Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 605 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, OREGON BEEF COUNCIL
Chapter 605
The Oregon Beef Council operates under the Oregon Department of Agriculture. These rules govern:
How the Council functions
How assessments (fees) are collected from cattle producers
How council members are selected, compensated, and reimbursed
How public records are accessed
These administrative rules ensure transparency, accountability, and proper management of the Council and its funds.
1. Collection of Assessment
Purpose:
Cattle producers in Oregon pay a mandatory fee on each head of cattle sold.
Key Points:
The fee is collected at the time of sale.
A portion of the fee is sent to the national Cattlemen’s Beef Board; the rest stays with the Oregon Beef Council to fund promotion, research, and marketing programs.
Stockyards, auctions, and slaughterhouses act as agents to collect and remit the fees.
Producers must be provided a clear breakdown of federal, state, and inspection fees when cattle are sold.
2. Compensation and Reimbursement for Council Members
Purpose:
Ensures council members are compensated fairly for their service.
Details:
Per Diem: Members receive a daily rate for attending meetings and performing official duties.
Reimbursable Expenses: Travel, lodging, meals, and transportation are reimbursed. Personal or unrelated expenses are excluded.
Eligibility: Only “qualified members” who meet residency and income criteria are eligible for per diem and reimbursements.
Limits: Expenses have daily caps and must be for official council activities.
3. Council Structure and Membership
Composition and Terms:
The Council has eight members appointed by the Director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture.
Terms are three years, with staggered appointments to ensure continuity.
Qualifications:
Members include beef producers, dairy producers, feedlot operators, handlers, and at least one public member.
Must be U.S. citizens, Oregon residents, and have substantial experience in their area.
Leadership:
Officers (Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary/Treasurer) are elected annually from council members.
Officers oversee meetings and represent the Council officially.
Removal:
Commissioners can be removed by the Director for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or misconduct.
They receive notice of charges and an opportunity to respond before removal.
4. Public Records Access
Purpose:
Ensures transparency and compliance with Oregon public records law.
Key Elements:
Requests must be written and specify the records sought.
Requests are directed to the Council’s Public Records Officer.
Fees may be charged for copying records, with provisions for reduction or waiver.
Appeals procedures exist for denied requests.
5. Additional Rules and Procedures
Meetings: Council meetings are generally open to the public, with minutes and records maintained.
Financial Reporting: The Council must account for assessments, expenditures, and program funding.
Program Implementation: Funds are used to promote Oregon beef, conduct research, and support marketing campaigns.
Summary Table
| Division | Topic |
|---|---|
| Division 10 | Collection and allocation of cattle assessments |
| Division 20 | Compensation and reimbursement of council members |
| Division 30 | Council composition, qualifications, officers, and removal |
| Division 40 | Public records and transparency procedures |
| Division 50 | Meetings, financial reporting, and program implementation |
These rules together ensure that the Oregon Beef Council operates efficiently, represents the interests of the state’s beef industry, and maintains accountability to both producers and the public.
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