Referendum set for cattle program

By Staff
Jonathan Willis
People across the county have gone to the election booth several times this year already, but the state Cattlemen's Association hopes they can get as many people as possible to vote one more time.
On Tuesday, the association is urging people to vote yes to a referendum that would keep the 50-cent state beef check-off program in tact.
Polls are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday at each county extension office in the state. In Franklin County, that is located in the basement of the courthouse.
All cattle owners are eligible to vote in person regardless of their county of residence or the county in which they own cattle.
Cattle farmers in Alabama contribute to the 50-cent state beef check-off program, which works to increase opportunities for young cattle farmers across the state.
Waco resident and Alabama Cattlemen's Association President Orland Britnell said the program allows Alabama cattlemen to market them around the world.
"Our exports this year are up 39 percent," Britnell said. "Russia and Egypt are buying a lot beef liver. Japan buys a lot of beef tongue.
"Other parts of the world want things that don't sell here in the United States. With the check-off program we have been able to market ourselves."
Britnell said the Alabama program allows small producers to become more profitable, but it is a voluntary program. It has to be approved every five years.
"I am strongly behind it," Britnell said. "It has done a lot to help Alabama cattlemen and I want to see it continue."