The Beef Checkoff program is a producer-funded marketing and research initiative designed to increase domestic and/or international demand for beef. It operates as a national program with the core mission of strengthening the beef industry by investing in activities that promote beef consumption and improve its quality and safety.
How is the Beef Checkoff Program Funded?
The program is funded by U.S. beef producers and importers. A mandatory assessment of $1 per head of cattle is collected each time cattle are sold. This assessment is pooled to create a budget dedicated solely to beef promotion, research, and education efforts. Approximately 50 cents of every dollar collected remains in the state where it was collected to fund local beef programs, while the other 50 cents goes to the national program.
What Are the Primary Goals?
The fundamental objectives of the Beef Checkoff program include:
- Driving Demand: Boosting the consumption of beef in the United States and in global markets.
- Enhancing Competitiveness: Ensuring beef remains a preferred protein choice against other food options.
- Supporting Producers: Increasing profitability and sustainability for cattle producers by expanding market opportunities.
- Improving Perception: Building consumer confidence in beef through education on its nutritional benefits, safety, and responsible production practices.
Key Activities of the Beef Checkoff
The funds collected through the Beef Checkoff are strategically invested in a variety of programs managed by the Cattlemen's Beef Board and state beef councils. These activities are designed to create value for the entire beef industry:
- Marketing and Promotion: Developing national advertising campaigns, promoting beef in retail and foodservice channels, and engaging with consumers through digital content to share recipes and cooking tips.
- Research and Innovation: Funding studies on beef nutrition, food safety, and product quality; supporting research into new beef cuts and product development; and investing in sustainability research.
- Education and Information: Providing educational resources to consumers about beef's role in a healthy diet, conducting outreach programs with health professionals, and educating producers on best management practices.
Who Manages the Program?
The national Beef Checkoff program is overseen by the Cattlemen's Beef Board (CBB), a 99-member board of cattle producers and importers appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. Decisions regarding the use of national Checkoff funds are made by a Joint Operating Committee, which includes CBB members and representatives from the Federation of State Beef Councils. State beef councils manage the portion of funds retained at the state level.
Benefits of the Beef Checkoff
The Beef Checkoff program provides benefits across various segments of the beef value chain:
- For Producers: Creates a stronger market for their product, potentially leading to higher returns and stability.
- For Consumers: Ensures access to a high-quality, safe, and diverse range of beef products, backed by research and clear nutritional information.
- For the Industry: Fosters innovation, enhances global competitiveness, and supports the overall economic health of the U.S. beef industry.
To learn more about the program's activities and impact, you can visit the official website of the Cattlemen's Beef Board.
