Mon., Jun 24 02 - NCBA President Denounces Judge's Beef Checkoff Decision

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Last Friday afternoon a federal judge in South Dakota handed down a decision that – if not overturned – will end the beef producers’ beef checkoff program.  His decision finding the checkoff unconstitutional would stop checkoff collections as of July 15, and limit the industry’s ability to promote its own product.  According to Wythe Willey, president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, cattlemen will not take the decision lying down.

Cut #1        :26            Outcue: "...to support the checkoff."

The decision was the result of a lawsuit by the Livestock Marketing Association, the Western Organization of Resource Councils and certain individuals to eliminate the beef checkoff.  Willey, a beef producer from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, says the decision to take this issue to court could hurt more than just cattle producers.

Cut #2        :48            Outcue: "...for American Agriculture."

Willey is confident this decision will not stand.

Cut #3        :08            Outcue: "...get this reversed."

According to Willey, volunteers and staff will continue to work to protect and enhance beef demand through the beef checkoff as long as they are able to do so.