12/10/08 Beef checkoff and beef demand

The talk has started which could lead to increased beef checkoff. Nationally there's a proposal to double the checkoff to two dollars per animal. Some of the states have decided to go it alone and Idaho is on that track. Idaho Beef Council executive director Traci O'Donnell says the Farm Bureau, the Idaho Cattle Association and the Idaho Dairymen all have resolutions on the books calling for a dollar increase. ODONNELL "We as the industry are pursing it within the state of Idaho. On a national level its still being discussed but no formal move has been made at this point. States are pursuing it on their own individually. Oregon is already at $1.50; Washington is at $2.50 I believe off the top of my head." Any Idaho increase would keep those dollars for in-state use. O'Donnell says they're on good solid footing but tightening the belt at the Beef Council because collections are down with fewer cattle moving through the state with the exit of the last meat packing plant. O'DONNELL "So you know that we're challenged like a lot of businesses. We have to do more with less money and like everyone knows the dollar doesn't go as far now a days just due to inflation, rising costs and energy and fuels and everything. We're impacted by that too." O'Donnell says that demand for beef is increasing and she sees positive momentum going into 2009. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott