BILLINGS, MONTANA – In action concluding its December 18 meeting in Billings, the Montana Beef Council (MBC) elected new leadership that will guide the council for the next two years. Andy Kellom from Hobson, Mont. will serve as president and Travis Choat from Terry, Mont. will serve as vice president. The MBC Board of Directors are all Montana volunteers, representing nearly all segments of the beef supply chain.
“I am confident in the programs that our board has funded and our mission to help build beef demand. The Montana Beef Council is doing that for Montana’s ranchers, and we have been since 1954. Consumers want delicious and nutritious beef. We’re making sure that happens,” says Kellom, who was appointed to serve on the council in 2017 by the Montana Cattle Feeders. “I have a cattle and cattle feeder operation in Central Montana, and, being involved on this board, I am proud of the work we’ve set forth. I encourage fellow ranchers to take some time to learn more about all the projects we do.”
The new fiscal year began Oct. 1 and programs will be funded with beef checkoff dollars collected from Montana producers. The Montana Beef Council budgeted $40,700 for in-state consumer information programs, $146,500 for in-state beef promotion activities, $13,250 for in-state industry information activities, $61,500 for producer communication efforts, $144,00 for domestic marketing and $135,000 for international beef marketing. Remaining anticipated expenses funded through the budget include $479,659 for mandatory collection expenses, administration, USDA oversight, program implementation, annual auditing, Department of Livestock expenses, in-state travel and office expenses.
“I am proud of the work our board has set forth and I encourage fellow ranchers to take some time to learn more about all the projects we do,” said Choat, who stepped into his role with the council in 2018 after being appointed by the Montana Stockgrowers Association. Choat and his wife own and operate Homestead Cattle Company, where they have raised crops and cattle for eleven years. “We’re here as representatives of Montana cattlemen and beef producers to do our best to direct the dollars entrusted to us to enhance opportunities to drive the demand for beef. There’s an open door here. We are always looking for input, and the office and board room are open for a reason.”
Meet the full board of directors and join us at the next meeting to be held on May 15, 2024. Learn more about MBC and read the current marketing plan online at MontanaBeefCouncil.org.
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MBC
