For Immediate Release: Oct. 12, 2011
Contact: Carmen Fenton, 512-469-0171
Increase in beef exports will help Texas cattle industry recover from tough weather conditions
FORT WORTH, TEXAS – The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association today applauded the U.S. House and Senate for ratifying the pending free trade agreements (FTA) with Panama, Colombia and South Korea. The passage of these FTAs will increase beef exports by and estimated $3 billion at a time when Texas beef producers are experiencing a severe drought and recovering from devastating wildfires.
“This is good news for Texas, the largest cattle producing state in the nation,” said Joe Parker Jr., rancher and president of TSCRA. “Passage of these agreements will not only add additional exports for Texas beef, but will help speed up our industry’s recovery from this unprecedented drought. When we do get some relief there will be a hungry market overseas eager for Texas beef.”
According to the U.S. International Trade Commission, the implementation of these 3 FTAs will increase all U.S. exports by at least $13 billion and add $10 billion to the U.S. Gross Domestic Product. Additionally, exports of U.S. goods generate more than 8,000 U.S. jobs for every billion dollars shipped overseas.
“After 4 years of no action on these FTAs, Texas cattle raisers are relieved to finally see the passage of these agreements,”continued Parker. “Expanding new market opportunities for U.S. products, including beef, will ultimately lead to more American jobs and a more prosperous nation.”
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The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is a 134-year-old trade organization. As the largest and oldest livestock association in Texas, TSCRA represents more than 15,000 beef cattle producers, ranching families and businesses who manage approximately 4 million head of cattle on 79.5 million acres of range and pasture land, primarily in Texas and Oklahoma. TSCRA provides law enforcement and livestock inspection services, legislative and regulatory advocacy, industry news and information, insurance services and educational opportunities for its members and the industry.