Three of the New York Beef Council staff and two board directors recently joined 30 other state beef councils (SBCs) to learn about the Beef Checkoff and share ideas during the annual orientation hosted by the Federation of State Beef Councils. Kim Skellie and Nicole Rodriguez, directors on the New York Beef Council board, Ryan Gros, Digital Community Coordinator, Kameli McIntyre, Nutrition Manager, and Chrissy Claudio, Director of Producer Communications and Consumer Engagement, also participated in the SBC Staff and Director Orientation held on April 6, in Denver.  

New SBC staff members and directors came together to learn about their roles and responsibilities as stewards of the Beef Checkoff. Attendees learned about the Beef Act & Order, Beef Checkoff history, fiduciary responsibility, and Beef Checkoff payment compliance.  

NYBC and New York Farm Bureau Board Member Kim Skelli reflected on his experience "The Beef Checkoff training solidified, for me, the value that we, as farmers pay for through our cattle sales.  I was impressed by the knowledge and engagement of both national staff and NY Beef Council staff and appreciate the great work they do to promote and increase beef demand." 

“I’m so grateful for the opportunity not only to learn about the rich history of the Beef Checkoff but to gain insight and inspiration to deliver more quality content to New York consumers” stated Nicole Rodriguez, RDN. 

Staff from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) managers of Beef It’s What's for Diner also provided recent campaign results from Checkoff-funded programs and discussed the robust financial firewall that exists between policy and Checkoff spending. The event also served as a way for SBCs to network with one another, meet NCBA staff, and learn about available Federation resources. 

“This important annual event gives new state beef council staff and directors the resources they need to be successful,” said Brad Hastings, Federation of State Beef Councils chair. “The information shared also helps reinforce the strong state and national partnership that exists through the Federation of State Beef Councils.” 

The vision of the Federation of State Beef Councils is to build beef demand by inspiring, unifying, and supporting an effective state/national Checkoff partnership. The Federation, organized in 1963, represents the 44 Qualified State Beef Councils and is housed by the NCBA, which is a contractor to the Beef Checkoff.  

For more information, visit www.nybeef.org