Designating the tomahawk rib-eye steak as the official State Steak of Texas and directing the Texas Department of Agriculture to promote the tomahawk rib-eye steak as part of efforts to support Texas beef and agricultural products.

89(R) HCR 101 - House Committee Report version - Bill Text

89R17543 TBO-F

By: King

H.C.R. No. 101

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The cattle industry has long been a cornerstone of

Texas' agricultural economy, contributing billions of dollars

annually, providing thousands of jobs, and sustaining the state's

vibrant ranching culture; and

WHEREAS, Steak products, particularly prime cuts like the

tomahawk rib-eye steak, stand as one of the most prominent foods

associated with Texas, a status that reflects the importance of

beef production to the state's history and development; and

WHEREAS, During the late 19th century, rapidly growing urban

centers in the northern and western United States significantly

increased the demand for beef, spurring the era of cattle drives;

Texas ranchers, seeking profitable markets, organized

long-distance drives to transport cattle to railheads and

facilitate the shipment of beef to meet the nation's needs; and

WHEREAS, Today, Texas is the leading producer of beef in the

United States with over 12.2 million head of cattle, more than

double the number in the second-ranking state; the beef industry is

vital to the state's economy, with cattle production accounting for

a significant portion of agricultural output and bringing in

millions of dollars in agricultural export revenue each year; and

WHEREAS, Texas is the birthplace of many iconic culinary

traditions, including those tied to cattle drives, chuck wagons,

and steak houses, all of which have cemented steak as an integral

part of the state's culture and cuisine; the food service industry

is the largest private employer in the state, providing over 1.46

million jobs, including many in steak houses and dining

establishments where high-quality beef remains a central part of

the menu; and

WHEREAS, The tomahawk rib-eye steak is a cut of rib-eye steak

that has an unusually long rib bone attached and is thought to

resemble a tomahawk in shape; and

WHEREAS, Many of the tomahawk rib-eye steaks enjoyed by

diners, both historically and in the present day, came from cattle

that were raised on the sprawling ranches of Texas and should,

therefore, be recognized as products of the Lone Star State; and

WHEREAS, Designating the tomahawk rib-eye steak as the

official State Steak of Texas would be a fitting tribute to the

legacy of Texas as the nation's beef leader, and it would reflect

the importance of steak to the state's identity; now, therefore, be

it

RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas

hereby designate the tomahawk rib-eye steak as the official State

Steak of Texas; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the tomahawk rib-eye steak be recognized as a

symbol of Texas' enduring agricultural heritage, the state's

economic vitality, and the contributions of the ranchers, farmers,

and chefs who have shaped the state's iconic food culture; and, be

it further

RESOLVED, That the Texas Legislature recognize the central

role of the beef industry in driving economic growth, employment,

and cultural pride in Texas; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the Texas Legislature direct the Texas

Department of Agriculture to promote the tomahawk rib-eye steak as

part of the state's ongoing efforts to support Texas beef and

agricultural products; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the Texas secretary of state forward an

official copy of this resolution to the commissioner of the Texas

Department of Agriculture.