HCR101 - 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.

  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.