Oct. 27, 2004 - Beef Checkoff Program Keeps Eye on Export Markets

News that the Japanese market may soon begin to accept U.S. beef products has encouraged U.S. cattle producers.  Monte Reese is the chief operating officer of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board.  He says cattle producers recognize the importance of being able to send some of its product to other countries.

Cut #1     :14        Outcue: "...here in this country."

According to Reese, exports mean quite a bit to a cattle producer’s bottom line. 

Cut #2     :22        Outcue: "...needs to fall first."

The news that Japanese and U.S. negotiators are coming to agreement on how to open the Japan border is significant.

Cut #3     :18        Outcue: "...as soon as possible."

Reese says checkoff-funded promotion efforts have been reduced while markets have been closed, but checkoff leaders have created the framework under which that could change in the future.

Cut #4     :45        Outcue: "...to our cattle industry."

The national Beef Checkoff is administered by the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, a group of 108 beef producers from across the country who volunteer their time to help create programs that will help build demand for beef.  The program was created in the 1985 Farm Bill, with oversight provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.