Beef industry abuzz after reintroduction of checkoff reform bill in the US

The Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act (OFF Act) has been proposed by a group of senators and representatives with the aim of reforming the beef checkoff program. The act has received mixed reactions from cattle producer groups. The Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fun United Stockgrowers of America (R-CALF USA) welcomes the bill, arguing that the beef checkoff program promotes corporate control and globalization, and fails to represent the interests of American cattle producers. In contrast, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) criticizes the bill, stating it is an attempt to allow activists to dictate to producers and arguing that the beef checkoff has a strong track record of support among cattle producers and delivers a high return on investment. The OFF Act is designed to provide necessary accountability and transparency to prevent misuse of producers’ checkoff dollars. However, the NCBA points out that federal courts have verified the legality and current implementation of the checkoff.