Texas cattle producers will have the opportunity to approve a state beef checkoff program that could generate an additional $8 million to promote beef in Texas, the U.S. and international markets.
The state program has wide support from industry groups such as the Independent Cattlemen’s Association of Texas, the Texas Association of Dairymen, the Texas CattleWomen Association, the Texas Cattle Feeders Association, the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and the Texas Farm Bureau.
Together, these groups represent a majority of the beef producers in Texas.
If approved, the dollar-per-head producers would pay into a state checkoff program would allow Texas producers to conduct beef promotion, marketing, research and education programs for consumers in Texas and around the globe. This dollar would supplement the national checkoff program, which producers approved in 1988.
Producers can vote for a state beef checkoff program beginning June 2 through June 6. If approved, the assessment will be collected at each point of ownership in Texas.
Eligible producers can vote at any Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service county office during each office’s regular business hours. A mail-in ballot may be requested from TDA no later than June 2, 2014, and postmarked no later than close of business Friday, June 6, 2014.
The program would be managed by Texas cattlemen and women serving on the Beef Promotion and Research Council of Texas.