Magistrate hears arguments in beef checkoff lawsuit

GREAT FALLS (AP) — A group that represents independent cattle ranchers wants more say in how beef is marketed in the United States.

The Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund, United Stockgrowers of America — or R-CALF USA — filed a lawsuit this spring questioning the fact that half of the $1-per-head “beef checkoff” fee is given to the privately incorporated Montana Beef Council.

R-CALF argues that its producers are being forced to subsidize the council’s promotions, which do not distinguish between domestic and foreign beef.

“This is not just a violation of freedom of speec...