Here’s Part 1 of a look at the journey your checkoff dollar takes once it leaves your hands.

November 21, 2019

3 Min Read
Checkoff dollar
Getty Images/iStockphoto

When the Beef Promotion and Research Act and Order was created 34 years ago, the producers involved wanted the process to be a simple one. The idea of “one head/one dollar” seemed to be the best and fairest way to easily pull together assessments on cattle to fund the state and national programs.

At the time, those founding producers had the forethought and experience to understand that the program needed national exposure and reach, as well as “boots on the ground” to provide local experience and feedback from back home. By creating a joint effort between state beef councils and the national office of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, the checkoff was assured to have input from producers from all over the country. 

When you pay your dollar, it is collected and sent to your state beef council office. There the money is split: 50 cents to your state, 50 cents to the national office. Why the split? 

Because producers desire the efficiency of a national, unified voice and the promotional power of the national checkoff programs (Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner campaigns, national research, media relations, etc.) combined with the customized support at the local level at home. State beef councils support their states through unique consumer and producer events, information, and outreach. 

Related:Beef Checkoff spurs demand

Why the dollars live at the state and national level

Before the Beef Checkoff was created, the beef industry’s promotion and research efforts were somewhat fragmented. Multiple organizations were duplicating efforts and there was no central coordinated effort to reach a greater audience of consumers and keep the spotlight on beef in an increasingly competitive protein marketplace.

The checkoff was built to bring those organizations together into a unified voice, to improve efficiencies, and to build shareable – yet customizable – resources to increase beef demand.

By coordinating efforts, funding, and ideas, great things have been happening as resources are shared across multiple platforms and audiences. The Cattlemen’s Beef Board office works with national contractors to develop targeted programs and information that can be shared at the state level.

State beef councils use their local resources to build programs, create local, targeted campaigns, and develop research for their own particular group of consumers. Contractors share with states, states share with other states, contractors share with contractors. This unified front creates a powerful web of support for producers and helps to build demand for beef throughout the country. After all, if beef producers aren’t promoting their product, who will? 

Greg Hanes, CEO of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board

Hanes is CEO of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board. Source: Cattlemen’s Beef Boardwhich is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.

Related:HSUS targets Pork Checkoff & loses

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