Lawmakers introduce reorganization of Utah Beef Council

Utah state Rep. Scott Sandall (R-District 1) and state Sen. Margaret Dayton (R-District 15), introduced H.B. 432 on Feb. 26. The bill would restructure the existing Utah Beef Council as an independent state agency composed of 10 individuals. As outlined in the bill, these individuals would include: the commissioner of the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food or a representative designated by the commissioner; the president, vice president, and a member of the board of the Utah Cattlemen’s Association; the president of the Utah Cattlewomen’s Association; a member of the Utah Dairy Commission; a member of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board from Utah; and three at-large producers from Utah. The bill also outlines what would be acceptable beef promotion activities, and that the use of the funds must be audited annually. Additionally, the bill provides for the refund of the fees, assuming producers seek a refund within 60 days of paying the fee. The introduction of this bill has happened as a small hobby rancher is suing the state, alleging that the current organization of the Utah Beef Council is unconstitutional. — WLJ