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Frequently Asked Questions

40 Years, 40 Facts

For four decades, beef producers and importers have built the Beef Checkoff into more  than a marketing tool — it’s a producer-led system for growing demand and keeping beef competitive.

Let’s dive into how the Checkoff is structured with our first 10 facts:

GOVERNANCE & REPRESENTATION

BEEF PRODUCERS IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT

  1. Beef producers and importers on the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) are nominated to the USDA by state certified nominating beef industry organizations and appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.
  2. The CBB is the governing producer and importer body for the Beef Checkoff.
  3. The U.S. Department of Agriculture oversees the Beef Checkoff and 21 other commodity Checkoff programs.
  4. Board representation is based on the number of cattle in each state. Currently, the CBB has 99 members.
  5. The number of members is reapportioned every 3 years, based on the cattle numbers in each state.
  6. CBB members volunteer their time to serve on the board for one 3-year term, with the possibility of reappointment by the USDA for a second 3-year term.
  7. When broken out, 92 members are producers (cow/calf, feeders, stockers, dairy) and 7 are importers.
  8. The entire CBB only meets twice annually; the day-to-day business of the board is conducted by the Executive Committee (with ratification of decisions made by the full board at the next gathering).
  9. All CBB meetings are open to those who pay into the Beef Checkoff. Contact the CBB office for more information.
  10. The CBB cannot legally lobby or participate in policy discussions, per the Beef Act and Order. Their entire focus is driving beef demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Celebrating 40 Years of Driving Beef Demand 

A lot has happened in the beef industry over the last 40 years. Back in the early 1980s, consumer confidence was slipping. Demand was declining. Cattle producers across the country knew something had to change.

That’s why, in 1985, producers came together to build the Beef Checkoff, with the first Checkoff-funded work beginning in 1986. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary, and it still is. In 2026, as we celebrate 40 years of the Beef Checkoff, I’m thankful to those before us who built this program and encouraged by the work we continue to execute today.

As chair of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, I thought about what I would like producers and importers who invest in the Beef Checkoff to feel after reading this issue of The Drive, and that is proud. Proud of what we’ve built, but more importantly, grateful for the challenges we’ve helped to prevent by staying proactive and vigilant.

Because when you stop and ask, “Where would we be without the Checkoff?” — the answer becomes clear. We’d be facing a very different industry than the one we know today.

Then vs. Now

There was a time not so long ago when beef practically sold itself. Cattlemen and women focused on producing cattle, not marketing them. Promotion seemed like a luxury. Research was something other industries did. And quality control? That was the packer’s problem.

But by the late 1970s and early 1980s, things started to change. Doctors, dietitians and opposing groups took aim at beef. And whether their claims were true or not didn’t matter. Perception became reality. Beef consumption dropped, exports were nearly nonexistent and we were losing ground to competing proteins.

Today, we have a completely different story to tell. We’re not just selling cattle; we’re helping shape how beef is viewed in grocery stores, classrooms, export markets, doctors’ offices and on digital screens. We’re building relationships with health professionals, chefs and influencers who shape how people understand beef. And we’re backing that story with science.

Where Would We Be Without It?

There are countless examples of how the Beef Checkoff has contributed to the growth, improvement and longevity of our industry. But when I really think about its value, these are the questions I come back to.

Where would we be if the Checkoff hadn’t:

  • Invested in research to extend beef’s safe shelf life by reducing carcass bacteria and improving carcass quality through a national genetic evaluation program?
  • Launched the iconic Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand?
  • Supported research to identify pathogens like E. coli O157:H7 — and develop the mechanisms to control them?
  • Developed low-fat ground beef and other new products through groundbreaking Muscle Profiling Research, helping add value to underutilized cuts from the chuck and round?
  • Conducted the National Beef Quality Audit, reshaping the industry’s management mindset to improve product consistency and restore consumer demand?

Each of these investments significantly shifted the direction of our industry. And they were only made possible because producers came together to fund this program.

