10/08/08 Recommendations for Beef Checkoff

Some cattlemen's groups would like to see changes to rules that govern how beef checkoff programs are implemented. I'm Jeff Keane; I'll be right back to tell you about some of those changes. The U.S. Cattlemen's Association (USCA) would like to see some changes in the way the Cattlemen's Beef Board (CBB) is directed to manage the national mandatory beef checkoff program. The USCA sent a letter to the CBB with nearly one dozen recommended changes to the program. A statement by Danni Beer, USCA Director and Beef Checkoff Committee Chair, declared it was the USCA's hope that all changes would be considered by the CBB. To me, that almost sounds like we want it our way. The USCA called the beef checkoff an aging program that needs to be updated to meet the needs of an evolving cattle industry. I think I would have used an established program since aging to me, donates being ineffective and out of touch. Anyone who has followed the advertising and educational efforts the checkoff has provided can clearly see they are mainstream and productive. Mostly, the USCA would like to see no connection between the CBB and the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. One recommendation stated a portion of beef checkoff dollars collected from U.S. producers should be used to promote beef products from U.S. born, raised and processed cattle. Importers could use money collected from imports to advance imported beef. Will there be changes? I think yes. I'm Jeff Keane.