Cattle group urges USDA to reform the beef checkoff

The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association board voted to support a reform of the $40 million-a-year beef checkoff program by the Agriculture Department. USCA president Jon Wooster said in a statement his group “looks forward to engaging with USDA and members of our industry in rewriting a new beef checkoff Order in a manner that addresses the needs and interests of all US cattle producers.”

USCA’s goals include periodic referendums on whether to continue the checkoff, a separation of checkoff programs from advocacy groups, and no increase of the $1 per head checkoff until reforms are adopted. Wooster also said informal talks among the industry have failed to find consensus and it would be fruitless to continue them. Earlier this month, the National Farmers Union withdrew from the discussions.

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