Preheat grill to 250°F, with an indirect heating location – if using a gas grill, only light half of the burners; if using a charcoal grill, move hot coals to one side of the grill.
In a baking tray place a large piece of aluminum foil and top with parchment paper. Place ribs, meat side down, onto parchment.
In a small bowl combine sugar, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Sprinkle over all sides of ribs, rubbing into meat to ensure good penetration. Wrap parchment and foil around ribs creating a tight packet.
Place foil wrapped ribs onto the indirect heat section of the grill, meat-side down, and close the lid. Grill for 1 ½ - 2 hours, until ribs reach an internal temperature of around 195°F. Remove from grill and allow to cool slightly.
While ribs are cooking, prepare glaze by combining honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar in a small saucepot. Place over medium heat and reduce by half. Set aside.
Increase grill temp to 350-400°F. Unwrap ribs and brush on both sides with glaze. Place on direct heat section of grill and grill on both sides, brushing with glaze 1-2 more times, until caramelized. Reserve remaining glaze.
Remove ribs from grill and cool for 5-10 minutes before cutting. Drizzle with remaining glaze and toss to coat. Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds if desired.
*Whole muscle pork cuts are safe to eat when cooked to 145 degrees and allowed to rest for 3 minutes.
Weston Spect, has recently been selected to join the 2025 class for the Pork Leadership Institute (PLI). Weston grew up on a small horse farm in Somerset, Pennsylvania, where he developed a passion for agriculture through 4-H, FFA, and raising fair pigs. He attended Pennsylvania State University, earning a degree in Animal Science with a minor in Equine Science.
After graduation, Weston began his career in feed sales before joining Country View Family Farms. Over the past two years, he has advanced through their Manager Trainee Program and is now the Farrowing Lead at a 5,500-head Prop 12-compliant farm.
Weston credits mentors at Country View Family Farms, for fostering his growth, stating, “The knowledge and support from my colleagues have been invaluable. I’ve been fortunate to learn from a team that prioritizes continuous improvement and innovative problem-solving.”
“I’m incredibly honored and excited to have been selected for PLI,” Spect shared. “The program offers a unique opportunity to meet industry professionals from across the country, exchange ideas, and gain new perspectives that I can bring back to my farm and community.”
As Weston embarks on this journey, he reflects on his growing passion for pork production. “I never imagined how rewarding this industry could be. It’s incredible to walk into a grocery store and see a product you’ve worked hard to produce on the shelf. I encourage young adults to step out of their comfort zones and explore a career in the pork industry—it’s a truly fulfilling experience.”