On April 1, 2009 Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter signed the bill to increase the Beef Checkoff by fifty cents ($0.50) in the State of Idaho.  Effective July 1, 2009 all producers selling cattle or calves, for any reason and regardless of age or sex, by law, must pay $1.50-per-head to support beef promotion, research and information programs.   The bill was introduced into legislation by the Idaho Cattle Association (ICA) following support from ICA members and Idaho’s dairy, auction market and Farm Bureau organizations.

The Beef Checkoff

Created in 1967, the Idaho Beef Checkoff is a self-help program that is producer controlled and producer funded, aimed at building consumer demand for beef through integrated state, national and international programs and to increase the opportunity for producer profitability.

Effective July 1, 2009

Idaho will collect $1.50 on each bovine animal every time it’s sold

$1.00—per the National Beef Checkoff program (1985 Farm Bill)

$0.50—additional per the State Checkoff (Idaho 2009 law)

Under the National Beef Checkoff we are required to send fifty cents of the first dollar collected to the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) for national programs.  The remaining dollar will be Idaho controlled.  The Idaho Beef Council Board of Directors (IBC), your peers who are industry nominated and appointed by the Governor, provide oversight and determine how much of the in-state income should be invested in state, national and export programs. 

Refunds

Per the Idaho State Code, a refund may be requested in the amount of $0.50 per head for the State Checkoff.  No refund is available on the first dollar since it is governed by the National Beef Checkoff.  Producers wishing to seek a refund will need to complete a refund request following their payment of the checkoff assessment .   Refund request forms are issued by the Idaho Beef Council office.  To request a form, contact the IBC office at (208) 376-6004.

Compliance

Also under the National Beef Checkoff Program, the Idaho Beef Council is legally responsible for collecting monthly assessments as well as a two percent late charge on checkoff remittances if they are not received in our office postmarked by the 15th of the month following the month of sale. No producer is exempt from the checkoff. Buyers who resell cattle no more than 10 days from the date of purchase may file a non-producer status form and avoid paying the checkoff assessment. Persons in non-compliance are subject to a civil penalty of up to $5,500 per transaction, plus un-remitted checkoff dollars and interest. To learn more, click here.