KANSAS CITY, MO. – After a year of adding turkey to its cooking competition categories in 2020, the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) and the National Turkey Federation (NTF) announced the Turkey Smoke Series will continue in the 2021 competitive barbecue season. The series was added to some events during this past year’s competition season in addition to the four categories traditionally judged at KCBS events, which include: beef brisket, pork ribs, chicken and pork butt.

“Competition pitmasters from both the Master and Backyard Series enjoyed the creativity and freedom to demonstrate their skills in showing the versatility and flavor of turkey on the smoker,” said Emily Detwiler, chief executive officer of KCBS.

KCBS, which represents 20,000 members in the United States and sanctions more than 500 contests around the world each year, said the Turkey Smoke Series will be included as part of 17 US competitions in 2021, including the annual American Royal World Series of Barbecue. The addition of the new series includes thousands of dollars in additional prize money at the participating events and give cooks the opportunity to share their recipes digitally with KCBS and NTF followers.

“Turkey Smoke is a natural fit in competition barbecue, and we’ve seen real momentum growing around the category,” said Beth Breeding, vice president of communications and marketing with NTF.

She added that this year’s partnership will include recognizing the most successful team in the turkey category.

“We are excited to take things to the next level in 2021 with the addition of the Turkey Smoke Series Team of the Year program, allowing Turkey Smoke entrants to earn points for each of the Turkey Smoke Series contests in which they compete,” Breeding said. “The highest points winner will be crowned the 2021 Turkey Smoke Series Team of the Year. Check out what everyone is gobbling about and look for a Turkey Smoke Series contest near you.”