Sean Ellis reports Idaho cattlemen are backing a bill that would ensure funds collected from the sale of unclaimed livestock are used for agricultural education or research.
The livestock proceeds bill would stipulate that the roughly $35,000 a year generated from the sale of lost or stolen cattle is used for public or higher education programs or research that advance the livestock industry or agriculture in general.
When the owner of unclaimed livestock cannot be determined, the cattle are sold and the money is put into the state’s public school endowment fund, which spends the interest but not the principal.
Senate Bill 1296 would keep the money in education but allow the Idaho Cattle Foundation to direct how all of it is used. The nonprofit group funds and performs research that improves beef industry practices, educates cattle producers about sound environmental stewardship practices and educates the public about the industry.
