While the National Beef Checkoff has and continues to be an excellent tool for building the demand for beef in NC and across the U.S., the funds collected in this program are specifically for the promotion of beef and the overall beef industry. NC keeps 50¢ from each $1.00 collected in the state; these funds can be used only within specific guidelines that involve promotion of beef.

In Carteret County, cattle producers can vote on the Referendum to continue the NC Cattle Industry Assessment on Wednesday, October 30th, 2024, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., at the NC State Cooperative Extension – Carteret County Center, 303 College Circle, 3rd, Fl, MHC. 

With passage of the referendum, the NC Cattlemen’s Association would continue to collect $1.00 per head sold, in addition to the National Beef Checkoff. Funds collected from the NC cattle assessment would stay in the state and would continue the enhancement of programs for our youth, defense against laws and regulations detrimental to the industry, enhancing the image of cattle production in the state, research and education designed to assist in production of cattle in the state and promotion of N.C. cattle and beef.

Funding Opportunities: Suggested funding levels allow for additional support of certain areas depending on immediate need. Most of these topics cannot be funded under the current national checkoff program but would be allowed with the state referendum funds.

Youth: Leadership development, educational opportunities, and continued support for programs

Examples of potential funding areas: Livestock science camp, beef ambassador program, junior beef round-up , 4-H and FFA livestock judging clinics and contests, Skill-A-Thon and the Youth Beef Quality Assurance program.

Fund programs that will elevate cattle production and agriculture’s positive sustainable impact on the environment and the economy of NC in the minds of the youth of the state.

Fund the tools and materials necessary to help the exceptional young people involved in the beef and dairy industry in the state to spread the word about the cattle industry and agriculture as a whole.
Funding Level: Approximately 10%-20%

Issues Management: Inform lawmakers, the press, and governmental agencies about North Carolina producers’ dedication to providing the safest, highest quality cattle and beef. Highlight production practices that include humane handling and environmentally-sound practices.

Examples: Legislative summits, legislative monitoring, press monitoring and information to help protect the interests of cattle producers with lawmakers and bureaucrats at the county and state levels.

Continued involvement with fellow commodity organizations and our collective efforts to promote and defend animal agriculture. Support NC Beef Ambassadors and the NC Cattlemen’s Association internship as they are proactive efforts to bolster the image of our industry.

Have funds available should an issue arise that requires immediate media or legislative attention.
Funding Level: Approximately 10%-20%

Education: Coordinate efforts to provide producers with educational opportunities to efficiently produce beef. Continue to support Beef Quality and Assurance programs, assistance with extension educational programs’ expenses, help to fund practical educational meetings to provide information to producers to help them stay in business.

Educational projects that have been funded include many hands-on workshops across the state to help farmers be more efficient, area conferences, forage and grazing demonstrations, mineral program demonstrations, reproductive efficiency training, low-stress handling training, and much more.
Funding Level: Approximately 10%-20%

Research: Scientific research to address challenges to producers.

Continue to fund practical research programs and to help provide avenues for the distribution of information resulting from the research. The research will continue to be for down to earth solutions to current issues that determine profitability for the cattle farmers.

Research topics have included: forages, insect control and disease, feed efficiency, supplementation, weaning strategies and numerous other topics that present challenges to the industry.
Funding Level: Approximately 10%-20%

Promotion: Promotional programs for both North Carolina cattle and beef.
Continue participation in southeast states beef advertising campaigns.

Continue to fund programs to promote beef in North Carolina as well as to promote North Carolina feeder cattle to buyers in other states.

Support the Team Beef program that enables athletes in their promotion of beef.
Funding Level: Approximately 10%-20%

Producers may request a refund within 60 days of sale. The request shall be in writing and submitted by mail to the North Carolina Cattlemen’s Association. There will be an opportunity for absentee voting in addition to the regular on-site voting at the county extension offices.
Note: An equitable portion of the proceeds of the assessment would go to the NC Dairy Producers Association to assist with their programs in these areas.

If you have questions regarding the referendum, please contact Milo Lewis at the NC Cattlemen’s Association at (919) 552-9111 or milo@nccattle.com.

Cattle Industry Press Release

Voting Procedures Cattle Referendum