Beef Checkoff Program: Promoting Beef or Funding Opposition to Producer Interests?

Thomas F. “Fred” Stokes, Executive Director The Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985 (commonly referred to as the beef checkoff program) was born through producer initiative and referendum. Initially all voluntary, the checkoff became mandatory with the subsequent Farm Bill. I was among those who strongly supported the creation of it and I worked hard to ensure the referendum passed. Now, however, I believe the program has been hijacked by forces whose interests are not mine or Read More …