A resolution to increase the provincial check-off producers pay when they sell cattle was passed at Manitoba Beef Producers’ (MBP) Annual General Meeting on Feb. 4, 2014 in Brandon.
Approval from the AGM completes the requirements to change the regulations under the Cattle Producers Association Act to increase the provincial check-off by $1 per head of cattle. The current provincial check-off is $2. This check-off was last increased in 2006.
“Beef producers have been expressing the need for additional financial resources for their organization for some time,” said Heinz Reimer, MBP president. “Producers made it clear that increased investment in MBP is needed when they brought forward and approved resolutions to increase the check-off at MBP’s 2013 district meetings and when they passed the check-off increase at the annual meeting. The check-off increase will help us sustain our future as we work to promote and defend beef producers’ interests and livelihoods.”
Effective July 1, 2014, $3 per head of cattle will be collected to fund the activities of MBP on behalf of beef producers in the province. This coincides with the beginning of MBP’s fiscal year. Producers also pay Canada’s national beef levy, which is $1 per head. The national levy funds the market development work of Canada Beef Inc. and the research funded through the Beef Cattle Research Centre.
There were 22 resolutions debated by beef producers at the recent AGM. Sixteen resolutions were carried and six resolutions were defeated. MBP members passed resolutions on the administration of the check-off, the Manitoba Cattle Enhancement Council, production management, community pastures, animal health, government programming and the ongoing impact of the 2011 flood.
Questions regarding the check-off increase can be directed to MBP at info@mbbeef.ca or by calling 1-800-772-0458. Producers can also visit www.mbbeef.ca for a review of the outcome of the vote on each of the resolutions brought forward from MBP’s district meetings.
