$2 Beef Checkoff Collection To Start June 2

The Ohio Beef Council will begin collecting the additional $1 state beef checkoff on Monday, June 2, 2014, following a referendum in which 72 percent of Ohio beef producers voted to increase the total Ohio Beef Checkoff from $1 to $2 per head.

The beef checkoff is assessed on all cattle, including beef, dairy and veal when there is a change in ownership. As with the existing federal $1 beef checkoff, all checkoff assessments are to be mailed and made payable to the Ohio Beef Council, and are due by the 15th of the month following assessment.

Producers who live outside of Ohio and bring cattle into Ohio to market will be assessed the $2 checkoff. The first federal dollar will be sent back to their state by the beef council to be split 50-50 between the state of origin and the Beef Board. The second Ohio $1 will stay in Ohio. Ohio cattle sold in internet sales are also subject to the $2 assessment. Marketers located outside of Ohio who operate internet sales where Ohio cattle are marketed will also need assess and remit the $2 checkoff.

The recently passed checkoff increase will generate additional funds to enable the Council to extend beef's presence in Ohio's schools, conduct public relations outreach and farm tours for Ohio's food professionals, directly connect with consumers through spokesperson training programs, provide nutrition seminars for health professionals and develop a greater statewide media presence through radio, print, and social media which help to reach Ohio's 11.5 million consumers with a beef message.

Refunds of the $1 state checkoff are available by written request using an approved Ohio Beef Council refund form. These forms can be requested by contacting the Ohio Beef Council at 614-873-6736. No refund is available on the first dollar since it is governed by the federal beef checkoff.

Source:osu.edu