2003 News Archive
Kansas Cattleman Pays Assessments, Late Fees, Penalties
DENVER, Colo. (September 2003) - The Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board announced today that a Kansas cattleman, Jerry Goetz, operating in Park, Kansas has paid all past-due checkoff assessments and late fees, plus a civil penalty for violations of the Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985 (Act), the Beef Promotion and Research Order (Order), and the subsequent rules and regulations. The settlement was reached with assistance from the U.S. Attorney's office for the District of Kansas.
Judicial proceedings through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit found in favor of USDA and the Board that Mr. Goetz must pay Checkoff assessments, late fees and a civil penalty.
This settlement reflects the continued commitment of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and the U.S. Department of Agriculture in pursuing violations of the Beef Promotion and Research Act.
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The Beef Checkoff Program was established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill. The checkoff assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. States retain up to 50 cents on the dollar and forward the other 50 cents per head to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board, which administers the national checkoff program, subject to USDA approval. The checkoff assessment became mandatory when the program was approved by 79 percent of producers in a 1988 national referendum vote. Checkoff revenues may be used for promotion, education and research programs to improve the marketing climate for beef.
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