Michigan cattle producers and importers, who are interested in serving a 3-year term on the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board, need to complete the application form located on the Michigan Cattlemen's Association web site at www.micattlemen.org . In order to be eligible for consideration, applications need to be submitted to MCA no later than June 20, 2012.
Andy Salinas, a cow-calf producer from Marion, will be completing his first, three-year term, at the end of the year. He is the new vice chairman of the Producer Education sub-committee. First-term directors are eligible for re-appointment for an additional three-year term.
Applications Are Now Being Accepted For Cattlemen's Beef Board
The beef checkoff process starts at the state level where one dollar is collected on each head of cattle and calves sold. Fifty cents automatically goes to the Cattlemen's Beef Board and up to 50 cents is retained by the Michigan Beef Industry Commission (one of 45 qualified state beef councils).
More than 600 producers sit on state beef council boards and play a key role in directing state and national programs. State board members determine how their 50 cents is invested at the local level. Funds kept in the state may also be invested in national and international programs.
The Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research board was created to administer the Beef Checkoff Program. The Board is made up of volunteers nominated by qualified state producer organizations and importers, and appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. Duties include certification of state beef councils, evaluation of programs, annual budget approval and overseeing collection of the $1-per-head beef checkoff. For additional information about the Beef Checkoff Program, visit www.mibeef.org or contact the Michigan Beef Industry Commission at (517) 347-0911.