The American Farm Bureau Federation favored additional funding for beef research and promotion in a delegate vote at the organization’s annual convention Tuesday afternoon.

Responding to a policy resolution submitted by the Texas Farm Bureau, AFBF voting delegates approved wording putting the nation’s farm and ranch organization behind an increase in the $1 per head national beef check-off. The check-off has funded promotional activities such as the “Beef, it’s What’s for Dinner” campaign.

“The Texas cattle producers in Farm Bureau believe that it’s important to invest in the industry,” said Kenneth Dierschke, president of Texas Farm Bureau. “It’s vital that we not only continue research and promotion efforts, but enhance them to improve the market for beef products.”

Young County rancher Larry Pratt argued for the resolution.

“This is no time to stand pat on our investment in beef,” Pratt said. “The current state of the economy could cause some people to turn away from beef. We need the resources to promote the fact that our product is a healthy and affordable menu choice.”

Resolutions approved at the AFBF convention become national policy for the organization.

“We will work with other beef and cattle groups to determine when and how much to increase the current beef check-off,” Dierschke said.