Texas beef producers approve measure to establish state Beef Checkoff program
Texas beef producers approve measure to establish state Beef Checkoff program
By Michael Fielding on 7/7/2014
Texas beef producers have voted in a referendum to establish a state-level Beef Checkoff program by a margin of 2-1.
The vote establishes a producer-funded program to research ways to continue improving Texas beef quality as well as educate prospective consumers of Texas beef around the world. Texas beef producers will pay a refundable assessment of no more than $1 per head of cattle they sell. Collection of the assessment will begin on Oct. 1, 2014, and continue until the Beef Promotion and Research Council of Texas (BPRCT) notifies cattle collection points to cease collection.
The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) conducted the referendum upon petition by cattle industry organizations under the authorities designated by the Texas Legislature.
“Texas is the largest cattle producing state in the nation, and our beef is among the highest quality in the world,” Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples said in a news release. “As Texas ranchers continue to grow and raise the bar to meet consumers’ tastes and preferences, it is my hope these funds will be used in a manner to enhance our producers’ profitability and sustainability of food production.”
Voting on the measure took place June 2–6, 2014. Beef producers, regardless of age, who owned cattle in Texas between June 6, 2013, and June 6, 2014, were eligible to vote.