Cattlemen's Corner
Beef Checkoff dollars are being invested in programs within promotion, consumer education, and research that keeps beef top of mind for consumers in Pennsylvania, across the U.S. and the world.
What is the beef checkoff?
The Beef Checkoff is a producer-funded marketing and research program designed to increase demand for beef. The Checkoff acts as a catalyst for change and is designed to stimulate beef sales and consumption through a combination of initiatives including consumer advertising, research, public relations and new-product development.
Cattlemen's Resources
Checkoff Research
Keep up to date on the latest beef research: product quality, beef safety, nutrition, sustainability, and market research.
Beef and the Environment
Sustainability involves more than environmental considerations. A sustainable food supply balances efficient production with environmental, social and economic impacts.
Beef Exports
What happens to the beef cuts that don't fit into the typical US consumers taste preferences? How does that increase the value to the US cattle producer?
Flow of the Dollar
Where do the checkoff dollars go once you pay $1/head and where does it get used?
Join the Local Beef Directory!
If you are currently selling beef to the public, add your business to our directory to assist prospective customers in finding you.
The Beef Checkoff Program
The Beef Checkoff Program is a producer-funded marketing and research program designed to increase domestic and/or international demand for beef. This can be done through promotion, research and new product development, and a variety of other marketing tools. The Cattlemen's Beef Board and USDA oversee the collection and spending of Checkoff funds.
How can beef Checkoff Dollars be used?
As mandated by law, Checkoff dollars must be invested in programs to increase consumer demand for beef and create opportunities to enhance producer profitability. The Beef Act defines six program categories: promotion, research, consumer information, industry information, foreign marketing and producer communications. It’s important to note here that the law does not allow Beef Checkoff dollars to be invested in production research that it not aimed at improving the end beef product.
Who pays the dollar?
By law, all producers selling cattle or calves, for any reason and regardless of age or sex, must pay $1 per head to support beef/veal promotion, research and information through the Beef Promotion and Research Act, which is the 1985 enabling legislation for the Beef Checkoff Program. The buyer generally is responsible for collecting $1 per head from the seller, but both are responsible for seeing that the dollar is collected and paid.
In addition, the Checkoff is collected at the same rate on every live beef animal imported and at the equivalent rate of $1-per-head on all beef products that are imported.
Is anyone exempt from paying the dollar?
Producers of 100 percent USDA-certified organic products are exempt from most commodity Checkoffs, based on separate legislation, but they must meet strict requirements and re-apply for certification on an annual basis. No other producer is exempt from the Beef Checkoff, according to the Beef Act. Buyers who resell cattle no more than 10 days from the date of purchase may file a non-producer status form and avoid paying an additional dollar. They are, however, responsible for remitting collected funds and reporting any transactions to the Qualified State Beef Council.
About the PA Beef Council
Our Mission: To work on behalf of farmers, building beef and veal demand with consumers of all ages.
PA Beef Council Leadership
The Pennsylvania staff proudly serves Pennsylvania's cattle farmers and ranchers through education, promotion and community engagement to demonstrate the value of the beef industry in Pennsylvania. We also engage in activities that demonstrate that not only is beef delicious, but it's also a powerful ally in building healthy bodies, thriving communities and a strong economy for Pennsylvania.