Well, the long wait is over, the votes have been counted and the voters from each county have been authenticated and the The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) announced Texas beef producers have voted to establish a state-level Beef Checkoff program.ย  The vote was approved by a total of 66.7 percent to 33.3 percent. TDA conducted this referendum upon petition by cattle industry organizations under the authorities designated by the Texas Legislature.ย  Austin County fell right in the line with the state vote, as those who voted locally approved the measure by a total of 34 votes for (72.34%) to 13 against (27.66%).

Passage of the referendum establishes a producer-funded program without the use of tax dollars. The Beef Checkoff program will research ways to continue improving Texas beef quality, as well as educate prospective consumers of Texas beef around the world. Texas beef producers will pay a refundable assessment of no more than $1 per head of cattle they sell. Collection of the assessment will begin on Oct. 1, 2014 and continue until the Beef Promotion and Research Council of Texas (BPRCT) notifies cattle collection points to cease collection.

 

Voting on the measure took place June 2โ€“6, 2014. Beef producers, regardless of age, who owned cattle in Texas between June 6, 2013 and June 6, 2014 were eligible to vote in the election. The Beef Checkoff program will be used for the promotion, marketing, research and educational efforts of beef and beef products for prospective consumers of Texas beef around the world.

As required under the Texas Agriculture Code, TDA conducted the referendum following a petition from cattle industry organizations on behalf of their members. After cattle owners voted, a canvassing committee of representatives from TDA and the Texas Secretary of State counted the votes. TDA conducted an eligibility audit of voters, which confirmed the vote results.

For more information about the Beef Checkoff Referendum or upcoming beef cattle programs contact the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office at (979) 865-2072, or visit our website at http://austin.agrlife.org.