Memphis in May rib champion wins with Prairie Fresh USA Prime backribs

Since 2022, Prairie Fresh USA Prime backribs have dominated the Memphis in May Rib Championship.

Courtesy of Prairie Fresh

For the second time in three years, Heath Riles BBQ has emerged victorious as the 2024 Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest Rib Champion on May 18, 2024. The secret behind their success? Heath Riles’ signature rubs and sauces paired with Prairie Fresh USA Prime backribs.

Riles, the head pitmaster of the Heath Riles BBQ team from Olive Branch, Miss., openly expresses his fondness for Prairie Fresh pork.

“It’s no secret that I love Prairie Fresh,” said Riles. “Whether on the competition circuit or the backyard grill, Prairie Fresh is my pork of choice. Their high-quality meat consistently delivers exceptional flavor.”

Riles’ barbecue journey began at 18 years old when he joined a competition barbecue team in Ashland, Miss. Over time, he honed his expertise in competitive barbecue and grilling, creating an award-winning line of barbecue rubs and sauces.

The secret to Riles’ success lies in the blend of his seasonings that enhance rather than overpower the flavors of Prairie Fresh USA Prime pork.

“I am always inspired to taste what the pitmasters cook up during competition, and when I tasted Heath’s ribs, I said to myself that’s what a world champion rib tastes like,” said David Eaheart, senior director of communications at Prairie Fresh. “Barbecue is both an experience and a culture, and Prairie Fresh is proud to support so many pitmasters who embody the best of what that culture can offer, namely camaraderie, inspiration and high-quality food.”

Since 2022, Prairie Fresh USA Prime backribs have dominated the Memphis in May Rib Championship, with Riles securing victories in both 2024 and 2022. The Ribdiculous Bar-B-Krewe competition team, led by pitmasters Shane McBride and John David Wheeler, also clinched the rib championship and overall world championship at Memphis in May in 2023 with Prairie Fresh USA Prime backribs.

Riles is part of an elite roster of championship pitmasters who rely on Prairie Fresh pork products. Among them are Brad Orrison and Brooke Orrison Lewis of The Shed BBQ, Ocean Springs, Miss., reigning Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest Grand Champions. Additionally, Uncle Pig’s Pit Barbeque, a Prairie Fresh Pit Crew team from Paulsboro, N.J., claimed the 2023 Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue Grand Championship, while Prairie Fresh Pit Crew team Janky Leg BBQ from Benton, Ill., holds the title of 2023 American Royal World Series of Barbecue Grand Champions.

Sources: Heath Riles BBQ; Prairie Fresh

You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Join us for an exclusive look into the future of the protein industry with The National Provisioner’s 2024 State of the Industry webinar, a key feature of our October eMagazine. Dive deep into transformative insights as consumer research experts from Circana take the stage.

IPPE 2025

The International Production & Processing Expo is the world's largest annual poultry and egg, meat, and animal food industry event of its kind. A wide range of domestic and international decision-makers attend this annual event to find solutions for their business, network with industry colleagues, and learn about the latest technological developments and issues facing the industry.

The 2025 IPPE already has 1,200+ exhibitors that will occupy more than 583,000+ square feet of exhibit space. The 2025 IPPE will offer timely and important information and an efficient way for producers and processors to find solutions to enhance their operations.

We look forward to being with you again at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. Mark your calendar to join us Jan. 28 - 30, 2025. You will not want to miss this "must-attend" event for our industries!