CBB Executive Committee Calls for Independent Federation of State Beef Councils

USCA (June 23, 2010) - On June 22 the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) Executive Committee released its approved motion calling for the Federation of State Beef Councils to be a "strong, independent checkoff entity" that should be "separate from any policy organization." The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) supports this action, calling it a step towards enhancing the beef checkoff and making it more responsive to all producers.

USCA has participated in the checkoff enhancement recommendation process since it was initiated by the CBB, representing its members and state affiliates. In March of this year, USCA and five other organizations sent a joint letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) expressing concerns about the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA) proposed governance structure model and its impact on the structure and function of the Federation of State Beef Councils.

Subsequently, USCA Vice-President, Chuck Kiker, Beaumont, TX and USCA Executive Vice-President, Jess Peterson, participated in several joint meetings between the parties involved and USDA officials. On May 17, 2010 Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack sent a letter to NCBA outlining his concerns with the group’s proposed governance changes, many of which correlated with the issues brought forward by the six industry groups, including USCA.

"USCA applauds the CBB Executive Committee for its action to recommend a complete separation between NCBA and the Federation of State Beef Councils," said Kiker. "The CBB, which is charged with oversight of the Federation, has sent a clear and distinct message that a Federation independent of any policy organization is in the best interest of all checkoff paying producers and importers."

"An opportunity is at hand to reform the checkoff in a manner that will allow the program to prosper and gain even more support and trust in the country," continued Kiker. "Separating the Federation from policy organizations is a big step towards bringing the checkoff program into the new age. It’s important now for industry groups and individual producers to voice their support for the CBB by writing letters to USDA and to the CBB expressing their feelings."

Established in March 2007, USCA is committed to concentrating its efforts in Washington, DC to enhance and expand the cattle industry’s voice on Capitol Hill. USCA has a full-time presence in Washington, giving cattle producers across the country a strong influence on policy development. For more information go to www.uscattlemen.org.