Houston Livestock Show Draws International Visitors, Highlights Global Demand For Texas Products (3/30/2015)

AUSTIN - Since 1932, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) has been paving the way and building traditions in Texas. Its presence is felt beyond the Lone Star State. Today, Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announced HLSR continued its reign as a global destination in 2015, with its International Days drawing more than 2,600 guests from 88 different countries — that’s more than 500 additional visitors representing 18 more countries this year than last. 

“Our team at the Texas Department of Agriculture is deeply engaged in building international relationships and hosting trade delegations from around the world,” Commissioner Miller said. “As Agriculture Commissioner, I am committed to developing new markets for our farmers and ranchers to sell their quality products.”

International Days at HLSR draw guests from around the globe. The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) works closely with HLSR to make these days a success. TDA hosts trade delegations, coordinates ranch visits, promotes Texas genetics and provides translation services for international visitors. All of this is done with one goal in mind: Promoting Texas agriculture and expanding markets for agricultural producers.

HLSR reports the grand total sales for the 2015 rodeo to be more than $3 million — part of which was raised thanks to these international visitors — in sales of livestock, genetics, equipment, technology and more.

This year, TDA’s international team received three special recognition awards from Nicaragua and Paraguay for the team’s work in building relationships and opportunities between Texas and its international partners.

• -Agricultural Technology Award of Nicaragua, presented by Dr. Yasser Zalan, president of Agrotecnológica de Nicaragua S.A. This award was presented to TDA’s international marketing team for the contributions and exchange of technology with Nicaragua from Texas. The award also applauded TDA’s efforts in training ranchers in Nicaragua.

• -Federación De Asociaciones Ganaderas de Nicaragua: Federal Ranching Association of Nicaragua (FAGANIC) Special Recognition Award, presented by Salvador Castillo Montenegro, president of FAGANIC. This award was presented to TDA’s international marketing team for their support and work in strengthening the relationships between the ranchers of Nicaragua and Texas. Through this partnership, TDA is developing trade relationships that will benefit both regions.

• -TDA’s international marketing team received special thanks from Paraguay and its delegation, presented by Lic. Heinz Norbert Dueck, MBA. This recognition was given for TDA’s assistance in coordinating the logistics for the trip and visits to Texas ranches, along with the overall hospitality shown to the delegation.

International visitors play a vital role in expanding trade relations between the United States and other countries. Delegations and their members also provide a huge economic impact to the areas they visit by shopping at local businesses and supporting local economies.