William “Bill” McDonald of Blacksburg has been appointed to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board (CBB). The CBB is responsible for guiding the national Beef Checkoff Program.
A seventh-generation cattle producer, McDonald’s cow-calf operation, McDonald Farms, is highly diversified with Simmental, SimAngus and Angus cattle. This appointment is not McDonald’s first leadership position. He is involved in many other beef industry organizations, including the Virginia Cattlemen’s Association, the Virginia Simmental Association, the American Simmental Association, Virginia Farm Bureau, the New River Valley Cattle
Producers Association and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.
“Bill brings years of experience and expertise to the Cattlemen’s Beef Board,” said Jared Brackett, 2020 CBB chairman. “His life has revolved around the cattle industry, and his involvement in multiple cattlemen’s associations will bring valuable insight to our team as we continue to promote beef worldwide.”
The CBB consists of 99 members, including domestic beef, dairy and veal producers, as well as importers of beef and beef products. Forty-two states have individual members serving on the board. The remaining states are divided into three regions.
Each beef board member is appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture from nominations submitted by certified nominating organizations that represent beef and dairy producers in each state or region. Importer appointments are drawn from nominations by importer associations.