Oklahoma — Latest Stories

Big Beef Targets Virginia Ranchers With Bigger Checkoff Tax

Virginia State Senator A. Benton Chafin last week introduced a bill that would significantly hike “checkoff” taxes that cattle growers in the state must pay. The move follows efforts in other states—including recently in Oklahoma—to increase or introduce state-level checkoff taxes, which are charged in addition to the $1 per head tax collected at the federal level. Many local ranchers oppose both the tax and the idea that it will be imposed by the legislature, saying the process effectively shuts independent cattle producers out of having a say in this sector specific levy.

Poultry & Livestock, PolicyLeah DouglasJanuary 25, 2018Bacardi, checkoff, JBS, NCBA, Nestle, OCM, Oklahoma, virginia, Leah Douglas, checkoffs, Beef

Montana Senator Helps Chinese Giant Lock Up $200 Million of Cattle in Sweetheart Deal

During President Donald Trump’s recent trip to China, Montana Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) negotiated a $300 million beef cattle deal between the Montana Stockgrowers Association and the Chinese e-retailer JD.com. The deal calls for the retailer to buy $200 million of cattle between 2018 and 2020, and invest $100 million in a new feedlot and packing plant in Montana. Some ranchers are concerned that this unusual deal will favor certain ranchers over others, and further concentrate power over the American livestock sector in the hands of Chinese companies.

Poultry & LivestockLeah DouglasNovember 16, 2017China, COOL, GIPSA, JAB, JD-com, Montana, Oklahoma, R-CALF, Stockgrowers Association, Leah Douglas, Beef

Big Beef Seeks to Expand its Tax on Oklahoma Ranchers

Big Ag is back on the offensive in Oklahoma, less than a year after voters defeated a bill that would have stripped the state’s residents of their ability to regulate corporate farming. The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association wants ranchers to pay an additional $1 tax per head of cattle sold in the state, and will hold a November 1 vote on the tax for Oklahoma cattle producers. Family farm advocates say that much of the money collected under such checkoff taxes is funneled to private industry groups that use it to promote the interests of corporate agriculture over independent farmers.

Poultry & LivestockLeah DouglasOctober 5, 2017checkoff, NCBA, Oklahoma, SQ777, Leah Douglas, Beef Council, Beef

Big Ag Uses “Right to Farm” to Target the Rights of Oklahoma Citizens

Oklahomans vote November 8 on a Big Ag-backed proposal to limit the ability of citizens to regulate agricultural activity within the state. If passed, State Question 777 would add language to the state constitution requiring any new agricultural legislation to undergo strict scrutiny in the courts, making it harder for residents to improve environmental, animal welfare, and water standards in the state.

PolicyLeah DouglasOctober 13, 2016ABI, Amazon, Constellation Brands, Farm Bureau, Oklahoma, Pork Council, right to farm, Leah Douglas