Released October 9, 2008
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is increasing the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board (Board) membership from 104 to 106 members. The increase is due to changes in cattle inventories since the last board reapportionment in 2005. The board helps to strengthen the beef industry’s position in the marketplace as well as maintain and expand domestic and foreign markets’ uses for beef and beef products.
Domestic cattle producer representation on the board will increase from 96 to 97 and importer representation will increase from 8 to 9. The increase is based on requirements of the Beef Promotion and Research Order, authorized by the Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985. The order provides for a review of geographic distribution of U.S. cattle inventories and the volume of imported cattle, beef and beef products at least every 3 years and not more than every 2 years. Board membership then must be reapportioned accordingly.
A state or unit must have an inventory of 500,000 cattle to be represented on the board and is entitled to an additional member for each additional 1,000,000 cattle. In considering reapportionment, AMS reviewed cattle inventories, as well as cattle, beef and beef product import data for 2005 through 2007. The revised membership will be effective with nominations in 2008 for appointments that will be effective early in 2009.
Details of the changes will appear in the Oct. 10, 2008 Federal Register. The changes become effective Oct. 11, 2008. For further information, contact Kenneth R. Payne, Chief, Marketing Programs Branch, Room 2628-S; Livestock and Seed Program, AMS, USDA; STOP 0251; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW; Washington, DC. 20250-0251; telephone number 202/720-1115; fax 202/720-1125. Copies of the final rule are available by contacting the Marketing Programs Branch.
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Contacts: Billy Cox (202) 720-8998, billy.cox@usda.gov
Hakim Fobia (202) 720-8998, hakim.fobia@usda.gov
