A bipartisan congressional resolution was introduced in mid-July in support of commodity checkoff programs, including the Beef Checkoff. Sponsored by Alabama Rep. Barry Moore (R-02), the resolution contends that checkoff programs support new and existing markets via research, education and promotion.
The resolution states that research and promotion boards return value to producers through strategies to expand a commodity’s market value, along with promote a commodity as a whole to create industrywide benefit through increased sales, consumer awareness and higher overall demand.
“Checkoff programs have made significant, measurable strides in raising the level of demand and awareness for our farmers, ranchers and foresters’ products,” Moore said in a statement. “This resolution expresses Congressional support for checkoffs due to the research, education and promotion efforts they have provided to our producers.”
The Cattlemen’s Beef Board returns $11.91 for every $1 invested, and increased American beef demand by 12.8 billion pounds, according to the resolution.
“The Beef Checkoff was created by cattle producers, is run by cattle producers, and provides immense benefit to cattle producers,” said National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President Todd Wilkinson in a statement. “I hope more members of Congress listen to farmers and ranchers and reject animal rights activist-led proposals like the OFF Act that undermine producer control of checkoffs.”
The OFF (Opportunities for Fairness in Farming) Act was introduced earlier this year and would reform commodity checkoff programs. In July 2020, Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund United Stockgrowers of America (R-CALF USA) launched a petition calling for a referendum on the termination of the Beef Checkoff but was unable to acquire the necessary number of signatures.
The Cattlemen’s Beef Board collects a dollar from each head of cattle sold in the U.S. Members of the board are appointed by the secretary of Agriculture and work to determine which proposals to fund with the Beef Checkoff monies.
The resolution has the support of nearly two dozen industry groups, including NCBA, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Sheep Industry Association, Texas Cattle Feeders Association and Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. — Anna Miller, WLJ managing editor
