Ohio and the Value of the Beef Checkoff

THE BEEF CHECKOFF

Amidst the turmoil of the past year, certain interest groups have become more vocal in their opposition to the Beef Checkoff. Since the Checkoff works on behalf of cattle producers in our state, the Ohio Beef Council (OBC) wants to ensure our producers know the facts.

A LITTLE HISTORY For a variety of reasons, consumer beef demand plummeted in the U.S. in the 1970s and ‘80s, prompting a group of cattle producers from across the country to look for a way to address the industry’s problems, and to highlight beef’s strengths as a protein of choice. That grassroots group sought feedback from fellow producers, and what they heard was the desire for a strong state beef council-driven involvement bolstered by widespread national support. Their efforts led to the Beef Checkoff, part of the 1985 Farm Bill. When the referendum was put to the vote, it passed with an impressive 79% of producer support.

PERFECT PARTNERSHIP Producers wanted a program they could be a part of at both the state and national levels, and that’s what they got—a program focusing wholly on beef promotion, research, and education. This state/national partnership manifests through the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB), our stewards of the Checkoff. The CBB is comprised of 101 U.S. beef, dairy, and veal producers, and a handful of importers, a group that also pays into the program. Ohio has one seat on the board, ensuring our voice and perspective are reflected in national programming. This state/national partnership is a key strength, and what makes the Beef Checkoff valuable to Ohio producers.

LAY OF THE LAND Checkoff-funded programs have evolved dynamically based on producer input and decision-making over the past 35 years. The Beef Checkoff operates within the law under which it was created to provide promotion, research and education about beef. It is not allowed to lobby or get involved with policy issues. To ensure efforts follow the guidelines set forth in the Act and the Order, all program materials are reviewed and approved by the USDA, and every Checkoff dollar is invested with transparency and oversight, which is available to review at the beefboard.org website.

UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES

Today, petitioners claim they want Checkoff reform. In reality, they’re trying to eliminate the program. It’s important to know that the current petition does nothing to amend or change the Checkoff. A “yay” vote keeps it; a “nay” vote ends it—and ending the Beef Checkoff ends the nationally funded programming for every state beef council and would ignificantly hinder OBC’s ability to advance initiatives including consumer advertising, marketing partnerships, public relations, research and education on beef for the state of Ohio.

As a member of the CBB, we are involved daily with the function, financials, programming, and success of the Beef Checkoff. OBC board members are listed at the bottom of page 26 of this issue and welcome your thoughts and questions. We want every Ohio producer to be involved in our efforts to reach people of all ages about the positive attributes of beef.

UNIQUELY OHIO

In Ohio a $2 per head Beef Checkoff is assessed when cattle are sold creating the council’s resources. The National Beef Checkoff assess a dollar-a-head, where up to half of every dollar stays right here to fund OBC’s own beef-related projects. Over the past year, OBC has used Checkoff funds to support County Beef Promotion Grants, which allow local organizations to promote and educate on the benefits of beef; build relations with Ohio food bloggers to drive consumers to OhioBeef.org and encourage millennials to cook with beef; and partner with Ohio State Athletics to host Taste & Traditions and the Ohio State 4-Miler race to help keep beef at the center of consumers’ plates.