Grill Master Challenge

The 4-H Grill Master Challenge teaches youth the art of safe and skillful meat preparation. Contestants learn to handle and cook beef, pork, lamb, and poultry while gaining valuable food safety and teamwork experience.

County and Regional Contests: Open to 4-H members in grades 6–12 (as of January 1).
State Contest: Open to 4-H members in grades 9–12 who qualify through regional competition.

Participants compete individually or as part of a four-member team—one member per meat category: beef, pork, lamb, and poultry.
Each contestant prepares two fresh, uncooked meat cuts within a two-hour limit. One is for judging and one is for sampling.
Contestants must supply their own grill, charcoal, tools, and setup area (no larger than 10×10 feet).

Top regional senior teams and high-scoring individuals advance to the state contest, typically held in October during the State Fall Judging Contest.
State poultry winners earn trips to national 4-H barbecue contests in Louisville, Kentucky.

Champion senior team: Plaques and $50 for each member.
Top individuals: Plaques in each meat division.
Poultry winners: Trips to national competitions.

Grill Master Challenge Sponsors