Nov. 18, 2003 - Check-off Program Carries On In Face of Litigation

Suggested Lead:

While the courts decide the future fate of the national beef checkoff, beef producers on the Cattlemen’s Beef Board continue to focus on what they were appointed to do: fund programs that can help increase consumer demand for beef.  So says Beef Board Chief Operating Officer Monte Reese, who believes the program has created a positive trend.       

Cut #1    :15       Outcue: "...percent since then."

According to Reese, the statistics are telling. 

Cut #2    :24       Outcue: "...in the courtroom continues."

Reese says the litigation takes the focus away from where it should be.

Cut #3    :32       Outcue: "...folks who raise cattle."

In the meantime, checkoff collections continue, and those collections are funding demand-building programs.

Cut #4    :24       Outcue: "...are going on."

The mandatory $1-per-head beef checkoff is administered by the Beef Board, subject to USDA approval.  The checkoff Act and Order, part of the 1985 Farm Bill, was approved by 79 percent of producers in a 1988 referendum.