Producer Support Of Beef Checkoff Remains High

As the number who ‘disapprove’ drops to lowest level in program history

Three out of four producers support the beef checkoff, while the number who disapprove of the program, at just 11 percent, is the lowest in program history, according to a recent survey of 1,209 beef and dairy producers nationwide.

The random survey conducted by the independent firm Aspen Media & Market Research in late December 2014 and early January 2015 found an overwhelming majority of beef and dairy producers continue to say their beef checkoff has value for them in many ways:

• 81 percent of producers say the beef checkoff has helped to contribute to a positive trend in beef demand.
• 72 percent of producers say the beef checkoff contributes to the profitability of their operations.
• 76 percent say the checkoff is there for them in a crisis.
• 76 percent say the checkoff represents their interests.
• 66 percent of producers believe the checkoff is well managed.

“Despite a great deal of discussion about the future of the checkoff, along with being challenged by critics of the checkoff and groups who would like to see us go out of business,” says Producer Communications Working Group (PCWG) Chair Jeanne Harland, “beef and dairy producers continue to value their checkoff for building demand, contributing to their profitability and for representing their interests. And, with all that has gone on in the past six months, I believe it’s significant that the fewest number of producers in the history of the program say they ‘disapprove.’