July 30, 2025
Delighted Fairgoers, Celebrity Judges Determine Top Honors
COLUMBUS – The irresistible scent of smoked pork drew big crowds and fierce competition to the Ohio Pork Council’s 26th Annual Pork Rib-Off, held July 29 at the Ohio State Fair. The beloved cook-off not only celebrated barbecue mastery but also spotlighted the high-quality, nutritious pork that Ohio’s hardworking pig farmers devote their daily passion to producing.
Participants from around Ohio, including many long-time competitors, sought awards in categories for ribs, pulled pork, people’s choice, and barbecue sauce. Baney-Q, Columbus, Ohio, took home Grand Champion Ribs honors; with Lil’ Bear BBQ, Black Lick, Ohio, taking Reserve Champion Ribs honors.
In the pulled pork category, it was Bark Brothers BBQ, Cincinnati, Ohio; taking Grand Champion honors, while Baney-Q took home their second trophy of the day with Reserve Champion.
Rounding out the last two categories, Bark Brothers BBQ won top honors for best BBQ sauce, while Keepers of the Que, from Eldorado, Ohio, won the coveted People’s Choice award for most flavorful pork.
“We’ve been coming to the Ohio Pork Council’s Pork Rib-Off for over 10 years,” said Mark Bergmeier from Bark Brothers BBQ. “We were determined to do better this year, and we did, which we’re very excited about achieving with our pulled pork and BBQ sauce.”
When asked what his secret to winning the People’s Choice award was, Seth Risner of Keepers of the Que, said, “For my family, it’s all about pork every day. It just goes with so many dishes and flavors. The secret is to know how to cook it for maximum flavor by not overcooking it in the first place.”
A group of seasoned judges happily scored the competitors’ entries, including Representative Bob Peterson, Representative Roy Klopfenstein, Senator Tim Schaffer, Senator Rob McColley, and Anthony Dowdy, Executive Store Leader at Giant Eagle.
“We couldn’t have been more pleased with the great judging panel and especially with the crowd we had at this year’s event,” said Saydee Baughman, director of events and promotion at the Ohio Pork Council. “We heard so many great compliments from fairgoers who enjoyed sampling the delicious barbecue created by these talented pork grill masters. We hope that motivates more consumers to put more pork into their daily nutritional routine to bring more flavor into home-cooked meals.”
Each year, the Ohio Pork Council hosts the Rib-Off competition during the second week of the Ohio State Fair. This year, sponsorship from Giant Eagle further supported this event by providing the meat used by participants.
Lead image features: Grand Champion Ribs honors went to Baney-Q of Columbus, Ohio. Pictured here are (from left) Rep. Bob Peterson (judge); Reagan Isler (award giver); Rep. Roy Klopfenstein (judge); Keile & Cathy Baney; Ohio Pork Council President Nathan Schroeder, (host); Senator Rob McColley (judge); Senator Tim Schaffer (judge); and Anthony Dowdy, Giant Eagle (sponsor).
About The Ohio Pork Council
The Ohio Pork Council was established in 1968, beginning with nearly 800 pig farmers dedicated to the task of promoting their own product. Currently, OPC has approximately 2,500 members. Their mission is to serve and benefit all Ohio pork producers. To learn more about the Ohio Pork Council, visit www.OhioPork.org or call 614-882-5887.
For all related photos, please use this link: https://spaces.hightail.com/space/kr2E4BWIpK
Judges:
- Representative Bob Peterson (R-Sabina)
- Representative Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland)
- Senator Tim Schaffer (R-Lancaster)
- Senator Rob McColley (R-Napoleon)
- Anthony Dowdy, Executive Store Manager, Giant Eagle
Contestants
- Lil Bear BBQ, Blacklick, Ohio, Heath Bletzacker
- Baney-Q, Columbus, Ohio, Keile Baney
- Keepers of the Que, Eldorado, Ohio, Seth Risner
- Smoke’Em if You Got’Em, Middleport, Ohio, Adam Williams
Bark Brothers BBQ, Cincinnati, Ohio, Mark Burgmeier