And the return? For every $1 invested in national Beef Checkoff demand-driving programs between 2019 and 2023, producers saw a return of $13.41 — a measurable impact that reflects increased domestic sales, export growth and stronger demand for U.S. beef.1

A Program Built by and for Producers

The Beef Checkoff doesn’t own cattle, beef products or packing plants and it cannot prevent cattle prices from falling. But it was never designed to do that. What it was designed to do and still does today is drive consumer beef demand.

It helps connect nutrition scientists with health professionals. It links safety researchers with processors. It aligns product developers with retailers. And it helps bring valuable market signals back to you and me — the producers.

The program is accountable. The USDA oversees it. Contractors are reimbursed on a cost-recovery basis. Financials are audited and public. Most importantly, it’s driven by cattle producers like you — serving on the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, overseeing budgets, reviewing projects and evaluating results. We’re out feeding and treating cattle, too, but we volunteer some of our time to facilitate the Beef Checkoff, and we encourage all producers to get involved.

Looking Ahead

The Beef Checkoff doesn’t solve every problem, and it never claimed to. But what it has done, for 40 years and counting, is give producers a voice in how beef is promoted, researched and defended. It’s helped us play offense, not just defense.

As we look to the next 40 years, we know we’ll face new challenges: shifting consumer expectations, global competition, misinformation and economic pressure. But if history is any indicator, we’re ready, because of the strong Beef Checkoff program producers built.

And if you’ve ever wondered where we’d be without the Checkoff — I hope you agree: I’m glad we don’t have to find out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Celebrating 40 Years of the Beef Checkoff

For 40 years, the Beef Checkoff has supported the beef industry. Since its start in 1985, the Checkoff has significantly and positively altered the beef industry’s course, providing much-needed funding for promotion and research while helping create a clear, unified message about beef for consumers. The Beef Checkoff has brought producers, industry organizations and other stakeholders together with a common purpose: driving demand for beef.

Here are just a few highlights of Beef Checkoff wins throughout the years.

1987

The Beef Checkoff launched its first advertising campaign, “Beef: Real Food for Real People,” featuring celebrity talent Cybill Shepherd and James Garner.

1989

The Checkoff-funded “Manhattan, Montana” TV spot was selected as the top food commercial of 1989 by Advertising Age.

1992

The iconic Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. campaign kicked off.

1994

Several Checkoff-funded research projects identified pathogens like E. coli throughout the cattle and beef production system and developed control mechanisms.

1997

A Checkoff-funded study mapped where pathogens enter packing plants — leading to high-temp vacuuming practices that now save the beef industry an estimated $200 million in trimming costs.

1999

Studies showed that all potentially harmful bacteria are removed or destroyed when Checkoff-developed technology is used during beef harvesting.

2000

U.S. packers spent more than $75 million installing food safety intervention systems that were developed with Checkoff dollars, including steam vacuuming, steam pasteurization, organic acid wash and hot water rinse.

“The Beef Checkoff’s early investments in food safety research were nothing short of transformational. They helped pinpoint and eliminate dangerous pathogens throughout the beef supply chain. These advancements not only saved the industry hundreds of millions of dollars, but also built consumer confidence and ensured a safer product.” – Terry Quam, Wisconsin Seedstock Producer and Secretary/Treasurer of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board.

2001

Groundbreaking “Muscle Profiling Research” reinvented and added value to portions of the beef carcass — the chuck and round — that previously were underutilized and undervalued, thus enhancing overall carcass value.

2002

More than 1,500 new beef products came to market after the Checkoff launched its beef product research and development efforts in 1998.

2004

Checkoff-developed Flat Iron Steak and Petite Tender cuts outsold T-Bone and Porterhouse steaks in foodservice.

2008

The Checkoff introduced five new cuts from the chuck roll – the Delmonico Steak, Denver Cut, America’s Beef Roast, Boneless Country-Style Beef Chuck Ribs and the Sierra Cut.

2010

The Checkoff developed six new cuts from the beef round, comprising a portfolio of lean steak and roast options. The Checkoff-funded Culinary Innovations Team created 100 new beef recipes during the year.

2012

The “Beef in an Optimal Lean Diet” study provided evidence that including lean beef as part of a heart-healthy diet is as effective as the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet in lowering heart disease risk, the most recommended heart-healthy diet at the time.

