Where’s the beef?
It’s in Tampa all this week as the city plays host to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Convention. More than 6,500 ranchers from across the country are in town to hear about the latest technologies and trends in the industry.
This is also a unique opportunity for the state to showcase its growing beef industry.
Florida ranks fifth in the nation for producing beef cattle. And after last year’s drought in the Midwest, cattle were moved to Florida to feed off the plentiful grasses here.
Pasco County rancher Larry Barthle says, raising cattle is Florida’s “hidden industry” because most Bay area residents never see the more than a million cows, heifers and bulls that graze Florida pastures.
In addition to being a $500 million industry in Florida, the week-long convention is expected to generate $5 million in revenue for the city of Tampa.
"Florida, itself, is trying to promote and let the national people know that we're here and our strengths that we have, our total numbers," Barthle said. "And the importance of the nation cattle industry is here in Florida."