MONROE — As the Green County Beef Producers celebrate 10 successful years of the Best Burger Contest, local taste testers will get an extra month to savor the flavor this time around.

This year, the 11th overall, there are 22 restaurants partaking in the challenge to see which unique sandwich is the public’s favorite.

The contest begins April 1 and will run through July 31. In previous years, the contest didn’t begin until May. Like all other years, though, the ending is precisely times so that the announcement of the winning burger will take place at the annual Green County Beef Producers Steak-Out in August.

Among the prizes for the public is more than $850 in beef bundles. In order to be eligible for the top prize, voters will have to go to all 22 locations. However, for one of the smaller prizes, eaters only have to go to 12 restaurants.

“We’ve gotten a lot of comments from people that are looking forward to going out to the different places,” said Nellie McDermott, organizer with the Green County Beef Producers. 

Last year, Suisse Haus took home the prized spatula trophy with its Smokehaus Burger, which added smoked brisket, onion straws, cheddar cheese and a Carolina-style barbeque sauce to the patty and bun. This  year, Suisse Haus will defend its title with the Red White and Blueberry Bacon Burger.

In fact, none of the restaurants will trot out their same sandwich from 2024. New to the contest this year is Villa Pizza Inn in Brodhead, with the “Italian Stallion”.

Those wanting to take part in the contest will be able to get a ticket at any participating restaurant. By ordering the specific burger at each restaurant, the ticket will be stamped. Cards must have 12 different stamps in order to vote. Prior to mailing the postcard ticket back to the Green County Beef Producers, they ask voters to remember to check off which burger is best. Also remember to put a name and phone number on the ticket in order to be eligible to claim any prize. The instructions are also printed on the ticket.

The annual Green County Beef Producers Steak-Out will be held at the Green County Fairgrounds on Aug. 21.