01/29/07 USDA announces checkoff survey results

American Rancher January 29, 2007 A survey conducted by the Gallup Organization with oversight by the USDA has found that of just over eight-thousand cattle producers surveyed nationwide, 72 percent either strongly or somewhat approve of the Beef Checkoff program. The survey was conducted in response to a settlement agreement between the Cattlemen's Beef Board and the Livestock Marketing Association as a result of a U.S. Supreme Court decision. Beef Board Chairman Jay O'Brian says the survey confirms what they have been coming up with for years but there was also some new information. O'Brian." We had over 50% of the producers if there were a vote today would be very likely to vote to continue the check off and 77% would be either very likely or somewhat likely to vote to continue. That was good." LMA President Jim Santomaso pointed to survey results where producers suggested changes in the current check off program. Santomaso: "Those three areas are opening up the Beef Checkoff contracting process, producer views on a periodic referendum and the use of check off dollars to promote U.S. beef." Eight-two percent of those surveyed would strongly approve or somewhat approve of voting periodically on the continuation of the Beef Checkoff program. Over three-quarters of respondents feel funding of the Checkoff should remain the same. Tomorrow, more on the strong attitudes toward promoting only U.S. beef. I'm Bob Hoff.