Aaron Lesley of Texas Oil Dust BBQ talks IBCA, Midland Meat, and More

I had a great time speaking with Aaron Lesley of Texas Oil Dust BBQ regarding his work with catering, cooking on the IBCA competition circuit, the work he has and will continue to do with Midland Meat Company, and more. The most awesome thing about hosting this BBQ podcast is that I get to connect with and have some pretty cool conversations with people like Aaron who are out there putting in hard hours fueled by a true passion for BBQ.

Aaron on the workings of the IBCA

In this episode, you’ll hear Aaron discuss some of the ins and outs of cooking on the IBCA (International Barbeque Cookers Association). I’ve never judged an IBCA event, but I have a few friends from the FBA and KCBS world who have. There are definitely some key differences in format and judging style are concerned. In some ways, it seems a bit like the style of judging employed by the Steak Cookoff Association (SCA) — with judges using knives and forks to select “bites” versus getting a whole entry piece to judge each.Aaron makes mention also of how he likes having his food judged by the people. This is an important difference from KCBS and FBA judging in that you need not be a certified judge to judge an IBCA event per se. There are rules and procedures, mind you. But, the mix of judging has to be pretty varied given that you are likely getting a blend of experienced and “off the street” folks.

Aaron also shares some of what he does to be sure he’s always turning in the best possible chicken, pork rib and brisket entries possible, so be sure to listen for that.

Aaron on the Midland Meat Company

As I mentioned, Aaron and his wife Lee’Ayn have now moved into BBQ full-time via their work with The Feed Lot BBQ & Catering company. From what I understand, they are now the official catering company for Midland Meat Company. As such, you better believe that any event catered by these folks is going to involve some of the best quality meat I’ve ever had the pleasure of eating. Seriously. This stuff is amazing.

Oh yeah…. bring on that good Midland beef!

Learn More About Aaron Lesley and the Texas Oil Dust BBQ & Seasonings Co.

About the Show

The BBQ Beat Podcast, with BBQ Podcast host Kevin Sandridge, shares all that’s good in competition and backyard BBQ and grilling. Guests include competition BBQ pitmasters, food industry insiders, BBQ and grilling product manufacturers, and event promoters from the US as well as abroad. If you love BBQ and have an appreciation for southern culture and live-fire cooking – this is the Barbecue podcast for you.

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