Mon., July 21 03 -- Checkoff, Policy Dollars at NCBA Kept Separate

It’s against the law for dollars collected through the national beef checkoff to be used for any other purpose than for promotion, research and information.  That’s why organizations that contract with the Cattlemen’s Beef Board for spending these dollars, such as the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, watch the spending closely.  According to Jon Ferguson, a Kansas beef producer and NCBA treasurer, says the funds are kept totally separate.

Cut #1    :34       Outcue: "...and the Operating Committee."

Ferguson says the relationship between NCBA and the Beef Board is professional.  

Cut #2    :25       Outcue: "...from state beef councils."

According to Ferguson, the relationship between NCBA and state beef councils is also regulated by law.

Cut #3    :18       Outcue: "...how they are spent."

Ferguson says there is a tremendous challenge these days to make the money go as far as possible, whether it’s within the states or nationally.

Cut #4    :34       Outcue: "...state beef council dollars."

The $1-per-head beef checkoff is collected by qualified state beef councils, which control half of the money they collect.  The other half is administered by the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, with oversight provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.