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Frequently Asked Questions

USMEF carries out market development activities in more than 80 countries. With such expansive areas to cover, USMEF takes a boots-on-the-ground approach, hiring 16 international representatives and offices worldwide. As locals, these USMEF professionals know and understand their marketplace, as well as the trends and consumer preferences in their area. These Checkoff program leaders help execute promotional campaigns and initiatives and increase market access in their areas. Many of these global markets specifically have a high demand for U.S. beef variety meats. The Beef Checkoff also works with USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service to utilize their Market Access Program (MAP). Every Checkoff dollar is matched with MAP funds to share the costs of marketing and promotional activities overseas to drive demand for beef.

There’s very minimal demand for beef variety meats like tongue, lips, liver, heart, kidney, stomach and intestine here in the U.S. Still, across the world, international consumers are eager to get their hands on these U.S. beef products and cook their nation’s delicacies. Beef variety meat exports equated to 25.5 pounds per head of fed slaughter, and value of $41.82 per fed head in 2021.1

In addition to variety cuts, the U.S. exports primal cuts like chuck, rib, loin, round, brisket, short plate and flank. International consumers create many of the recipes you may see here at home in the U.S., or dishes you may see when you venture to Asian restaurants, like hot pot, braised short ribs and Mongolian beef.

USMEF’s International Offices

Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, USMEF has offices in Seoul, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenyang, Singapore, Taipei, Mexico City and Monterrey. USMEF also has special market representatives covering South America, South China, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Caribbean.

The below graphics show USMEF’s international offices, exported variety cuts and popular beef dishes consumers will make using these cuts.

* – Export value data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

I’m a cattle producer. I’m a member of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB). I’m an underwriter for an agricultural lending company. But perhaps most importantly, I’m the mother of a teenage daughter. As my husband and I have navigated the challenges of parenthood, we’ve made a joint effort to understand social media and its impact. And while social media may have gotten its start with the younger generation, its eruptive growth has spread across audiences of all ages. That growth has led to the rise of influencer marketing as a popular way to promote products and services – yes, even beef.

But what makes someone an influencer? And why should the beef industry turn to this relatively new form of marketing? Don’t all the great qualities of beef – nutrition, taste, variety – speak for themselves? These are all questions that my fellow members of the CBB’s Domestic Marketing Committee and I had before we started investigating the world of influencer marketing. And here’s what we’ve learned.

Influencers are individuals with perceived expertise or knowledge about certain topics and a decent online following. Their followers view them as trustworthy experts in their fields, and they often have significant power over their audiences’ purchasing decisions. Their recommendations can help brands expand their reach and messages. And while beef does have a lot going for it, spreading the word about beef’s positive attributes to diverse audiences takes time and effort. That’s precisely why influencer marketing has become an important tool for the Beef Checkoff as it continues to drive beef demand.

Currently, 22 influencers are part of the Beef Checkoff’s Beef Expert Network. All are passionate about sharing beef’s story and promoting beef to their unique audiences. The Beef Checkoff-funded Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand works to create long-term relationships with these individuals, and all must have previously expressed passion about beef. They must be credible in their fields, create interesting content – post copy, videos, photos, graphics – and share them with engaged audiences on multiple social media platforms.

Individuals in our Beef Expert Network fall into one of four categories. Food Influencers love food and center their content around recipes, cooking advice and entertaining tips and tricks. Culinary Influencers often own restaurants or culinary consulting companies. Some are even celebrity chefs, like Hugh Acheson, judge on the popular TV show Top Chef, and Josh Capon, chef and TV personality on the show Frankenfood. Ag Influencers are cattle producers who want to share accurate information about sustainable, humane production practices. Finally, Nutrition Influencers are trusted nutrition, health and fitness experts who provide health and wellness recommendations to consumers and their professional peers.

The Beef Checkoff creates educational opportunities to provide these influencers with the most up-to-date, beef-focused nutrition, research, culinary and production content. In this way, we can ensure our influencers’ content supports Beef Checkoff campaigns and promotes beef efficiently and effectively.

Where does all this content go? Influencers share it with their audiences across digital and social media platforms, but Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. also uses it in its own marketing efforts, including social media. This strategy is especially beneficial with the Ag Influencer group because it helps consumers virtually meet beef farmers and ranchers and learn about beef production right from the source.

Content from the Beef Expert Network is also multipurposed as blogs and articles published in LA Weekly and The New York Times. Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. also hosts media tours where TV and radio stations across the country can interview these influencers about all things beef.

Yes, beef’s great taste, variety and nutrition are important selling points. And, yes, social media is often a bit of a minefield, whether you’re a teenager or … someone more mature. But influencers can share all of beef’s outstanding qualities with their many social media followers. They can convince skeptical consumers to try new beef recipes, integrate beef into heart-healthy diets and discover the extreme care producers put into raising high-quality beef. In today’s world where people look to social media for guidance, influencer marketing is an indispensable tool for all kinds of products and services – including beef.

Sallie Miller, Briggsdale, CO, is a partner in Croissant Red Angus with her husband, Kevin, and parents Larry & Jean Croissant and also works full time as an underwriter for American AgCredit, a member of the Farm Credit System.

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s no secret that we are in challenging times right now. Inflation is unsettling the economy, droughts and floods are causing havoc throughout the U.S., supply-chain issues and other lingering impacts from COVID have no doubt caused many Americans – beef producers included – to have to reassess their business, financial and personal decisions. Organizations are not insulated from this, and in fact, find it more necessary than ever to take a hard look at themselves.

Here at CBB, we strive for constant evolution and change, especially when it leads to more effective and efficient programs. That “hard look” for continuous improvement happens frequently here, especially since Checkoff programs are reviewed and funded annually. Yet there are times that call for further introspection, and this year we were able to create and begin execution of a five-year strategic plan for the Cattlemen’s Beef Board.

A strategic plan is vitally important as it sets clear direction and identifies priorities for the organization. I am particularly proud of the opening statement of the CBB’s plan, outlining a simple and encompassing belief for our organization:

We believe that: The beef industry working together will make beef the most popular protein for everyday use in the U.S. and globally based on the taste, convenience, nutritional benefits, value, safety, and versatility of beef.

At the end of the day, isn’t that what we are all working toward?

There have been several recent calls in the ag trade media for beef industry collaboration and support; several organizations have laid out common ground upon which to strengthen our industry relations with one another. Nowhere is that more important than in the producer and importer-led Cattlemen’s Beef Board, and is very present in the newly-outlined plan. As always, we continue to encourage your dialogue, questions, and feedback on the Beef Checkoff and its programs, and will continue to lead and support collaboration, communication, and transparency within arguably one of the best industries in the world.

To view the newly adopted five-year CBB Strategic Plan, visit DrivingDemandForBeef.com.

Greg Hanes, CEO

Cattlemen’s Beef Board

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Dr. Billy Powell of Washington County, Alabama was presented with the Cattlemen’s Beef Board’s second annual Beef Checkoff Visionary Award during the General Session of the 2022 Cattle Industry Summer Business Meeting in Reno, Nevada. This honor recognizes an individual in the beef industry who has demonstrated exemplary support of and commitment to the Checkoff’s goals and vision.

“Dr. Powell has been deeply involved with the Beef Checkoff since it was passed back in 1985,” said Norman Voyles, Jr., 2022 chair of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB). “His knowledge of the beef industry goes back decades, and his leadership and ingenuity helped smooth out many of the bumps in the road that the Checkoff experienced, especially in those early years. Dr. Powell is truly deserving of this Visionary Award.”

A native of Leroy, Alabama., Powell grew up on a farm, receiving his first cow when he was just two years old. Over the years, Powell’s family raised timber, along with commercial and registered cattle, primarily the Red Angus breed. He attended Auburn University’s College of Agriculture where he earned his bachelor’s degree in animal sciences in 1966, going on to earn his Ph.D. in meat science in 1970. Powell then became a food science specialist for the Alabama Cooperative Extension service at Auburn University from 1971-1975. He eventually took a position closer to home with Lapeyrouse Grain Company, and when his father passed away shortly thereafter, Powell and his mother co-managed the family’s cattle herd.

Powell served in various cattle industry leadership positions at both the state and national levels over the next few decades. He served as president of the Red Angus Association of America in 1974-75. In 1982, Powell became the president of the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA). In 1985, he took on the executive vice president role with ACA, retiring in 2017 after an incredible 32 years with the organization. Around that same time, Jo Ann Smith, then president of the National Cattlemen’s Association, appointed Powell to a committee tasked with developing the Beef Checkoff Order that still helps guide the program today.

Under Powell’s leadership and vision, the State Beef Councils organized to have a collective voice in the national Beef Checkoff program. After the Beef Industry Council and the National Cattlemen’s Association merged to become the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), Powell was instrumental in getting the Federation of State Beef Councils to meet independently, strengthening their efforts to promote beef. Powell also worked with others to develop the concept of a State Marketing Plan template that ensured state efforts would complement the national Checkoff’s efforts rather than dilute them. As the purchasing power of the national Beef Checkoff decreased over the years, Powell’s forward thinking spurred Alabama and other states to pass their own $1-per-head checkoffs, providing additional funding for their promotional programs.

One of Powell’s proudest achievements was the establishment of The MOOseum at the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association. Opened in 1995 under his guidance, The MOOseum became the premier venue for children and adults to learn more about Alabama’s beef cattle industry.

“Being named the 2022 Beef Checkoff Visionary Award recipient is a tremendous honor, and I appreciate it very much,” Dr. Powell said. “It’s icing on the cake for a South Alabama country boy who spent a lifetime working in the cattle industry. There are many individuals I’d like to thank for nominating me and working with me throughout the years, because if I’ve accomplished anything, it’s been with the help of others. I still truly believe the Checkoff dollar is the best investment that a producer can make.”

“Dr. Powell’s tireless efforts over the years shaped the Beef Checkoff as we know it today,” said Greg Hanes, CEO of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board. “Furthermore, his knowledge and vision helped create mutually beneficial relationships between the national program and the State Beef Councils. Dr. Powell has always had faith in the power of the Beef Checkoff. He’s worked hard for what he believes is right, and we are all the better for it. All of us at the CBB congratulate Dr. Powell on receiving this very well-deserved Visionary Award.”

Frequently Asked Questions

The Drive In Five is a video series that gives you a round-up on how your Beef Checkoff dollars are being used to drive beef demand. In this episode, see how beef exports have positively left a lasting impact and how U.S. beef is utilized worldwide.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s time to fire up the grill and prepare for a sizzling summer full of beef! Launched over Memorial Day weekend, a brand-new Checkoff-funded Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. grilling campaign is reaching consumers in new ways and encouraging them to add some spice to their summer recipes. From a partnership with NFL superstar Tony Romo, promotions with Kroger and Sam’s Club, and new radio and TV ads, inspired consumers will be served up delicious beef grilling recipes with tips and tricks for the barbeque, along with nutritional info. See what’s cookin’ and how it will come to life across all types of media, including print, digital, social, radio and TV.

Beefing Up Summer

Over the next few months, consumers will gather around the grill with family, friends and good food, and the Beef Checkoff is determined to ensure beef is on the menu. Consumers are likely to grill twice a week or more, and the average American grills an impressive 9.55 times per month1. Here are all the ways the Checkoff’s summer grilling campaign will keep beef top of mind.

  • Partnership with NFL superstar Tony Romo: Because he’s a “Cowboy” at heart, Tony Romo is out promoting beef and the cowboy way of life. This summer, Romo will urge consumers to “make the right call” with beef – a new tagline he will be using in his efforts. He will help consumers pick the right recipes and beef cuts and provide tips and tricks for gathering around the grill. Romo will be featured across all media platforms, from TV advertising to Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. You can expect to see him sharing his favorite recipes, grilling tips and even a behind-the-scenes look into his personal passion for beef. Watch Tony’s beef ads.
  • Influencer Partnerships: Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. will execute influencer campaigns with individuals in the food, culinary and nutrition spaces. Influencers will connect with their audiences through social media posts and videos to promote beef as the protein of choice. Learn more about the Beef Checkoff’s influencer marketing program.
  • Paid advertising on TV, radio and digital platforms: Consumers will see beef-focused videos and messaging through Connected TV like Hulu, Apple TV and YouTube; audio ads on Spotify and SiriusXM; Google Search and digital ads. Articles and recipes will also be placed on websites and in outdoor ads. In addition, the Checkoff will partner with ESPN and The Food Network to feature digital advertising and broadcast TV spots.
  • Promotions with Kroger and Sam’s Club: These promotions will target consumers where they are shopping, whether on the app, online or in-store with coupons and deals.
  • Press releases and media pitches: Articles will be sent out to consumer-focused publications and magazines on beef summer content. A satellite media tour – a series of TV, radio and online interviews conducted in a single day— will focus on sharing tips for the perfect summer cookout. Editors, reporters, broadcasters and TV hosts will attend the satellite media tour and craft their own stories based on the information shared.
  • Social media efforts: Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter) will feature Tony Romo posts, a Father’s Day sweepstakes and Grilling 101 videos.

All these efforts will drive people to Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner’s. website for all things grilling, including Tony Romo’s Playbook, which will feature recipes, grilling tips, quotes from Romo and summer grilling videos.

Smoking-Hot Results

For years Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. has promoted a summer grilling campaign, and it’s expected to only get better and better. Last year, paid advertising generated more than 84 million video views, 230,000 social media likes, shares and comments, 369,000 clicks to Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. articles and recipes, 315,071 BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com pageviews and nearly 50,000 audio ad listens.

This year with a larger presence on Food Network, a brand-new partnership with ESPN digital and Tony Romo headlining as beef’s spokesperson, Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. expects to see performance numbers increase.

Through amusing and engaging campaigns, like these summer grilling promotions, the Beef Checkoff works to position beef as the number one protein of choice. The promotion program broadcasts beef’s unique and core attributes and works to showcase the powerhouse nutrients beef provides while reminding consumers of the unbeatable pleasure that beef brings to meals. By doing all of this, the Beef Checkoff ultimately drives demand for beef and brings attention to the men and women who raise beef and feed the world.