New Year, Fresh Smoke - Barbecue News Magazine January 2026 Issue

New year, fresh smoke—and a cover story that feels like barbecue’s roots.

The January 2026 issue of Barbecue News Magazine kicks off the year by celebrating an event that reminds us what the barbecue community is all about: getting together, cooking hard, laughing loud, and making memories that matter.

Cover Spotlight: The 2025 Hog Drop (Unadilla, GA)

This month’s cover features the winner of the 2025 Hog Drop, with Bull and Boar BBQ taking top honors overall.

If you’ve never heard of Hog Drop, here’s why it’s turning heads: it’s an invitational cook that doesn’t feel tangled up in a points chase—it feels like a festival, a celebration, and a barbecue gathering all rolled into one.

And this isn’t just a “show up for a ribbon” weekend. The Hog Drop is bringing back something you don’t see nearly as often anymore: real cash payouts—a $15,000 total purse, including $10,000 to the Grand Champion.

Great events don’t happen by accident, and neither does good judging. The contest is supported by the Middle & South Georgia BBQ Network, and that organization shows in the flow and professionalism behind the scenes.

Inside the issue: New Year fuel for cooks, teams, and BBQ businesses

January is built for resets—whether that means trying something new, sharpening the fundamentals, or building momentum for the season ahead. This issue brings a mix of practical and fun: a smoked salsa recipe for fresh starts, seasonal cooking advice, and articles designed to help you cook smarter and more consistently.

NBBQA: 2026 Conference details you need right now

For our members and industry friends planning ahead, the January issue also includes 2026 NBBQA Conference must-knows:

• March 25–28, 2026 | Nashville, TN

• Registration is open + Early Bird Member Rate ends 01/15/2026

• Friday Night of Fire featuring the Rhinestone Cowboy Steak Cookoff (SCA) and 1st Annual Rib Wrangler (RCA)

If you’re planning to attend, now is the time to lock it in—this is shaping up to be a big one.