Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack addressed a number of topics at the 2014 National Association of Farm Broadcasting convention, including the proposed second beef checkoff.

The Secretary was asked why he is proposing the additional checkoff to be implemented by the end of next year. “This is about getting more money into the system,” Vilsack said. “If you can get that money into the system sooner, then you’re clearly going to be promoting marketing and researching sooner.”

Vilsack also gave an update on farm bill implementation for animal agriculture. “We have been sending out support for our livestock producers who suffered through very difficult times in 2011, 12 and 13,” he said. “It’s now 436,220 payments have been made to producers across the United States, it’s over $4 billion in assistance.”

Also moving along is the Dairy Margin Protection Program. “The sign up was extended now until December 7, the comment period for some of the rules we are thinking about in terms of inter-generational operations has been extended until December 15th,” said Vilsack.

Vilsack also talked President Obama’s visit to China last week and his discussions about access for beef, and he answered questions about new Senate leadership, immigration, WOTUS, trade negotiations and more. Secretary Vilsack at NAFB 2014
2014 NAFB Convention Photos