11/30/07 ICA proposes beef checkoff increase

The Idaho Cattle Association is talking about doubling the beef checkoff from one dollar to two. That additional dollar would be used to promote beef and a variety of research activities. ICA executive director Josh Tewalt says there are three parts to the resolution passed at the annual meeting this month. TEWALT "ICA members appreciate the value of the beef checkoff. Number two the value of the dollar has decreased compared to 1986 dollars; that it's really a good investment. And the third thing which is reflected in the resolution this is an industry wide issue that affects more than just ICA members." Tewalt says Idaho dairymen and non-ICA members have a say in this and that's why the association is seeking a consensus from those groups before taking the checkoff hike to the legislature. With the legislature returning to Boise next month its unlikely any resolution would be ready for the 2008 session. TEWALT "This is an issue that's important enough to the industry that getting it right is far more important that getting it right now." If the assessment is doubled that additional dollar per head would go to the Idaho Beef Council for programs not funded by the existing one dollar checkoff. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott