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Frequently Asked Questions

An independent survey of beef producers found 74 percent continue to approve of the Beef Checkoff program; this finding is 5 percent higher than the survey a year ago. Importantly, the more producers know about the program, the more supportive they are. The survey also found that producers are generally more optimistic about the cattle industry than they were a year ago. The random survey of 804 beef and dairy producers nationwide was conducted by the independent firm Aspen Media & Market Research from mid-December 2017 until mid-January 2018. The survey found that in addition to stronger support of the checkoff compared to a year ago, a substantial majority of beef and dairy producers continue to say their beef checkoff is a good value:

  • 76% say the beef checkoff has contributed to a positive trend in beef demand
  • 78% say the checkoff has value even when the economy is weak, 5% higher than last year
  • 65% say the checkoff contributes to profitability of their operations
  • 71% say the checkoff represents their interests, 4% higher than last year
  • 61% believe the checkoff is well-managed

In addition, while fewer producers (43 percent) said they remembered having seen, read or heard anything about the checkoff in the past six months, 86 percent reported the information they remembered was positive, 8 percent higher than a year ago.

“We are encouraged that three out of four producers continue to support the checkoff,” said Jo Stanko, Investor Relations Working Group co-chair. “On the other hand, it is concerning that fewer producers consider themselves ‘informed’ about the checkoff, and only 43 percent say they have seen, read or heard checkoff news in the past six months. Since most producers believe it’s important for the program to communicate to them checkoff results, it’s clear we will need to step up these communications efforts in the months ahead.”

The survey informs checkoff leaders of strengths and weaknesses in producer communications efforts and is used directly in developing an authorization request for the next year. See this year’s survey results [link to PDF] as well as results from previous surveys [link to resources page].

Frequently Asked Questions

The Beef Industry Long Range Plan (LRP) is developed every three to five years and lays out aggressive goals to strengthen the beef industry. As part of this initiative, the Beef Checkoff interviewed cattlemen and women across the country to hear the checkoff is helping them for long-term success on their operations.

Generation to Generation at A-Bar Ranch, Oklahoma

The future of agriculture is dependent upon our youth that are coming along.

Mike Armitage

The Armitage family at the A-Bar Ranch in Oklahoma says transitioning a beef operation from generation to generation can be difficult, but the Beef Checkoff is helping families ease that burden.

The average age of farmers and ranchers continues to increase. It is important there are resources in place that to promote the success of the beef industry to encourage young people to return to the ranch.

“As someone who has gone through a generational passing, I know how important it is that we take our money and we invest it in the right places,” says Sarah Armitage. “That one dollar give us so much for our return on our investment. I am excited about what the Beef Checkoff has to offer in terms of promotion and marketing–what it will return to us in the future.”

How does the Beef Checkoff Help?

Beef Checkoff plays an important role growing and maintaining beef demand, thus opening new opportunities for cattle producers to sustain their businesses for generations to come. That includes keeping close tabs on what consumers want in terms of end products, as well as sharing information regarding safe and sustainable beef production carried out by cattle producers — ensuring that’s what they find at the meat case when they go to purchase food for their families.

It’s no small task, but checkoff investments are part of the reason that beef demand has remained strong throughout the extremely tight supplies of recent years. In fact, a study by Dr. Harry Kaiser at Cornell University demonstrates that every checkoff dollar invested has a return on investment of $11.20. That means that every dollar invested by cattle producers returns $11.20 more to an operation than would have received without the checkoff in place.

Frequently Asked Questions

The beef industry Long Range Plan (LRP) is developed every three to five years and lays out aggressive goals to strengthen the beef industry. As part of this initiative, the Beef Checkoff interviewed cattlemen and women across the country to hear the checkoff is helping them for long-term success on their operations.

Dalebanks Angus, Kansas

At Dalebanks Angus near Eureka, Kansas, the Perriers say Beef Checkoff programs have helped them drive more value to their beef. By investing dollars toward research and innovation, the checkoff has helped cattle producers increase their return on investments.

The checkoff-funded Beef Quality Assurance program educates producers on proper management techniques to help increase beef quality within every segment of the beef industry.

“The Beef Quality Assurance program showed us just how much money we could capture by simply doing things like moving the injection sites from the hip and the rump up to the neck where we had less high-valued cuts. That drove millions of dollars into our industry,” says Matt Perrier.

