September 27, 2005

USDA prepares for hurricane impact on Texas beef production

Agriculture in Texas, including beef production, could be severely impacted by Hurricane Rita, agricultural experts are warning.

Most of the counties stretching from the middle of the Texas Gulf Coast to Louisiana are involved heavily in beef production. In anticipation of the killer storm, producers are trying to move their livestock to the highest possible ground.

Like Hurricane Katrina, Rita could batter major shipping ports for meat and farm exports. Hard red winter wheat for export is shipped from the port of Galveston, Texas, which lies in Rita's path. Evacuations of workers will also impact the port's ability to resume exports.

The US Department of Agriculture announced steps it is taking to prepare for Rita's expected impact. USDA personnel are preparing to provide food and water, emergency housing and other resources to the region, said Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns.

According to a Department release, USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service is helping consumers prepare for Hurricane Rita by providing critical food safety information to city officials, public school officials, grocery store contacts, nutrition offices, community colleges, and city and town health and environmental inspectors.

USDA has more than 4,000 employees deployed into the affected region, providing services to military, state, local and federal agencies, the Department announced.