Suggested Lead: There has been much discussion within the beef industry about potential improvements to the Beef Checkoff Program. USDA officials recently spoke with CBB officers about their “responsibility” to develop and recommend changes to the Beef Promotion and Research Act and Order to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. Dave Bateman, fourth-generation cattleman from Oregon, Ill., and chairman of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB), says this requested evaluation of the checkoff is a function of being a Beef Board officer – a continual process in meeting the needs of today’s producers…tape

Cut #1                :23                   O.C..."could be improved."

Over the coming months, the Beef Board will be considering suggested improvements from more than 100 national industry organizations, State Beef Councils, certified nominating organizations and national breed associations. Bateman says it’s a big information gathering process, but many players have a stake in the beef industry and we want to hear from them...tape

Cut #2               :27                    O.C..."designed to do."

Bateman explains the process of change and notes that any significant changes to the Act and Order would be subject to a vote by producers. The ultimate goal is to meet the needs of the marketplace through The Beef Checkoff program and meet our obligations to producers in terms of giving them the most bang for their dollar invested…tape.

Cut #3               :28                    O.C..."of the process."