Investing dollars toward product development is another way the Beef Checkoff has utilized dollars to increase the value of beef.

“Things like the flat iron steak and things that used to get ground up into hamburger and other low valued cuts, today are sold for a premium,” says Perrier.

How does the Beef Checkoff Help?

The Beef Checkoff plays an important role growing and maintaining beef demand, thus opening new opportunities for cattle producers to sustain their businesses for generations to come. That includes keeping close tabs on what consumers want in terms of end products, as well as sharing information regarding safe and sustainable beef production carried out by cattle producers – ensuring that’s what they find at the meat case when they go to purchase food for their families.

It’s no small task, but checkoff investments are part of the reason that beef demand has remained strong throughout the extremely tight supplies of recent years. In fact, a study by Dr. Harry Kaiser at Cornell University demonstrates that every checkoff dollar invested has a return on investment of $11.20. That means that every dollar invested by cattle producers returns $11.20 more to an operation than would have received without the checkoff in place.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Beef Industry Long Range Plan (LRP) is developed every three to five years and lays out aggressive goals to strengthen the beef industry. As part of this initiative, the Beef Checkoff interviewed cattlemen and women across the country to hear the checkoff is helping them for long-term success on their operations.

Menges Family Ranch, Arizona

The Menges Ranch in southeast Arizona explains how the Beef Checkoff has increased the value of beef and improved their cattle-handling techniques. By taking advantage of these programs, they feel confident about the next generation’s prospects in beef production.

“I can remember the onset of the checkoff program, when the beef council decided to use checkoff dollars to create additional demand for the chuck and the round. And, I think that created a significant increase in the price of our product,” says Jeff Menges.

Suzanne Menges says due to the location of their ranch, they have large tourist traffic, and they take it as an opportunity to educate people about the industry through their catering business, Black Hills Catering.

“I have used Beef Checkoff recipes over the last 20 years, but when you’re producing that for the public, it takes on a whole new meaning.”

How does the Beef Checkoff Help?

The Beef Checkoff plays an important role growing and maintaining beef demand, thus opening new opportunities for cattle producers to sustain their businesses for generations to come. That includes keeping close tabs on what consumers want in terms of end products, as well as sharing information regarding safe and sustainable beef production carried out by cattle producers — ensuring that’s what they find at the meat case when they go to purchase food for their families.

It’s no small task, but checkoff investments are part of the reason that beef demand has remained strong throughout the extremely tight supplies of recent years. In fact, a study by Dr. Harry Kaiser at Cornell University demonstrates that every checkoff dollar invested has a return on investment of $11.20. That means that every dollar invested by cattle producers returns $11.20 more to an operation than would have received without the checkoff in place.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Beef Industry Long Range Plan (LRP) is developed every three to five years and lays out aggressive goals to strengthen the beef industry. As part of this initiative, the Beef Checkoff interviewed cattlemen and women across the country to hear the checkoff is helping them for long-term success on their operations.

Driggers Cattle Company, South Carolina

The Driggers Cattle Company was started in the 1970s and now spans four counties in North and South Carolina. They have continued to pass along the operation, and as natural beef producers, Jamie Drigger says the Beef Checkoff helps create marketing opportunities and increase consumer knowledge of beef quality, resulting in the ability to grow their operation.

“We want to create a product for the consumer that they desire,” says Drigger. “[The Beef Checkoff] has raised consumer awareness in quality, which is important to us because we try to focus heavily on our genetics. The checkoff has allowed us to do that by promoting a product that is good-quality, safe, it’s nutritious, and they are going to want to be return customers.”

How does the Beef Checkoff Help?

The Beef Checkoff plays an important role growing and maintaining beef demand, thus opening new opportunities for cattle producers to sustain their businesses for generations to come. That includes keeping close tabs on what consumers want in terms of end products, as well as sharing information regarding safe and sustainable beef production carried out by cattle producers — ensuring that’s what they find at the meat case when they go to purchase food for their families.

It’s no small task, but checkoff investments are part of the reason that beef demand has remained strong throughout the extremely tight supplies of recent years. In fact, a study by Dr. Harry Kaiser at Cornell University demonstrates that every checkoff dollar invested has a return on investment of $11.20. That means that every dollar invested by cattle producers returns $11.20 more to an operation than would have received without the checkoff in place.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Beef Industry Long Range Plan (LRP) is developed every three to five years and lays out aggressive goals to strengthen the beef industry. As part of this initiative, the Beef Checkoff interviewed cattlemen and women across the country to hear the checkoff is helping them for long-term success on their operations.

Empire Dairy, Colorado

At Empire Dairy near Wiggins, Colorado, the Dinis family relies on the checkoff-funded Beef Quality Assurance program to teach them cattle-handling techniques, which allows them to sell better-quality beef, along with the high-quality milk produced at the farm. Following good management practices is part of their plan to pass the farm along to the third generation.

“We want to keep that animal in the best condition possible, not only for the health and welfare of the cow, but at the end of its production cycle we want to produce a quality product that we can enter into the beef supply,” says Britt Dinis. “At the end of the day, the more successful operation you can have the better chance you give your kids to carry on and continue in this industry.”

How does the Beef Checkoff Help?

The Beef Checkoff plays an important role growing and maintaining beef demand, thus opening new opportunities for cattle producers to sustain their businesses for generations to come. That includes keeping close tabs on what consumers want in terms of end products, as well as sharing information regarding safe and sustainable beef production carried out by cattle producers – ensuring that’s what they find at the meat case when they go to purchase food for their families.

It’s no small task, but checkoff investments are part of the reason that beef demand has remained strong throughout the extremely tight supplies of recent years. In fact, a study by Dr. Harry Kaiser at Cornell University demonstrates that every checkoff dollar invested has a return on investment of $11.20. That means that every dollar invested by cattle producers returns $11.20 more to an operation than would have received without the checkoff in place.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Beef Industry Long Range Plan (LRP) is developed every three to five years and lays out aggressive goals to strengthen the beef industry. As part of this initiative, the Beef Checkoff interviewed cattlemen and women across the country to hear the checkoff is helping them for long-term success on their operations.

Townsend Ranch, Montana

On the Townsend family farm and ranch in Montana, the business brings together many generational views to be successful. Third-generation rancher, Will Townsend highlights the Beef Checkoff programs he says have been most influential for the beef industry.

“The Beef Checkoff has done a lot of things for the beef industry. The biggest thing, when you look at it from a 30,000 foot view, is that it has brought a lot of different segments together to promote beef,” says Townsend.

Finding market opportunities both foreign and domestic is a major focus of the Beef Checkoff. By investing dollars toward discovering consumer demand for different products in different regions of the world, the checkoff is driving demand for beef around the world.

“Domestic and foreign marketing is something that really probably wouldn’t be done by different segments of the industry without all of them coming together. Again, that probably wouldn’t have been done without the Beef Checkoff.”

How does the Beef Checkoff Help?

The Beef Checkoff plays an important role growing and maintaining beef demand, thus opening new opportunities for cattle producers to sustain their businesses for generations to come. That includes keeping close tabs on what consumers want in terms of end products, as well as sharing information regarding safe and sustainable beef production carried out by cattle producers — ensuring that’s what they find at the meat case when they go to purchase food for their families.

It’s no small task, but checkoff investments are part of the reason that beef demand has remained strong throughout the extremely tight supplies of recent years. In fact, a study by Dr. Harry Kaiser at Cornell University demonstrates that every checkoff dollar invested has a return on investment of $11.20. That means that every dollar invested by cattle producers returns $11.20 more to an operation than would have received without the checkoff in place.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Beef Industry Long Range Plan (LRP) is developed every three to five years and lays out aggressive goals to strengthen the beef industry. As part of this initiative, the Beef Checkoff interviewed cattlemen and women across the country to hear the checkoff is helping them for long-term success on their operations.

Joplin Regional Stockyards: Joplin, Mo.

Joplin Regional Stockyards is a family business involving two generations. Jackie Moore has worked at the stockyards since the 1970s, and he says the Beef Checkoff is crucial to promoting beef not only in the U.S., but worldwide.

“We are big on family. We are big on promotion of our own products, and I think when you talk about the Beef Checkoff and those kind of things, we’ve got to promote what we do as an industry worldwide and globally,” says Jackie Moore.

His sons Skyler and Bailey say other aspects of the checkoff like the focus on beef quality and new product research helps maintain and increase consumer demand, ensuring growth opportunities for future beef producers.

“Going forward from here for the next generation, I think it’s really important that we keep people informed of the quality of beef we are raising and the different things that we are doing to strive to make this a better industry. And, I really think with the Beef Checkoff’s help we can keep everybody on the same track to let them know we are raising a safe, good product every day of our lives,” says Skylar Moore.

“You know I think as we move forward the Beef Checkoff dollars are going toward research to make these ready-made beef product meals. I think that’s going to be a crucial part of our business. As we move forward to be able to reach those people in the inter-cities and the suburbs, you know the mom gets home after work at 5 [o’clock] and she wants someone quick and easy to fix her kids. I think these ready-made meals that the Beef Checkoff is putting the money in for the research is going to be a crucial part of this business as we move forward,” says Bailey Moore.

How does the Beef Checkoff Help?

The Beef Checkoff plays an important role growing and maintaining beef demand, thus opening new opportunities for cattle producers to sustain their businesses for generations to come. That includes keeping close tabs on what consumers want in terms of end products, as well as sharing information regarding safe and sustainable beef production carried out by cattle producers — ensuring that’s what they find at the meat case when they go to purchase food for their families.

It’s no small task, but checkoff investments are part of the reason that beef demand has remained strong throughout the extremely tight supplies of recent years. In fact, a study by Dr. Harry Kaiser at Cornell University demonstrates that every checkoff dollar invested has a return on investment of $11.20. That means that every dollar invested by cattle producers returns $11.20 more to an operation than would have received without the checkoff in place.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Beef Industry Long Range Plan (LRP) is developed every three to five years and lays out aggressive goals to strengthen the beef industry. As part of this initiative, the Beef Checkoff interviewed cattlemen and women across the country to hear the checkoff is helping them for long-term success on their operations.

AL Bar Ranch of San Antonio, Florida

Bill Barthle, third-generation rancher in San Antonio, Fla., says the Beef Checkoff helps explain to consumers how U.S. beef is produced. He feels increasing consumer knowledge and the demand for beef, along with working to increase producer support of the checkoff will all play a crucial role in passing the beef operation onto future generations.

“One of my main concerns with the Beef Checkoff now is the value of the dollar of the Beef Checkoff. The Beef Checkoff was established in 1985, and the Beef Checkoff dollar now is only worth 41 cents. We need more support because we have to educate the people what is going in the beef industry. We want to educate them about nutritional value of beef,” says Bill Barthle.

“We need the support of the Beef Checkoff to pass this onto the next generation.”

How does the Beef Checkoff Help?

The Beef Checkoff plays an important role growing and maintaining beef demand, thus opening new opportunities for cattle producers to sustain their businesses for generations to come. That includes keeping close tabs on what consumers want in terms of end products, as well as sharing information regarding safe and sustainable beef production carried out by cattle producers — ensuring that’s what they find at the meat case when they go to purchase food for their families.

It’s no small task, but checkoff investments are part of the reason that beef demand has remained strong throughout the extremely tight supplies of recent years. In fact, a study by Dr. Harry Kaiser at Cornell University demonstrates that every checkoff dollar invested has a return on investment of $11.20. That means that every dollar invested by cattle producers returns $11.20 more to an operation than would have received without the checkoff in place.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Beef Industry Long Range Plan (LRP) is developed every three to five years and lays out aggressive goals to strengthen the beef industry. As part of this initiative, the Beef Checkoff interviewed cattlemen and women across the country to hear the checkoff is helping them for long-term success on their operations.

Byergo Family: Savannah, Mo.

The Byergo family credits the Beef Checkoff for protecting producers and finding new opportunities to grow the industry, as well as securing a future for the next generation.

“Doing well and having things that protect you and go forward, the Beef Checkoff could be one of the things that makes us global. We got to protect ourselves, protect our trading ability,” says Andy Byergo. “I’ve always had this theory that you’re either doing things to advance and do better. I have never been a believer in this, be normal or average. Without protection and advertisement and teaching people to believe in what we produce, it’s more about producing for [the] consumer–that’s our client than it maybe it is proving it to ourselves.”

His son Bryson speaks to providing future opportunities for his daughters and how the checkoff is assisting in that effort.

“For me, one of the most important aspects that the Beef Checkoff provides is sustainability for future generations,” says Bryson Byergo.

How does the Beef Checkoff Help?

The Beef Checkoff plays an important role growing and maintaining beef demand, thus opening new opportunities for cattle producers to sustain their businesses for generations to come. That includes keeping close tabs on what consumers want in terms of end products, as well as sharing information regarding safe and sustainable beef production carried out by cattle producers — ensuring that’s what they find at the meat case when they go to purchase food for their families.

It’s no small task, but checkoff investments are part of the reason that beef demand has remained strong throughout the extremely tight supplies of recent years. In fact, a study by Dr. Harry Kaiser at Cornell University demonstrates that every checkoff dollar invested has a return on investment of $11.20. That means that every dollar invested by cattle producers returns $11.20 more to an operation than would have received without the checkoff in place.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Beef Industry Long Range Plan (LRP) is developed every three to five years and lays out aggressive goals to strengthen the beef industry. As part of this initiative the Beef Checkoff interviewed cattlemen and women across the country to hear the checkoff is helping them for long-term success on their operations. Learn more about the LRP here.

Mushrush Red Angus: Chase County, Kansas

From his family’s ranch in Chase County, Kansas, Joe Mushrush says he and his wife, Connie, are dedicated to creating a viable entity for any of the family’s future generations to return to the ranch and explains how the Beef Checkoff is helping them accomplish this goal.

“We have told our kids that any of them that want to return to the ranch, that we would do our level best to make a spot for them,” says Joe Mushrush.

The Beef Checkoff serves as a consumer-facing resource for producers so they can focus on producing quality products.

“The Beef Checkoff allows us to do something we can’t do on our own. We do not have the time or resources or the knowledge to go out and approach consumers on our own. By pooling our resources with other producers, it allows us to reach those consumers that we otherwise would not have any way to reach. And, by combining our resources and our voice, hopefully we can make a difference.”

How does the Beef Checkoff Help?

The Beef Checkoff plays an important role growing and maintaining beef demand, thus opening new opportunities for cattle producers to sustain their businesses for generations to come. That includes keeping close tabs on what consumers want in terms of end products, as well as sharing information regarding safe and sustainable beef production carried out by cattle producers — ensuring that’s what they find at the meat case when they go to purchase food for their families.

It’s no small task, but checkoff investments are part of the reason that beef demand has remained strong throughout the extremely tight supplies of recent years. In fact, a study by Dr. Harry Kaiser at Cornell University demonstrates that every checkoff dollar invested has a return on investment of $11.20. That means that every dollar invested by cattle producers returns $11.20 more to an operation than would have received without the checkoff in place.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Beef Industry Long Range Plan (LRP) is developed every three to five years and lays out aggressive goals to strengthen the beef industry. As part of this initiative, the Beef Checkoff interviewed cattlemen and women across the country to hear the checkoff is helping them for long-term success on their operations.

Triangle H: Garden City, Kansas

Sam Hands says business planning for future generations is a critical part of the Triangle H ranch south of Garden City. Hands was one of the first six Beef Checkoff volunteer leaders from Kansas back in the checkoff’s first year in 1986.

“It was very humbling and gratifying to see all segments of the industry come together with a common goal, and that was to advance the sustainability of the beef industry by way of a product that was going to bring satisfaction to our consumer,” says Hands.

“[The Beef Checkoff] has allowed us to bring future generations into the operation for the beef industry to have a sustainable future.”

How does the Beef Checkoff Help?

The Beef Checkoff plays an important role growing and maintaining beef demand, thus opening new opportunities for cattle producers to sustain their businesses for generations to come. That includes keeping close tabs on what consumers want in terms of end products, as well as sharing information regarding safe and sustainable beef production carried out by cattle producers — ensuring that’s what they find at the meat case when they go to purchase food for their families.

It’s no small task, but checkoff investments are part of the reason that beef demand has remained strong throughout the extremely tight supplies of recent years. In fact, a study by Dr. Harry Kaiser at Cornell University demonstrates that every checkoff dollar invested has a return on investment of $11.20. That means that every dollar invested by cattle producers returns $11.20 more to an operation than would have received without the checkoff in place.