Oct. 31, 03 -Recent Ruling Not First Word in Checkoff Constitution Question

The recent ruling by the 8^th Circuit Court of Appeals staying its decision against the beef checkoff allows the program to continue until the Justice Department is told whether its expected appeal to the Supreme Court will be heard.  Monte Reese, chief operating officer for the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, says he and others weren’t surprised by the decision. 

Cut #1    :19       Outcue: "...the program unconstitutional."

According to Reese, the history of the beef checkoff doesn’t agree with the Eighth Circuit’s rulings on the case.

Cut #2    :30       Outcue: "...against its constitutionality."

That’s one of the reason’s this ruling may need to go to the ultimate level.

Cut #3    :36       Outcue: "...this program will be upheld."

The Cattlemen’s Beef Board is administered by the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, with oversight by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  The Board has 108 volunteer producer members who are appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture.