COLUMBIA, MISSOURI
- Last week, more than 700 cattle producers met in Denver, Colorado for the annual Cattle Industry Summer Business meeting. The Summer Business Meeting's focus is to set direction for the industry, and includes meetings of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, Cattlemen's Beef Board, American National Cattlewomen, and National Cattlemen's Foundation.
In attendance on behalf of Missouri Beef producers were, Charles Bassett and Nathan Martin, MBIC Board members and Directors of Federation of State Beef Councils, as well as Brenda Black, Howard Hardecke, David Hutsell, and Leon Kreisler representing Missouri as Cattlemen's Beef Board Members.
"I am always encouraged of the ability that producers from all over the United States have to come together and generate a plan to supply our customers with beef products that fit their daily needs, whether that is in a large urban area in the United States, or in a newly discovered market somewhere around the globe." said Federation Director, Charles Bassett of Dixon, MO.
The Checkoff Committees made up of producers from across the nation, including Missouri, representing Convenience, Freedom to Operate, Global Growth, Beef's Image, Market Research,Taste, Value, and Nutrition and Health met to discuss the direction of the industry and entertain authorization requests from potential Checkoff contractors who are tasked with sharing the beef story and educating consumers and producers on behalf of the Checkoff.
"It has been a distinct honor and cherished opportunity to represent Missouri on the Cattlemen's Beef Board." said Brenda Black of Deepwater, MO. "While in the final year of my second term, it still amazes me to see the array of programs funded and the far-reaching impact beef producers wield through their consolidated beef checkoff dollars. From cutting-edge technological and nutritional research to scientific based educational tools for key influencers, checkoff funds dedicated to strategic plans today will render a return on investment and likely affect beef demand for generations to come."
In the coming weeks, the Committee and Working Groups scores and feedback will be compiled and sent to the Operating Committee. The Operating Committee meets in September to develop the Checkoff budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which starts October 1, 2016. The annual budget must then be approved by the full Cattlemen's Beef Board and USDA.
