A U.S. District Judge in South Dakota ruled today that the beef checkoff is u...

A U.S. District Judge in South Dakota ruled today that the beef checkoff is unconstitutional and ordered its collection to cease on July 15, 2002.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is consulting with the Justice Department to determine what steps should be taken in response to the judge’s ruling, and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has instructed USMEF to proceed with planned activities.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Ann M. Veneman released the following statement:

Release No. 0258.02
by
Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman
Regarding Beef Checkoff Challenge
June 21, 2002

"I am disappointed by the ruling of the U.S. District Court in South Dakota that the Beef Promotion and Research Act is unconstitutional. The U.S. Department of Agriculture regards such programs, when properly administered, as effective tools for market enhancement.

"The beef promotion program in particular has helped beef demand to increase and has contributed to increased U.S. beef exports. These results have led to support for the program by a majority of beef producers.

"We are consulting with the Department of Justice to determine next steps."