PIERRE, S.D.(KCCR)- It’s a smell that salivates the soul and has you wanting more before even taking a bite.  Barbecue: using fire and heat to smoke meat.  Made famous in places like Kansas City and Memphis, slow cooking brisket, pork butts, chicken and more has gained in popularity is South Dakota in recent years.  Champion barbecue Travis Duffy of Pierre says hobby and sport of barbecue continues to grow.

Duffy says the hobby of barbecue is driving the sport of barbecue in patient grillers getting serious about their ‘cue.

South Dakota is home to a number of major barbecue competitions.

The oldest South Dakota barbecue contest is Vermillion’s Ribs, Rods and Rock and Roll event at 17 years, followed by the South Dakota Barbecue Championships in Huron at 14 years.  Cookin’ on Kampeska and the Hill City’s Wine, Brew and BBQ are nine year old competitions.  In central South Dakota, The Trader Days barbecue competition in Fort Pierre grew from approximately six teams in 2017 to 65 in 2021.