Nov. 1, 2004 - Washington Well Prepared for BSE Crisis

When BSE was discovered in Washington State last December the leaders in that state’s livestock industries were well prepared.  According to Tom Beechinor (BEACH-nure), a cow-calf producer from Walla Walla, Washington, the state’s livestock industry was prepared for a crisis.

Cut #1     :29        Outcue: "...crisis response plan."

The Cattlemen’s Beef Board, which administers the Beef Checkoff Program, contracted with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association to manage the BSE issue at a national level.  Beechinor, who has served on the Washington State Beef Commission for several years, says his state’s ability to help properly address the needs of the industry was enhanced by what was done nationally.  

Cut #2     :20        Outcue: "...needs of the public."

It took a coordinated effort to maintain consumer confidence in the safety of beef.

Cut #3     :19        Outcue: "...did a good job."

According to Beechinor, the response from cattle producers to the job done through the checkoff on the BSE issue has been positive.

Cut #4     :32        Outcue: "...to get us through."

The Cattlemen’s Beef Board is a group of 108 beef producers from across the country, and was created in the 1985 Farm Bill. Oversight is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.