February, Houston & the CBB’s Busy Business Time
The “business” of the Beef Checkoff takes place every day, everywhere…but a whole lot of Checkoff business will happen this February in Houston at the Cattle Industry Convention and Cattlemen’s Beef Board’s (CBB) Winter Business Meeting.
For starters, Checkoff contractors will provide the board with year-to-date status reports on projects that were funded in September. This step provides an added layer of accountability and ensures all programs are on task and on schedule. Checkoff Program Committees also affirm committee purpose statements and initiatives as outlined in the Beef Industry Long Range Plan in preparation for FY23 Authorization Requests.
Finally, Houston is where the CBB’s next round of leaders will be selected. In November and December, members interested in running for positions on the officer team, Executive Committee or Beef Promotion Operating Committee submitted applications. Members of the CBB’s eight-person Nominating Committee review these applications, interview the candidates and then make recommendations to the CBB. In Houston, the full board will cast votes and elect the leaders.
The Beef Checkoff program was established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill. The checkoff assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. States may retain up to 50 cents on the dollar and forward the other 50 cents per head to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board, which administers the national checkoff program, subject to USDA approval.
