– After a steady fall, the Texas cattle inventory is on its way back up. It’s already ticked up 6% compared to last year’s numbers, which represents the first increase since 2005.

– A man in Waco tried to steal some brisket from a local grocery store. The police intervened, and he pulled a knife. They shot the man who passed away in the hospital.

– Here’s a closer look into the troubled life of another notable brisket bandit:

 

– Grub Street looks at the fallout from the recent Fox News list of pitmasters that was whitewashed. 

– The Chicago Reader adds their thoughts about the barbecue pitmasters list. 

– First We Feast gathered reactions from around the country on the same pitmasters list:

 

– Food & Wine wants to help make you a great backyard pitmaster.

– After reading up on factory farming, Corby Kummer looks at his decision to consume meat in the New Republic, and concludes he’s still going to eat it.

– Vox wonders if you can feel good about eating meat:

 

– The nationwide barbecue renaissance has landed squarely in Chicago. 

– Learn about the culture, misconceptions, and preservation of South Carolina barbecue from Robert Moss and Dr. Howard F. Conyers in New Orleans this November. 

– A new whole hog option is coming to Durham, North Carolina. 

– An interview with Cody Taylor and Jiyeon Lee of Heirloom BBQ Market in Atlanta. 

– Even Charlotte Magazine loves Dallas’s Pecan Lodge. The editor wrote about owners Justin and Diane Fourton in his monthly letter to readers. 

– Sadly, Specht’s Store is closing outside San Antonio. Also, pit for sale:

 

– BBQ Bryan looks back for an analysis of all the Texas Monthly barbecue lists, dating back to 1973.

– I discussed five barbecue myths with the Texas Standard.

– Business Insider reports on Johnny Fugitt’s list of the best barbecue in America. Austin is still on top.

– SFW:

 

– BBQ Recon checks out Green Mesquite in Round Rock and finds just decent barbecue. 

– The Dallas Observer reports on the huge portions available at the new Jambo’s BBQ Shack in Arlington. 

– Burger Mary headed to Abilene for some mesquite grilled steaks at Perini Ranch, and for a taste of Stillwater BBQ. 

– Heim Barbecue in Fort Worth is praised once again. This time in Papercity. 

– This was the meat they loaded up in the pits for the XIT Rodeo & Reunion in Dalhart:

 

– John Mueller is coming to Houston for Q for a Cause where he’ll cook with some local talent in October.

– The Houston Press lists the ribs at Roegels Barbecue Co. as #72 in their list of Houston 100 best dishes.

– The Houston Chronicle loved all the smoked items they found at Freedman’s Bar in Austin.

– Freedman’s Bar makes smoked jalapeño pimento cheese, and this Eater list puts them at the top of their list for great versions of pimento cheese in Austin.

– I’m truly not sure if this is supposed to make you hungry: