2026 Beef Checkoff Program Funding
From Research to Retail: Where 2026 Investments Go
Every time a beef producer sells cattle, or an importer sells cattle (or its equivalent in boxed beef), the $1-per-head national Beef Checkoff assessment goes into effect, funding programs in promotion, research, consumer and industry information, foreign marketing and producer communications. For fiscal year 2026 (October 2025–September 2026), Beef Checkoff dollars are invested across six program areas, with work carried out by nine contracting organizations and three subcontractors.
Each September, eligible organizations present proposals – referred to as Authorization Requests, or “ARs” – to the Beef Promotion Operating Committee (BPOC), a diversified group comprised of 10 members of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and 10 directors of the Federation of State Beef Councils. Within these program areas, ARs request funding to support marketing and education projects lasting one year, as well as research projects spanning three years.
Industry Information
Strives for an accurate understanding of the beef industry and helps maintain a positive cattle-marketing climate.
MI
Administers the Veal Quality Assurance (VQA) program and fosters public awareness regarding VQA’s positive impact on animal well-being.
2026 Funding: $35,000
NIAA
Promotes responsible antibiotic use and combats antimicrobial resistance by maintaining consistent scientific collaboration between the animal agriculture and human health sectors.
2026 Funding: $75,000
NCBA
Protects beef’s reputation by proactively managing issues and crises while equipping producers with science-based tools like Beef Quality Assurance to ensure beef is safe, high-quality, and responsibly raised.
2026 Funding: $2,100,000
Consumer Information
Strengthens beef’s image by proactively sharing nutritional data and positive messages with influential stakeholders, including media, food editors, dietitians, physicians and other key figures who shape consumers’ food knowledge.
MICA/NEBPI*
Leverages credentialed health professionals to share clear, science-based messages to build consumer confidence in beef and reinforces its position as an essential, nutrient-rich protein of choice among Northeast consumers. Also, fosters relationships with athletic partners to reinforce beef’s role in supporting strength, endurance and energy.
2026 Funding: $1,000,000
AFBFA
Provides science teachers with immersive experiences and high-quality instructional classroom units and assessments that enable educators to teach science through the lens of beef production.
2026 Funding: $705,000
NCBA
Increases consumer awareness of the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand campaign and positions beef as the number one protein with restaurants, culinary leaders, grocery stores and other markets.
2026 Funding: $6,000,000
Promotion
Includes advertising, merchandising and new product development as well as training and promotional partnerships with restaurants and supermarkets that stimulate sales of beef and veal products.
MI/ NYBC*
Empowers consumers with innovative approaches to access and purchase veal, elevating their veal-eating experiences through creative meal solutions that maximize taste, value and versatility.
2026 Funding: $235,000
NCBA
Connects directly with consumers to promote beef through the iconic Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand. Through beef marketing and merchandising, Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. educates and inspires consumers to purchase, prepare and enjoy beef.
2026 Funding: $9,000,000
Research
Provides the foundation for virtually all Beef Checkoff-funded information and promotion by providing science-backed research in beef nutrition, beef safety and pathogen resistance.
MF
Conducts science-based research on post-harvest beef safety to maintain and bolster consumer trust and grow beef demand.
2026 Funding: $650,000
NCBA
Works alongside universities and institutions to conduct high-quality scientific research on beef’s nutritional benefits, pre-harvest research, product quality and technical expertise, sustainability research, and consumer market research.
2026 Funding: $8,000,000
USCA/KSA
Tracks monthly U.S. consumer preferences, views and demand for meat with separate analysis for retail and food service channels.
2026 Funding: $650,000
Producer Communications
Informs producers and importers about how their Beef Checkoff dollars are invested through a variety of efforts and initiatives.
CBB
Communicates to producers where their Beef Checkoff dollars are spent through The Drive newsletter (printed and electronic versions), media relations, attendance at producer meetings, social media and other initiatives.
2026 Funding: $1,800,000
Foreign Marketing
Develops international markets for U.S. beef through programs aimed at expanding market penetration, gaining new market access, improving global consumer perceptions and building trust.
USMEF
Maximizes market access for U.S. beef around the globe, develops demand among new and existing buyers overseas and increases the value of the entire carcass through export support.
2026 Funding: $7,900,000
Contractor Key
AFBFA: American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture
CBB: Cattlemen’s Beef Board
KSU*: Kansas State University
MF: Meat Foundation
MICA: Meat Import Council of America
NCBA: National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
NIAA: National Institute for Animal Agriculture
MI: Meat Institute
NEBPI*: Northeast Beef Promotion Initiative
NYBC*: New York Beef Council
USCA: United States Cattlemen’s Association
USMEF: United States Meat Export Federation
*=Subcontractor
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.
