CHECKOFF PROGRAM

Created in 1957, the Oregon Beef Checkoff is a producer-funded marketing and research program designed to build the consumer demand for beef through integrated local, state, national and international programs and to increase the opportunity for producer profitability. This is accomplished through a combination of initiatives, including advertising, promotion, research, education and outreach, new product development, and a variety of other marketing tools.

Checkoff dollars may be used toward six program areas: promotion, research, consumer information, industry information, foreign marketing and producer communications. It’s important to note here that the law does not allow checkoff dollars to be spent to influence government policy or action, including lobbying.

All producers selling cattle or calves, for any reason and regardless of age or sex of the bovine, by law must pay $1.50-per-head:

$1.00 – Per the National Beef Checkoff Program (1985 Farm Bill)

$0.50 – Additional per the State Checkoff (Oregon 2006 Law)

Under the National Beef Checkoff we are required to send fifty cents of the first dollar collected to the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) for national programs. The remaining dollar is Oregon controlled. The Oregon Beef Council Board of Directors (OBC), who are industry nominated and appointed by the Director of Oregon Department of Agriculture for 3-year terms, provide financial oversight and determine how much of the in-state income should be invested in state, national and export programs.

Compliance

Also under the National Beef Checkoff Program, the Oregon Beef Council is legally responsible for collecting monthly assessments as well as a two percent late charge on checkoff remittances if they are not received by the 15th of the month following the month of sale. No producer is exempt from the checkoff. Persons in non-compliance are subject to a civil penalty of up to $5,500 per transaction, plus un-remitted checkoff dollars and interest.