The Washington State Beef Commission (commission) was created by statute in 1969. It is composed of two beef producers, two dairy-beef producers, two feeders, one livestock saleyard operator, one meat packer, and a representative of the Department of Agriculture, who is a voting member.
 
A state assessment of $1 per head of Washington cattle is levied at the sale of the cattle for the commission. The commission may collect an additional assessments of $0.50 per head for cattle subject to assessment under a federal order for providing funds for a national beef promotion and research program. 
 
Green tags are assigned to Grade A dairy cattle leaving the dairy business and entering the human food chain. The green tag is affixed to the calf's ear.

The commission's per head assessment is increased from $1 to $2.50 on all sales of Washington cattle, with the overall beef checkoff fee increasing to $3.00. The $1.50 increase will go to Washington State with the $0.50 fee to the federal government remaining the same. At the first point of sale for a green tag calf, $1.50 of the $2.50 assessment may not be collected.
 
The commission must submit to a report to the Legislature describing the commission's activities and expenditures by January 1st of each year.