Cattlemen Concern at Vilsack Beef Check Off Announcement
US – Cattlemen’s associations across the US have staunchly opposed a government move towards a supplemental beef checkoff.
15 October 2014
1 minute read
Agriculture secretary Tom Vilsack received a letter urging him not to issue an Order to adapt the Beef Checkoff last week.
The views of over 170,000 cattle breeders, producers and finishers were represented across 45 cattlemen’s associations were included in the letter.
The Order would involve a change under the 1996 General Commodity Promotion, Research and Information Act.
Bob McCan, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President and Texas cattle producer said the number of signatories would send a strong message.
He added: “The checkoff belongs to cattlemen, not to the USDA or any administration. Our state affiliates sent a clear message to the Secretary that they do not want a supplemental checkoff under the 1996 Act.”
He voiced concern about mixing politics with the beef industry.
“The Beef Checkoff is a non-political, non-partisan structure designed by cattle producers to increase and support beef demand.
“The Beef Checkoff serves all beef producers, nationwide, and the recent efforts by Secretary Vilsack do not serve the interests of producers, they only serve to politicize and polarize the industry.”
TheCattleSite News Desk
