The comment period on proposed changes to the beef checkoff has come to a close. According to The Hagstrom Report – there is not an established time line for moving forward with the rule. The first step is to review all of the comments that have been received. Currently the Beef Promotion Operating Committee must enter into contracts with established national non-profit industry-governed organizations that were active before 1986. The date requirement would be eliminated by the proposed rule – allowing organizations that have been representing the cattle industry for at least two years to contract for the implementation of checkoff programs.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association previously stated that it supports an open and transparent checkoff program that is producer driven and this proposed rule would enhance that quest. The proposed change is also supported by National Farmers Union and the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association.