Cattle owners vote on beef checkoff referendum today

By Jaine Treadwell, The Messenger - Troy, Alabama

Jul 28, 2008

Cattle owners across the state will vote today to decide whether or not to continue the state 50-cent beef checkoff for another five years.

Johnny Garrett, president of the Pike County Cattlemen's Association, said it is important that cattle producers take time to vote "yes" on the referendum, which funds promotion of beef throughout the state.

"I want to encourage all Pike County cattlemen to take a few minutes today and stop by the Pike County Extension office between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. and vote, yes," Garrett said.

"The Beef Checkoff is the only producer-directed beef promotion program in Alabama. The program advertises beef to increase consumer demand. Through the program, we work to increase beef exports. The program supports forage fed research at Auburn University and increases beef sales at the retail and food service level."

Garrett said with the checkoff program, each time a cattle owner sells a cow, 50 cents of the sale prices goes to state check off program. These funds are used to help the small producer, the youth and to advertise beef and promote more exports.

"Producers are responsible for determining how best the checkoff dollars will be spent," Garrett said. "And, the program is voluntary. Any cattle owner who does not wish to participate in this self-help program can get a full refund."

Anyone who owns cattle is Alabama is eligible to vote. Each cattle owner must vote in person at the county extension office today between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.

There have been nine beef checkoff referendums since 1962 and all have been approved by the cattle owners.

troymessenger.com