

Scott says the biggest takeaway for participants is confidence—learning to prepare high-quality meals using premium cuts of beef without the fear of ruining them.

“Those kids will be smoking Briskets and ribs and expensive cuts of steak because they know what they're doing,” Scott said.

Through creative programs like the Grilling Games, TBC’s partnership with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is helping shape the next generation of confident cooks, informed consumers, and proud Beef Loving Texans—one sizzling grill at a time.