05/24/05 Beef Council applauds Supreme Ct ruling

The Idaho Beef Council is applauding the US Supreme Court decision that says the beef checkoff doesn't violate the First Amendment right of farmers and ranchers against forced speech. The six to three decision handed down yesterday is a huge victory for existing programs says Idaho Beef Council executive director Laura Wilder. WILDER "We've very pleased, we're elated." The Supreme Court says the checkoff ad campaign is a form of government speech immune to a First Amendment challenge. Wilder says the promotion campaign funded through the mandatory checkoff played a big role in the 25 percent increase in beef demand over the past seven years. WILDER "The "beef it's what's for dinner campaign' that has above an 80 percent recognition rate with consumer. The beef checkoff has been critical in promoting beef's versatility to restaurants and also working with retail. It's also been very important in funding research for beef safety that have made huge strides in the reduction of E-Coli." The one dollar per head fee on cattle sold in the US generates more than 80 million dollars annually and is administered through the Cattlemen's Beef Board. The court decision is also a victory for similar checkoff programs in pork, dairy, cotton and other commodities. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott