Beef Act & Order

The Beef Promotion and Research Act (the Act) was passed as part of the 1985 Farm Bill and provides the mission and the base for development of a producer-funded beef promotion and research program — the Beef Checkoff Program — aimed at building demand for beef and beef products, both domestically and internationally. The Act authorized the U.S. Department of Agriculture to develop a Beef Promotion and Research Order covering specifics of the program’s operation. Making amendments to the Act requires U.S. congressional action and, ultimately, a producer referendum with a majority favoring the change.

The Beef Promotion and Research Order (the Order) is authorized by the Beef Promotion and Research Act and lays out the specific structure and operational requirements for the beef promotion and research program, or the Beef Checkoff Program — including the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, which administers the national program. USDA can make amendments to the Order as it deems necessary based on public and producer input.