The following is an op-ed written by Tim Schwab, Indiana Cattle Producer and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Policy Division Vice Chair:
I’m proud to run a family-owned farm in Batesville, Indiana, and raise a high-quality protein that is enjoyed by our community. Unfortunately, one of the greatest threats facing my way of life is from animal rights activists who don’t believe my way of life should exist. These groups are now using names like “Farm Action” or the “Organizational for Competitive Markets” to try to convince our representatives in Washington that they speak for farmers and ranchers.
Most recently, these groups have been attacking the Beef Checkoff program, the cattle industry’s most valuable tool for promoting our product. I am proud to pay into the Beef Checkoff because I know that by working together and pooling financial resources with my fellow producers, we can accomplish more for the future of the cattle industry than through our individual efforts. Beef Checkoff-funded programs have led to the development of new cuts of beef, supported research that reinforces beef’s sustainability and role in a balanced diet, and teaches consumers how to cook a variety of wholesome beef recipes.
Raising cattle is a hard job, and I’m proud of the work my family and I put into raising the highest-quality beef. We need the Beef Checkoff to share that story with consumers and make sure future generations keep beef on their plates. Our policymakers in Washington can help us by listening to real farmers and ranchers, not phony farm organizations attacking our industry’s most important promotion tools.
