Oregon Senate committee supports T-bone steak as official state steak

The House Committee on Rules convened on May 28, 2025, to discuss Senate Concurrent Resolution 13, which proposes the designation of the T-bone steak as Oregon's official state steak. The meeting featured passionate testimonies from various stakeholders in the agricultural community, emphasizing the cultural and economic significance of this resolution.

Senator Todd Nash opened the discussion, highlighting the importance of cattle farming in Oregon, which ranks among the top agricultural commodities in the state. He expressed pride in representing an industry that is integral to Oregon's agricultural identity. Nash noted that the T-bone steak symbolizes the diversity of Oregon's ranching community and serves as a perfect representation of the state's agricultural heritage.

State Representative Greg Smith followed, sharing his deep respect for the cattle industry and its leaders. He underscored the cultural significance of the T-bone steak, urging the committee to recognize its importance in celebrating Oregon's agricultural achievements.

Gabrielle Molinari Homer, a rancher and president-elect of the Oregon Cattlewomen, provided further context. She explained that while the resolution might seem trivial amid pressing issues, it offers a unique opportunity to promote Oregon's high-quality beef and support local ranchers. Homer articulated that the T-bone steak, with its dual cuts representing the East and West sides of Oregon, serves as a unifying symbol for the state.

Diana Worth, president-elect of the Oregon Cattlemen's Association, also voiced her support for the resolution. She shared insights from Oklahoma, where a similar designation has positively impacted the state's cattle industry by increasing awareness and demand for beef products. Worth emphasized that ranching is a vital part of Oregon's history and economy, contributing significantly to food security.

The committee members engaged with the panel, but no questions were raised during the testimonies. The meeting concluded with a call for further consideration of the resolution, which aims to honor Oregon's ranching families and promote the state's agricultural legacy.

Overall, the discussions highlighted the T-bone steak's potential to foster pride in Oregon's agricultural community while supporting local economies and celebrating the hard work of ranchers across the state. The committee's next steps regarding the resolution remain to be determined.