Why Producer Communications Matter
While reading The Drive or seeing Beef Checkoff posts on social media, some producers may ask themselves the question: Why does the Beef Checkoff use funding to communicate with producers, especially when we already support beef?
It’s a fair question. The answer? A small portion of Beef Checkoff dollars is dedicated each year to the Producer Communications program. For every head of cattle sold, the Checkoff collects $1 as an investment to drive beef demand through promotion, research and education. And as they would expect from any investment, producers of all operational sizes and industry sectors and importers deserve to be informed about how their dollars are working for them.
What Is Producer Communications?
Producer Communications is a series of platforms and projects that allows the Cattlemen’s Beef Board to share Beef Checkoff program results, updates and opportunities with the people who make it possible — beef farmers and ranchers. That includes The Drive printed newsletter and e-newsletter, The Drive in Five video series, social media, website, in-person events and connecting with national, regional and local industry news publications and websites.
These efforts help the Beef Checkoff be as transparent and accessible as possible about Beef Checkoff funds and the programs in which they’re invested.
In the FY2025 budget, only 4.3 percent of national Beef Checkoff dollars are dedicated to the Producer Communications program. To see a full breakdown of Beef Checkoff funding allocations, click here.
Why it Matters
“I hear the questions that my fellow producers have about the Beef Checkoff and how their dollars are being spent,” said Steve Springer, Wisconsin producer and CBB member. “I get it, you wouldn’t put money in a stock or mutual fund without expecting regular updates on your investment’s performance.”
The Producer Communications program not only shares information — it also serves as a vital feedback loop for the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) to better understand producer concerns, interests and educational needs. Throughout the year, local and national surveys are conducted to gauge producer sentiment, gain insight into their operations, and identify the challenges they face. This feedback helps guide the direction of future Beef Checkoff programs, inform funding decisions, and shape content for newsletters and social media. In addition, the CBB regularly engages with agricultural organizations and state beef councils through meetings and discussions to gather input and strengthen relationships across the industry.
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.
