A “merch shop” has been added to beeflovingtexans.com, giving both consumers and ranchers a chance to purchase merchandise promoting Texas beef.

The store launched earlier this year and new items were added in late summer.

“When you go and browse, you’re going to see that lifestyle photography with people casually enjoying beef while wearing our t-shirts and hats,” Jennifer Matison, senior manager of consumer marketing for the Texas Beef Council, said. “It’s really natural and fun-loving and meant to appeal to consumers.”

The store includes a variety of T-shirts, hats, water bottles, cutting boards and stickers, with more to come.

“Consumers and producers alike have connected their passion for beef to their Texan identity,” Matison said. “This merchandise is one more way they can put that on display.”

The Beef Loving Texans community launched in 2016. Matison said the store reflects the Beef Loving Texans’ lifestyle, showing shoppers just what it means to be a part of the community.

Steven Lastovica, an Angus cattleman and chairman of the board of directors for Texas Beef Council, said demand for the merchandise makes him “extremely proud.”

“Making connections with consumers is what it’s all about,” he said. “Texas cattle producers are already proud of the beef we’re producing. Knowing consumers are not only purchasing our product at grocery stores and restaurants, but are now also purchasing and wearing our Beef Loving Texans gear, is really exciting.”

He said the store is just one more way the Texas Beef Council uses checkoff funds in an innovative and resourceful way.

“I just want to extend a sincere thank you to Texas beef producers,” Matison said. “Without their trust in our board of directors and staff, we wouldn’t be able to create unique programs to connect with consumers and motivate their beef purchases.”

To learn more about Beef Loving Texans and other beef checkoff-funded programs, visit texasbeefcheckoff.com.