“The Checkoff’s investment in muscle profiling and innovation reshaped how we value the beef carcass. By identifying premium cuts like the Flat Iron and Denver Steak in previously overlooked areas, we brought more dollars back to producers and gave consumers new reasons to choose beef.” – Dr. Cheryl DeVuyst of Oklahoma and Vice Chair of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board.

2019

New beef production science-based courses were introduced to middle and high school classrooms across the U.S.

2021

Checkoff-funded “Beef in the Early Years” campaign focused on educating a niche audience: expectant parents and new parents of infants and toddlers about the benefits of introducing beef in early childhood.

2022

The Beef Checkoff unveiled four successful consumer-facing advertising campaigns featuring spokesperson and former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo and the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. slogan.

2023

The Beef Checkoff’s “Voices of the Outdoors” video series highlighted shared values between ranchers and outdoor enthusiasts, showing how producers care for cattle and the land.

2024

The Beef Checkoff aligned beef and athletics — especially in the highly populated Northeast region near New York City — through partnerships with college and high school sports teams.

2025

A Beef Checkoff-funded high school biology unit, “Unravel Genetics to Raise the Steaks,” earned the NGSS Design Badge, a top recognition from NexGenScience that’s only granted to the highest-quality instructional materials.

“The Beef Checkoff hasn’t let up when it comes to getting beef in front of consumers. From sports partnerships in the Northeast to award-winning science lessons in classrooms, we’re showing up where it matters with nutrition influencers, families and students.” – Ryan Moorhouse of Texas and Cattlemen’s Beef Board Chair.

Frequently Asked Questions

“Why Don’t We See Beef Checkoff Ads Anymore?” Here’s What Producers Should Know.

For 40 years, the Beef Checkoff has collected $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. The $1 collection has not changed since that amount was established under the 1985 Farm Bill. The dollar investments have been the cornerstone of the Beef Checkoff ever since, funding efforts to drive demand for beef through promotion, research, education and consumer information.

But here’s the question we often hear from producers: “Why don’t we see beef commercials on TV like we used to?” The simple answer isn’t that beef advertising stopped — it’s that the Beef Checkoff has adapted to be even more efficient with every dollar.

A Dollar Then vs. A Dollar Now

Many things have changed in 40 years. In 1985, $1 went much farther than it does now. With inflation increases, $1 in 1985 is worth about 33 cents today2. That means the same $1 today buys only a fraction of the media reach and video production it once did. The Beef Checkoff has had to adapt, with efficiency and targeting more important than ever.

Efficiency Through Targeted Advertising

Today’s Checkoff-funded promotional brands, like the highly recognized Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. (BIWFD), still reach consumers, but in smarter, more targeted ways. Instead of expensive broadcast TV buys that put ads in front of everyone (including people already committed to beef), BIWFD now emphasizes social media, digital ads and Connected TV (CTV) — streaming entertainment delivered over the internet that allows messages to be placed in front of specific audience segments with greater precision.

Today, Beef Checkoff campaigns are designed to persuade consumers in urban markets to choose beef. Targeted consumer groups like urban shoppers, Millennial moms and Gen Z see these ads in their living rooms and on their phones. That’s by design. The Checkoff is using data and targeting to reach new or lapsed beef consumers, not those who already prefer and buy beef. For example, because most beef producers already choose beef, they are not a target audience for beef advertising.

It’s Still on “TV” — Just a Different Kind

Traditional TV buys are increasingly expensive and inefficient for niche targeting. Connected TV placements — on platforms like ESPN, Peacock and Hulu — allow the Checkoff to show ads during live sports and streaming content that matter to key demographic groups.

Beyond Ads: Smarter Engagements

Checkoff-funded initiatives go beyond commercials. Partnerships with popular influencers, sports programs, athlete nutrition education and immersive digital content all work together to connect beef’s nutrition story with consumers in the places and on the platforms they frequent most.

So, while you might not flip on network TV and see a beef ad anymore, Beef Checkoff-funded advertising is still driving demand in a way that’s more targeted, more efficient and better aligned with today’s media landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Frequently Asked Questions

The Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) will invest approximately $38.1 million into programs of beef promotion, research, consumer information, industry information, foreign marketing, and producer communications during fiscal 2026, subject to USDA approval.

