What is the beef checkoff?
The Beef Checkoff Program was established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill. The checkoff assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. States may retain up to 50 cents on the dollar and forward the other 50 cents per head to the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board, which administers the national checkoff program, subject to USDA approval.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Under the Beef Promotion and Research Act and Order, a dollar is to be assessed for each bovine animal sold. As a cattle producer, when selling cattle, directly to consumers, to other producers or collection points, both you and the buyer are responsible for assuring that the $1 per head checkoff is remitted.
This includes all bovine animals – bulls, cows, heifers, steers, and calves—regardless of age, sex, breed or purpose of sale. This applies to beef and dairy cattle as well as veal. The Beef Checkoff Program also includes all sales where no auction market or other collection point is involved, such as a private sale. The $1 is deducted from the selling price of the animal. In private treaty sale, it is generally the seller who deducts and remits the $1.
DOWNLOAD REMITTANCE FORMS HERE
The Checkoff Collection Process
As cattle moved through the production cycle from birth to beef, the Beef Checkoff Assessment is due each time cattle are sold. This is true for all cattle regardless of the breed or age of cattle sold. The checkoff assessment is due whether cattle are sold through a livestock market, an order buyer, or sold directly to another producer. The assessment is also due when cattle are harvested.
Hows the Beef Checkoff work?
The Beef Checkoff is a state and national partnership. Where Checkoff paying Beef Producer volunteers represent the interest of their fellow producers and the beef community. They bring their voice to the national decisions of the Beef Checkoff.
Key Checkoff Questions
What can and can't the checkoff do, do packers and importers pay the checkoff, and how to contractors work? Answer all the hard questions here. Learn more at drivingdemandforbeef.com.
Collecting and remitting the assesment through production
View the series of videos below to for a deeper understanding of the Beef Checkoff Assessment and Remittance in each phase of beef production!
Breeding
Backgrounder
Feedlot
Packer
Imports
Dairy
Discover What YOur Checkoff Dollars are doing
Find out more about your checkoff dollars being put to work here in New York by the New York Beef Council team!