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Verona Today
By the People, for the People
Wisconsin Beef Council Launches 2026 'Best Burger' Contest
The annual competition aims to find the most mouthwatering 100% beef burgers in the state.
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
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The Wisconsin Beef Council (WBC) has announced the kickoff of the 3rd Annual Wisconsin's Best Burger Contest. The contest, which runs from February 13 to March 15, 2026, invites customers to nominate their favorite beef burgers from Wisconsin restaurants, bars, and grills. The top 8 finalists will be evaluated by a secret panel of judges, with the grand winner announced on April 24 as an early start to May Beef Month.
Why it matters
The Wisconsin's Best Burger Contest has become a highly anticipated annual event, sparking a 'burger frenzy' across the state as restaurants compete for the prestigious title and the resulting boost in burger sales and statewide fame.
The details
To be eligible, the hamburger must be 100% beef and the restaurant can only win the contest one time. Burgers will be judged on taste (50 points), appearance (30 points), proper doneness (10 points), overall enjoyment (10 points), with bonus points for the eating environment, atmosphere, and experience (up to 5 points). The Wisconsin Beef Council, a producer-led non-profit organization, operates the contest under the guidance of its Board of Directors.
- The contest runs from February 13 to March 15, 2026.
- The top 8 finalists will be revealed in late March 2026.
- The grand winner will be announced on April 24, 2026.
The players
Wisconsin Beef Council (WBC)
A producer-led non-profit organization funded by the $1.00 per head Beef Checkoff, with the purpose of funding beef promotion, research and consumer education activities supporting Wisconsin's $2.1 billion beef industry.
What’s next
The judge panel will embark on a 'delicious journey' to taste and evaluate the top 8 burger finalists in late March 2026.
The takeaway
The Wisconsin's Best Burger Contest has become a beloved annual tradition that celebrates the state's thriving beef industry and the creativity of its restaurant community in crafting mouthwatering 100% beef burgers.
