No State Beef Checkoff in Missouri

BT_Missouri_Bull_Sale_Auction_Ring
BT_Missouri_Bull_Sale_Auction_Ring

An overwhelming majority of beef producers in Missouri voted down a proposed state beef checkoff.

On April 25, the Missouri Department of Agriculture released the final results with 8,480 Missouri cattlemen receiving ballots and 6,568 voting. A total of 4,903 cattle raisers (74.67%) voted against the checkoff, while 1,663 producers (25.33%) voted in favor. Ballots were mailed to cattlemen on April 4 with a return date of April 15 for voting tabulation.

The program was suggested by the Missouri Beef Industry Council and would have assessed an additional $1 per head state beef checkoff. Funding was slated to support promotion of beef.

In in order to vote cattle producers had to register prior to the send out of ballots. They could register either online or by visiting their county USDA-FSA office.

The Missouri Cattlemen's Assocation, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Dairy Association, and the Missouri Dairy Industry Alliance issued the following statement about the proposed beef checkoff results:

"We are disappointed the proposed Missouri $1 beef checkoff was not approved, because it provided additional resources for Missouri cattle producers to voluntarily work together to improve their industry. Concerns with declining beef prices and the misinformation about beef disseminated by radical animal rights groups will not go away, and we will continue to look for ways to promote Missouri beef and help educate consumers. We appreciate the Missouri Department of Agriculture continuing to conduct referendums in a transparent and professional manner."

 

Latest News

Biden Administration Restores Wildlife Protections
Biden Administration Restores Wildlife Protections

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to reinstate rules protecting endangered plants and animals, action that would reverse changes made during the Trump Administration that weakened the Endangered Species Act.

Across Breed EPD Adjustment Factors
Across Breed EPD Adjustment Factors

EPDs from multiple breeds can be compared by adding/subtracting the appropriate adjustment factors to the EPDs resulting from the most recent genetic evaluations for each of 18 breeds.

APHIS Now Thinks Wild Birds Are to Blame for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza's Arrival on Four U.S. Dairies
APHIS Now Thinks Wild Birds Are to Blame for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza's Arrival on Four U.S. Dairies

The livestock industry continues to grapple with the first confirmed cases of HPAI in cattle, while federal and state agencies continue to assure consumers there's no concern about the safety of the U.S. milk supply.

Skills Survey Reveals U.S. Agriculture & Food Industry Workforce Needs and Gaps
Skills Survey Reveals U.S. Agriculture & Food Industry Workforce Needs and Gaps

U.S. employers report challenges in finding suitable job candidates with work-ready skills to fill open roles in ag. The AgCareers.com U.S. Skills Survey offers insights, data and trends to address skill development.

USDA Authorizes CRP Graze and Hay Donations to Wildfire Victims
USDA Authorizes CRP Graze and Hay Donations to Wildfire Victims

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) participants can donate emergency grazing authority to ranchers in Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas impacted by recent wildfires.

New Guide Helps Producers Maximize Values of Cull Cows
New Guide Helps Producers Maximize Values of Cull Cows

A new resource developed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and CattleFax helps cattle producers maximize profitability from their culling decisions.