In action at the end of its September 3-4 meeting in Denver, Colorado, the Beef Promotion Operating Committee (BPOC) approved Checkoff funding for a total of 14 “Authorization Requests” – or grant proposals – for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025. The committee, which includes 10 producers and importers from the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and 10 producers from the Federation of State Beef Councils, also recommended full Cattlemen’s Beef Board approval of a budget amendment to reflect the split of funding between budget categories affected by their decisions.

Nine contractors and three subcontractors brought 14 Authorization Requests worth approximately $49 million to the BPOC this week, approximately $10.9 million more than the funds available from the CBB budget.

“We continue to be impressed by the quality and creativity of the proposals our contractors bring forward each year, which makes funding decisions especially tough,” said Ryan Moorhouse, chair of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and the Beef Promotion Operating Committee. “While we receive many outstanding proposals, our limited resources mean we can’t fund everything we’d like. Inflation continues to reduce the impact of each Checkoff dollar, so prioritizing the most impactful programs is more important than ever.

“As expected, this year’s Authorization Requests were full of fresh ideas and innovative approaches that support the Beef Checkoff’s core efforts—research, promotion, foreign marketing, industry and consumer information, and producer communications. I’m proud of how our committee worked together to thoughtfully balance the budget and direct our limited resources in the most strategic way. I’m grateful to our contractors and fellow committee members for their dedication, and I look forward to seeing the results of their hard work in FY26.”

In the end, the BPOC approved proposals from nine national beef organizations for funding through the FY26 Cattlemen’s Beef Board budget, as follows:

American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture – $705,000

  • Cattlemen’s Beef Board – $1,800,000
  • Meat Foundation – $650,000
  • Meat Import Council of America / Northeast Beef Promotion Initiative – $1,000,000
  • Meat Institute – $35,000
  • Meat Institute/New York Beef Council – $235,000
  • National Cattlemen’s Beef Association – $25,100,000
  • National Institute for Animal Agriculture – $75,000
  • United States Cattlemen’s Association/Kansas State University – $650,000
  • United States Meat Export Federation – $7,900,000

Broken out by budget component – as outlined by the Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985 – the FY26 Plan of Work for the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board budget includes:

  • $9,235,000 for promotion programs, including beef and veal campaigns focusing on beef’s nutritional value, eating experience, convenience, and production.
  • $9,300,000 for research programs focusing on pre- and post-harvest beef safety, scientific affairs, nutrition, sustainability, product quality, culinary technical expertise, and consumer perceptions.
  • $7,705,000 for consumer information programs, including Northeast influencer outreach and public relations initiatives; national consumer public relations, including nutrition-influencer relations and work with primary- and secondary-school curriculum directors nationwide to get accurate information about the beef industry into classrooms of today’s youth. Additional initiatives include outreach and engagement with food, culinary, nutrition and health thought leaders; media and public relations efforts; and supply chain engagement.
  • $2,210,000 for industry information programs, including dissemination of accurate information about the beef industry to counter misinformation from other groups, as well as funding for Checkoff participation in the annual national industrywide symposium about antibiotic use. Additional efforts in this program area include beef advocacy training and issues/crisis management and response.
  • $7,900,000 for foreign marketing and education, focusing on 13 regions, representing more than 90 countries around the world.
  • $1,800,000 for producer communications, which includes investor outreach using national communications and direct communications to producers and importers about Checkoff results. Elements of this program include ongoing producer listening and analysis; industry collaboration and outreach; and continued development of a publishing strategy and platform and a state beef council content hub.

The full fiscal 2026 Cattlemen’s Beef Board budget is approximately $42.4 million. Separate from the Authorization Requests, other expenses funded include $305,000 for program evaluation; $762,000 program development; $280,000 for Checkoff education resources; $575,000 for USDA oversight; $220,000 for state services; $200,000 supporting services and litigation; and approximately $2.0 million for CBB administration. The fiscal 2026 program budget represents an increase of slightly less than 1.0% percent, or $195,000, from the $42.2 million FY25 budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anne Ilse Anderson of Austin, Texas was honored with the Cattlemen’s Beef Board’s fifth annual Beef Checkoff Visionary Award on Tuesday, July 8, during the General Session of the 2025 Cattle Industry Summer Business Meeting in San Diego, California. This award recognizes an individual in the beef industry who has demonstrated exemplary support of and commitment to the Checkoff’s goals and vision.

