Iowa lost another contest

[BBQ_Mayor]

22 years of the BBQ'lossal has come to end. Sad day for many.

Friends,

As many of you have heard over the past few months, there was a good possibility that the Great Pork BBQlossal contest would not be returning in June 2010 and I regret to say, this is true. It has taken me this long to make the announcement as we had been talking to a group here in Des Moines that was interested but it’s not going to work as BBQlossal has been the past years, so I am now making the official announcement.

Many of you are aware that pork producers have been losing money for nearly two years now, first because of high input costs, but more recently because of a dramatic decline in the market price of hogs. Prices are not projected to return to break-even until late spring.

The National Pork Board gets its revenue from the Pork Checkoff, an assessment of 0.4 percent each time a producer sells an animal. When the price producers receive declines, so does the revenue the National Pork Board uses to fund its promotion, research and consumer information programs. In 2010, National Pork Board revenues are projected to be between 20 percent to 25 percent lower than they were in 2009. Overall, that represents a 2010 budget more than $10 million below the 2009 budget.

Looking back over the last 22 years, this contest has created a lot of excitement for pork. I remember the very first year. Robin and I had to go out in the wind and rain to collect entries from the teams. It was unreal. In year 3, we became sanctioned by KCBS and that made a world of difference. KCBS brought a strong program to the table and we have been together ever since.

We have had teams that brought their children with them and now those children are competing, and beating, their parents. We have had competitors from more than 20 states. We’ve had winners from nine different states. And we’ve had two repeat winners.

Most important, we have forged friendships over during those years that will last a lifetime. Thanks to all the judges, table captains, helpers, pig police and sponsors that supported us over the years. The contest would not have been as successful without you.

Finally, thanks to all of you who have come to Des Moines (and earlier to Springfield, Ill., and to Indianapolis) to compete. You have been the heart and soul of this great event.

I will never forget the good times, the rain, the heat, the wind and all the support you have given me over the past 22 years. I will get out to as many contests as I am able because you are truly a part of my family and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. And you know me, I will continue to look for opportunities that could bring the Great Pork BarbeQlossal back to life!

A

Anne L. Rehnstrom
Marketing Assistant
National Pork Board

[Solidkick]

Sorry to read this....Qlossal has meant a lot to many people.....

[KC_Bobby]

The real downer is that I don't think it will be eligible for KCBS sanctioning again unless they decide to add chicken and brisket and then make loin a side category with whole hog.

[ModelMaker]

Dang, this was one of the grandaddys. This does not bode well for the new year.
I had hoped to make it all the way to Des Moines this year. Figured I owed it to Todd for leaving him hangin last year.
ModelMaker

[Buster Dog BBQ]

While losing this sucks, the positive is Pleasant Hill is already on the 2010 calendar, valley junction is a go from what I hear, and another contest may be in Des Moines the weekend the qlossal was.

[pat]

Sad news. Had the pleasure of helping teams the past two years. Great contest.

[monty3777]

The Qlossal was the contest that made me want to try comp BBQ - also the place where we received our first call ever. I'll miss it!

[KC_Bobby]

I'll miss Nate's BPA.

[monty3777]

Originally Posted by KC_Bobby

I'll miss Nate's BPA.

I got a bottle of the first batch in the fridge with your name on it. (well, it doesn't have your name on it in the literal sense. More like an imgae used by me to indicate that you will be the one to drink it when the time comes for me to give it to you).

BTW, the stuff is rocket fuel. Even my wife thinks I' good looking after a few drinks - and she's not a big fan of mine to begin with

[BBQ_Mayor]

Originally Posted by Buster Dog BBQ

While losing this sucks, the positive is Pleasant Hill is already on the 2010 calendar, valley junction is a go from what I hear, and another contest may be in Des Moines the weekend the qlossal was.

True Rod. Having Pleasant Hill added is good news for Iowa and if Valley Junction gets a sancationed, that would be sweet.
Hadn't heard anything about another Des Moines contest, but bring'em on.

[Scottie]

Where is Valley Junction?

thnx

[Buster Dog BBQ]

Originally Posted by Scottie

Where is Valley Junction?

thnx

Valley Junction is in West Des Moines Iowa. Like 4th street and elm down to railroad (if you want to map the area).

it's full of little shops, bars and restaurants. Very historic area.

Last year they had a non sanctioned contest with about 20+ teams and brought in KCBS reps to do the scoring.

[KC_Bobby]

Did Valley Junction have juice last year?

[Buster Dog BBQ]

Originally Posted by KC_Bobby

Did Valley Junction have juice last year?

No juice and small spots. However, I hear that will be resolved this year. They will have to put us someplace else or all the business will not have parking.

[chambersuac]

sorry to hear this for you guys