EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is calling for what he described as urgent action to protect Texas barbecue as restaurant closures and operational challenges spread across the state.
Miller said a wave of closures and cutbacks is being driven by record-high beef prices, the national cattle herd falling to its lowest level in 75 years, persistent inflationary pressures and a softening of consumer demand.
Industry observations and local reports indicate longtime smokehouses in small towns and major cities have either shut down or significantly scaled back as pitmasters face rising input costs, squeezed margins and reduced customer traffic. Miller also pointed to the impact on families, saying backyard pitmasters are feeling the strain of higher beef prices.
“We must find ways to lower beef prices without harming ranchers’ livelihoods, ensuring Texas barbecue remains vibrant and accessible,” Miller said.
Miller said he is calling for an “America First beef policy” aimed at rebuilding the national cattle herd. He said that should include incentives for ranchers to retain breeding stock, expanded grazing access, stronger market transparency and Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling.
Texas barbecue, Miller said, is tied to the state’s heritage, family traditions, small businesses and jobs in both rural and urban communities. He said brisket plate prices have climbed to “luxury levels,” pricing some families out of local barbecue.
“Rising costs and stifled demand driven by high prices for quality beef are putting Texas barbecue businesses and backyard pitmasters at risk,” Miller said. “Many small-town staples are already on the brink, with closures mounting over the past year. If this is a sign of things to come, we must act now.”
Miller also warned that low cattle inventory could signal a potential demand collapse for quality beef if it is not addressed.
“We cannot ignore this warning sign,” he said. “I vow to fight for the entire supply chain, from the ranch to the smoker to the dinner table and take decisive steps now to preserve Texas as the undisputed barbecue capital of the world.”
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