Bill > HCR6016

This concurrent resolution supports reform of the beef checkoff program, a mandatory fee of one dollar per head on cattle sales established by the Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985 to fund research, promotion, and education. The resolution highlights concerns that since its inception, the program has coincided with a decline in U.S. beef cows, decreased per capita beef consumption, and increased beef imports, leading to significant losses for domestic producers and increased concentration in the meatpacking industry. It criticizes the beef checkoff for alleged conflicts of interest, lack of transparency, and funding organizations that support policies viewed as harmful by producers, such as free trade and opposition to mandatory country of origin labeling, noting that meatpackers can influence checkoff matters. Therefore, the resolution urges South Dakota's congressional delegation to support the bipartisan Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act of 2025, which aims to ensure transparency and accountability by prohibiting contracts with policy-influencing entities (except higher education), preventing conflicts of interest and anticompetitive practices, requiring transparent budgets and records, and mandating audits. Furthermore, it asserts that future amendments should prioritize promoting U.S. beef and cattle markets under "America First" policies, end generic promotion, and require periodic votes by producers to ensure the program aligns with their interests.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://sdlegislature.gov/#/Session/Bill/27270