Madness

[wd40]

Cowman - interesting thread - I have been thinking that maybe if enough producers buy a share in these packing plants maybe they would be a better lobby. I mean if 5000 producers had shares in one of these plants that would be about 5 times larger than the number that voted in the last ABP election.
The other thing I'm thinken (don't know if it's cowsence or not) but if I were to retain a ownership in my calves through to slaughter my calves would save alot in commissions and eliminate all checkoff dollar collections. Been told that some calves change hands 5 times. That's alot of check of dollars and commissions. HmHm

[cakadu]

The checkoff that you pay is $3.00/animal, correct? Is that every time the animal changes hands?

We've had a checkoff in the lamb industry for a number of years, but that was sort of on the honor system until January 1 of this year when we had to start putting tags in their ears when they left the farm. Now the $1.00 checkoff is paid when you buy the tags.

Any thoughts on why there is so much apathy with these organizations? More importantly, what would it take to get real interest going? More people like RP getting involved?

[cowman]

I really can't explain the apathy thing Linda, but perhaps it is just a feeling of why bother nothing will change or perhaps most producers just feel the ABP is doing a good job? Maybe that is the answer?
I suspect if Randy and some others of a like mind got in, it would make for some interesting times? I suspect he would stir the pot?
My ABP representative is a boyhood friend. I worked pretty diligently to get rid of the ABP when they had the checkoff referendum...he worked just as hard to keep it! We never had a problem with our friendship over our difference of opinion! I still respect his intelligence and committment...he just sees things different than I do. It is actually good to listen to how he sees things as it gives one a different perspective? Might not agree with it but you see how the other side sees it?