Grillmasters hit the steaks for NETBIO

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  • Donnie Peters of the Northeast Texas Farmers’ Co-Op shows off some perfectly seasoned cuts during the 2019 Ribeye Roundup Staff photo by Taylor Nye
    Donnie Peters of the Northeast Texas Farmers’ Co-Op shows off some perfectly seasoned cuts during the 2019 Ribeye Roundup Staff photo by Taylor Nye
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Cattlemen’s Classic

Grillmasters from across the state tried their hand at cooking the perfect steak during the 2019 NETBIO Ribeye Roundup on Saturday, Oct. 5.

Beginning at 10:30 a.m. with a proclamation by Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom, the event recognized the importance of the beef industry in the Northeast Texas area. According to the proclamation, Hopkins County is home to more than 40,000 head of beef cattle per year which accounts for more than $38.4 million annually in revenue.

At 11 a.m., the first wave of teams chose their steaks, which were provided by Brookshires. The rules were simple: teams had 30 seconds to choose their cut. They were allowed to cook two steaks with one to burn and one to turn in. No cuts or garnishes were allowed. Winners were announced at 6 p.m., and dinner at started at 6:30 p.m.

Heavily favored to win was Slaughter BBQ Oasis, who was gunning for the “triple crown” of Hopkins County meat grilling, having previously taken first in the Backstory Brewery Back to School Burger Bash and the Backstory Brewery BBQ Cook-Off. Owner and local BBQ connoisseur David Slaughter has been featured in both Texas Monthly and the Sulphur Springs News-Telegram for his eats.

However, it was Lake Fork Creek Steak and Seafood who won both the appetizer and ribeye division, taking home the grand prize: bragging rights and a beautiful handmade cutting board.

First in the amateur division was Smoke House Rats, who have won competitions across the south from Georgia to Louisiana, made 2016 world champion finalist, and have even been featured on the Travel Channel.

After the winners had been announced, hundreds gathered on the square as participants broke out all the stops to feed the hungry crowd.