Release No.: 244-14

Contact:

Sam Jones-Ellard (202) 660-2268

WASHINGTON, Dec. 22, 2014 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced 25 appointments to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board. All appointees will serve 3-year terms.

Newly appointed members representing cattle producers are: Leo C. Sutterfield, Mountain View, Ark.; Kent J. Bamford, Haxtun, Colo.; Sarah K. Childs, Lake Placid, Fla.; Jared D. Brackett, Rogerson, Idaho; Perry L. Owens, Minneapolis, Kan.; Stacy M. McClintock, Soldier, Kan.; Jonathan R. Miller, Bloomfield, Ky.; Leon Kreisler, Salem, Mo.; Lyle V. Peterson, Custer, Mont.; Ross R. Racine, Billings, Mont.; Sherry A. Vinton, Whitman, Neb.; James J. Eschliman, Ericson, Neb.; Patrick L. Becker, Selfridge, N.D.; Barbara A. Jacques, Shidler, Okla.; Terry L. Wyatt, Hollister, Okla.; Richard C. McElhaney, Hookstown, Penn.; Gerald R. Sharp, Bath, S.D.; Robert H. Von Der Lieth, Jr., Copperopolis, Calif., representing the Southwest Unit; Paul H. Looney, Fredericksburg, Texas; Jackie W. Means, Van Horn, Texas; Lavinia G. Sartwelle, Sealy, Texas; Richard A. Winter, Canyon, Texas; and William H. McDonald, Blacksburg, Va.

Newly appointed members representing importers are Joakim A. Holzner, Windsor, Colo.; and David M. Pietsch, McLean, Va.

The board oversees the collection of $1-per-head on all cattle sold in the United States, and $1-per-head equivalent on imported cattle, beef and beef products. In addition, the board contracts with established national, non-profit, industry-governed organizations to implement programs of promotion, research, consumer information, industry information, foreign marketing and producer communications.

The 100-member board is authorized by the Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985. The Secretary selects the appointees nominated by beef, veal, dairy and importers certified organizations.

Research and promotion programs are industry-funded, were authorized by Congress, and date back to 1966, when Congress passed the Cotton Research and Promotion Act. Since then, Congress has authorized the establishment of 22 research and promotion boards. They empower farmers and ranchers to leverage their own resources to develop new markets, strengthen existing markets, and conduct important research and promotion activities. AMS provides oversight, paid for by industry assessments, which ensures fiscal responsibility, program efficiency and fair treatment of participating stakeholders.

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