Texas beef producers approve state beef checkoff program

The Texas Department of Agriculture announced Wednesday, July 2, that Texas beef producers approved by a wide margin to establish a state-level beef checkoff program. Overall, 66.79 percent of the voters were for the checkoff and 33.21 percent against. TDA conducted this referendum upon petition by cattle industry organizations under the authorities designated by the Texas Legislature. TSCRA would like to thank everyone who got out to vote and spread the word to fellow cattle raisers about this important issue. We really appreciate your commitment to the passage of the state checkoff.
TSCRA President Pete Bonds made the following statement after the results of the Texas Beef Checkoff referendum were released:
“We are pleased with the results of the Texas Beef Checkoff referendum and believe the program will provide a tremendous step forward for beef producers and consumers,” said Bonds. “As ranchers well know, the challenges facing our industry continue to grow, and we must make sure we invest in our future to remain competitive.
The Texas Beef Checkoff program will assist beef producers and consumers by advancing critical marketing, education and research efforts that help provide a safe, abundant and affordable supply of beef. We look forward to seeing the Texas Beef Checkoff program implemented to help the beef industry thrive.”
TSCRA supported the passage of the Texas Beef Checkoff referendum. Texas producers who owned at least one head of cattle in the state any time between June 6, 2013, and June 6, 2014, were eligible to vote.
The program will be funded through a refundable assessment on cattle at each point of ownership transfer in Texas, and the maximum assessment will not exceed $1 per head of cattle. The funds will be managed in accordance with Texas law by a council of 20 cattle producers appointed by the Texas commissioner of agriculture.
Click here to view the Texas Department of Agriculture’s official release about the measure’s approval, including quotes from Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples and Coleman Locke, Beef Promotion and Research Council of Texas