A magistrate judge in Montana has made a preliminary ruling in favor of R-CALF in their suit against the USDA on the use of beef checkoff funds in Montana. R-CALF CEO Bill Bullard says the preliminary ruling recommends the District Judge allow an injunction in the case, which stops the USDA from allowing private producers checkoff money from going to state beef councils unless it is approved by the producers.

Bullard says the magistrate judge essentially rejected all the arguments brought forward by the USDA.

He says the USDA has time to file an appeal in the case and he expects the agency will take that action. However, thinks R-CALF will prevail in the case.