Producers Talk About The Checkoff

Jump To: Ronnie Yeargin (Beef), Roger Butler (Dairy), Jeff Battles (Veal)

Ronnie Yeargin, Tennessee

Western Tennessee near Greenfield is home to Yeargin Farms, a diversified crop and livestock farm which grows food-and feed-grade corn, soybeans and hay as well as a cow-calf and stocker operation. Ronnie Yeargin and his family enjoy sharing their knowledge and love of agriculture with area groups and local college students who often visit their farm. As a member of the Tennessee Beef Council, Ronnie understands the value of the beef checkoff in building demand for our product.

“Simply put, our beef checkoff promotes safe, nutritious beef. All beef, dairy and veal producers, along with importers, invest in the checkoff, and these producers from across the U.S.¯ folks like you and me ¯ decide how to invest these dollars to help keep our product top-of-mind with consumers,” says Yeargin.

“The benefits of the beef checkoff are far-reaching and bring a unified voice to consumers that we’re working hard to produce a quality product,” Ronnie continues. “I think all beef producers should get involved and learn more about our checkoff ¯ just like I did.”



Roger Butler, Florida

South central Florida near the Kissimmee River, just north of Lake Okeechobee, is home to B-4, Inc., a family operated, grazing dairy of more than 900 cows, plus 350 heifers and a 100-head beef cowherd. In addition to running the dairy, Roger Butler serves as the Florida Beef Council chairman, so he understands the importance of the beef checkoff in building consumer demand.

“Our Beef It’s What’s for Dinner consumer advertising campaign can be found in magazines, on the radio, and on Facebook, where it shares recipes and cooking tips about the 29 lean cuts of beef, which fit into any healthy lifestyle,” says Roger. "The checkoff also funds educational seminars for foodservice and retail professionals, who learn about the beef industry from pasture-to-plate and what’s involved in raising cattle, including the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program.”

“BQA emphasizes proper cattle handling methods and use of medicines, which ensure the health of cattle and increase consumer confidence in beef by demonstrating that producers are concerned about cattle care and welfare,” he says.

“As dairymen, it’s important to remember the beef checkoff provides programs that maintain consumer confidence in the safety and wholesomeness of our beef products and help build demand.”



Jeff Battles, Wisconsin

Southeastern Wisconsin veal producer Jeff Battles understands the important role his beef checkoff investment plays in conveying to consumers how veal is raised responsibly by family farmers. Jeff and his family find the Veal Quality Assurance (VQA) program an important tool for their operation as they provide daily care for their animals.

“We were recently recertified through our state Veal Quality Assurance program, a beef checkoff program specifically designed for our industry,” says Jeff. “Through our VQA certification, we’re showing our commitment to using the best veal-management practices and animal-care techniques, so we ensure our animals are healthy and happy.”

Your checkoff investment builds consumer confidence through programs like VQA and shares positive veal messages with consumers about your daily commitment to delivering a delicious product.

“The beef checkoff helps our industry have a unified voice when we discuss veal,” Jeff continues. “And it helps assure consumers we’re working hard to provide a safe, wholesome product raised under the best possible conditions.”



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