Agricultural News
Oklahoma Cattleman Chuck Coffey Stepping into Chairman's Role to Lead the Cattlemen's Beef Board
Thu, 31 Jan 2019 05:37:50 CST
Chuck Coffey of Springer, Okla., who currently serves on the Cattlemen's Beef Board's Executive Committee as Vice Chairman, will transition to Chairman later this week during the 2019 Cattle Industry Convention in New Orleans. As a fifth-generation rancher, Coffey is also a member of the CBB's Operating Committee, which oversees the National Beef Checkoff Program's fiscal budget and the projects it funds. He talked to Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays on location in New Orleans this Wednesday, to discuss the work that is currently being done by the CBB and its contractors on behalf of the US beef industry. Click or tap the LISTEN BAR below to hear that complete conversation.
Among the many projects funded by the Beef Checkoff, Coffey says he is most proud of the work that has been done to grow the beef industry's presence in the global marketplace.
"I really love what's going on with exports. That's kind of a passion of mine," he said. "We're exporting about $8 billion worth of beef overseas. The things we've done in Asia and other countries creates value for producers - $320 per head slaughtered- That's huge."
Part of the way the CBB is able to do this is through its contractor, the US Meat Export Federation, which promotes US beef products throughout the world's developing markets. The funds the CBB invests with the USMEF are doubly impactful, because they are matched in kind by federal dollars. Coffey contends the value in that investment is plainly seen in the fruits of their labor, referring to the recent decision by one of South Korea's most preferred retailers, COSTCO, to stock only US beef.
Projects like the ones the USMEF conducted to deliver those results in Korea, will be under review this week in New Orleans at the CBB meetings being held in conjunction with the convention. Coffey says contractors that were awarded funding this past fall will present progress reports on the projects they have undertaken this year.
"I'm anxious to see what's going on," Coffey remarked, highlighting one in particular he finds of the utmost importance related to producer communications. "We've got to get the word out about the Checkoff because this is a producer driven Checkoff. So, we've got something coming out called 'The Drive' that will be going online shortly."
The Drive will be an online source for producers to gather information in the form of written material, social media and digital content that sheds light on the work being done by the Checkoff.
In addition, this year the Checkoff will be conducting another study on the program's return on investment. The last report indicated that for every dollar invested in the Checkoff, the industry received $11.20 back. Coffey says he is very interested, given the current market dynamics, what the results of the report will be.
Listen to Coffey talk more about the work being done by the CBB and what motivates him to serve his industry in this capacity, by clicking or tapping the LISTEN BAR below.
Our coverage from New Orleans and the 2019 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show will be powered by Corteva Agriscience, delivering solutions to help you manage weeds and brush- learn more by clicking here for their website- www.RangeAndPasture.Com.
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