Judge Considering Merits of Beef Checkoff Lawsuit

Randall Weiseman Beef, Cattle, Dairy, Livestock

A decision on whether or not a lawsuit against the Beef Checkoff can continue will be issued at an “unannounced future date.”

A federal judge heard arguments for 55 minutes this week from attorneys representing R-CALF and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack about the Beef Checkoff program, according to Food Safety News. R-CALF alleges the Beef Checkoff is allowing the Montana Beef Council to use checkoff funds without oversight.

Specifically, R-CALF says the state council is using checkoff dollars to promote international beef, and Montana producers cannot opt-out of the program. Justice Department attorneys representing the Department of Agriculture say beef producers may request that all their check-off dollars be redirected to the Cattleman’s Beef Board, but there is little record of any Montana producers filing a request.

Secretary Vilsack believes the challenge should be dismissed for lack of jurisdiction or for failure to state a claim by R-CALF.

(From the National Association of Farm Broadcasters News Service)