A magistrate court judge has sided with the government over a lawsuit filed against it by R-CALF claiming that multiple state beef checkoffs favored the federal programs. The magistrate’s ruling goes to a district judge who will rule on the case. R-CALF CEO Bill Bullard says the magistrate’s decision, while a setback, isn’t the end of their challenge.

R-CALF says there is a lack of oversight with state beef councils. Nebraska Cattlemen Association President Ken Herz disagrees and says the magistrate’s decision is a big victory for the beef checkoff and cattle producers.

Bullard says despite the magistrate’s decision, R-CALF has already succeeded somewhat with their litigation in that every cattle producer can request their checkoff funds be sent to the federal government rather than through state beef councils.

Herz says the government’s case is solid as it heads to the District Court.

He says that Court may not have the final say as whatever decision it makes could be appealed.