USDA expands Cattleman’s Beef Board, role of importers

USDA expands CattlemanÆs Beef Board, role of importers The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service announced this week that it is increasing the membership of the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board, more commonly known as the Cattlemen's Beef Board, from 104 to 106 members and increasing representation of importers on the board.
   USDA said the increase is due to changes in domestic cattle inventories since the makeup of the board was last reviewed in 2005.
   Set up by Congress in 1985 with the passage of the Beef Promotion and Research Act, the CBB is aimed at the promotion and marketing of domestic beef both in the United States and abroad. The CBB, composed of beef, dairy and veal producers, as well as importers of beef and beef products, is responsible for the certification of 45 state beef boards and associations as well as the collection of a $1 fee on each head of domestic and imported cattle to pay for CBB activities and research.
   In addition to the increase in membership, the USDA is also changing the makeup of the CBB representation. Domestic cattle producer representation on the board will increase from 96 to 97 and importer representation will increase from eight members to nine.
   According to USDA, 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 three years and not more than every two years. Under the regulations, the CBB membership must then be reapportioned accordingly.
   A state must have an inventory of 500,000 cattle to be represented on the CBB and is entitled to an additional member for each additional million heads of cattle.
   In considering reapportionment, the USDA's 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.
   The Secretary of Agriculture makes all nominations to the CBB.