“Anne represents what this award is all about,” said Ryan Moorhouse, chair of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board. “She’s a fellow Texan who’s spent decades helping drive beef demand—both here at home and around the world—through education, research and smart marketing. Anne helped lay the groundwork for the Beef Checkoff, and years later, she’s still helping shape its future. We’re proud to recognize her with the 2025 Visionary Award.”

Anderson and her husband Jim own a cow-calf operation in the Texas Hill Country, combining a deep passion for agriculture with a global business perspective. The Andersons and their partner Brett Morris raise purebred Speckled Parke cattle as well as Speckled Parke/Angus crosses.

Anderson began her career as a clinical dietitian and educator before fully transitioning into agricultural leadership. Since then, Anderson has dedicated more than four decades to advancing the beef industry through innovation and mentorship. Her understanding of consumer nutrition needs and her lifelong passion for beef production have made her a unique and powerful voice in the industry.

One of Anderson’s most notable achievements and career milestones was her role as executive vice president and the very first employee of the Texas Beef Council (TBC) from 1986 to 1995, during which time she established the council’s bylaws and articles of incorporation. Over those nine years, Anderson grew TBC from a single employee—herself—to a staff of 25.

Anderson chaired the Cattlemen’s Beef Board in 2016 and currently serves as a member of the board and the Beef Checkoff’s Safety & Innovation committee. She’s been involved with the Texas Cattle Feeders Association and the Beef Industry Council of the National Livestock and Meat Board. Anderson has also held board or committee roles with the Texas Cattle Feeders Association, Texas CattleWomen, American National CattleWomen, International Livestock Congress and the HACCP Alliance. Anderson played a key role in developing industry education programs such as Beef 101 and Beef 706, and helped launch several groundbreaking initiatives, including the Rancher’s Renaissance beef cooperative and AgInfoLink, a global food-tracking company.

Anderson received her bachelor’s degrees in food and nutrition and home economics education with minors in consumer studies, biology and chemistry from the University of Texas (Austin). She earned a Master of Arts degree with concentrations in business and consumer education from the University of Texas (San Antonio).

“Anne brings energy, determination and heart to everything she does,” said Greg Hanes, CEO of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board. “Her vision for what the Checkoff could achieve—for both the industry and consumer demand—was ahead of its time. Throughout her career, she remained focused on the future and committed to what would best serve beef producers. On behalf of everyone at the CBB, I congratulate Anne on this well-deserved honor and thank her for the lasting impact she’s made—not only on our industry, but on me personally.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Emma Coffman of Lubbock, Texas has been selected as the 2024 Beef Advocate of the Year. The award recognizes Coffman for her creative methods of telling beef’s story across Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok, along with breaking down barriers as a first-generation cattle rancher. With more than 80,000 followers across social media platforms, Coffman uses her platform to educate viewers about sustainable and innovative ways farmers and ranchers care for their animals and produce high-quality beef. Meet Emma.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you looking for Beef Checkoff financial information? Program highlights? Research results? Key studies? It’s all available in the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and Beef Checkoff 2024 Impact Report. The Cattlemen’s Beef Board puts full consideration into providing producers and industry stakeholders with the resources and information they need to feel confident in the effective, efficient and correct use of their Beef Checkoff dollars. Get the report.

Frequently Asked Questions

The National Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) award winners exemplify high-quality animal care and handling principles in their daily operations and continually improve through BQA. Meet these producer leaders and see how they advocate for the cattle industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Cattlemen’s Beef Board & Beef Checkoff 2024 Impact Report is now available. This report combines the Cattlemen’s Beef Board Annual Report and the Beef Checkoff Evaluation Report to streamline processes and provide members and stakeholders with a single, comprehensive document. See how the Beef Checkoff utilized your producer dollars to support and strengthen the entire beef industry through research, promotion and education. See the report.