Search Fill 1 Created with Sketch.
Search
My Beef Board Members 
Select State... 

Frequently Asked Questions

The New World Screwworm (NWS) is a deadly parasite that attacks warm-blooded animals, including cattle. Though eradicated from the U.S. in 1966, recent outbreaks in Central America and Mexico show it’s still a threat.1 The current situation regarding NWS can change rapidly.

Why it matters now:

  • NWS is regularly found in Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic and South America with cases now spreading as far north as Mexico.1
  • The U.S. and Panama are maintaining a barrier zone in eastern Panama to stop its northward spread.2
  • In 2023, an unprecedented number of NWS cases were reported in Panama, followed by confirmed cases in every Central American country and Mexico.2
  • NWS can cause millions in production losses and is harmful to humans as well.2
  • Prior to eradication, the pest cost the U.S. livestock industry over $100 million annually3, and reintroduction could lead to major economic and animal health impacts.4

What to watch for:

  • Irritated behavior, head shaking or the smell of decay.
  • Maggots in wounds and visible egg masses or larvae by day 3.4
  • NWS maggots burrow into live tissue, causing severe pain, withdrawal and loss of appetite.4

If you suspect NWS:

  • Report it immediately to a veterinarian, State Animal Health Official or the USDA.4

Quarantine risk:

  • USDA response plans include quarantines and movement restrictions in affected areas.5
  • Permits may be required to move livestock, with inspections for wounds and myiasis.5
  • Control decisions will be based on science, spread risk and environmental factors.5

Bottom line:

Early detection and prevention are key. NWS poses a serious threat to livestock, wildlife and even people. Staying informed and reporting concerns helps protect U.S. cattle herds and ranching livelihoods.

For USDA updates regarding NWS, visit NCBA’s website for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

There are many moving parts necessary to establish a safe, high-quality beef supply. For cattle producers, ensuring cattle are safe, healthy and ready for market is a top priority. The Beef Checkoff brings together some of the best scientific and technical minds in the meat industry to ensure consumers are confident when purchasing a product even before they visit the meat case at their local grocery stores and online shopping deliveries.

SAFETY RESEARCH

The Beef Checkoff funds beef safety research in both the pre-and post-harvest stages of the animal’s life cycle, specifically to reduce foodborne pathogens in beef products. Conducted by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Meat Institute and Meat Foundation as contractors to the Beef Checkoff, these science-driven programs focus on:

  • Identifying Emerging Threats: Research is conducted to detect and understand evolving foodborne pathogens that may impact beef safety.
  • Developing Prevention Strategies: Studies explore innovative pre-harvest and post-harvest interventions to reduce the presence of pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli.
  • Advancing Detection Methods: Cutting-edge diagnostic tools and rapid testing technologies help identify contamination risks more effectively.
  • Collaborating with Industry Partners: The program works closely with many pieces of the supply chain to implement science-backed safety solutions.

FOREFRONT OF DEVELOPING SOLUTIONS

The Beef Checkoff pioneered the management of food safety risks across the entire meat industry. In 1993, the Beef Checkoff created a Blue-Ribbon Task Force, which developed an industry blueprint for managing the food safety risks from E. coli O157 H7. Published in 1994, the Blue-Ribbon Task Force report recommended strategies that drastically improved meat safety and served as the impetus for change to ensure a safer beef supply. This Beef Checkoff-funded research played a critical role in informing improvements in beef safety across the supply chain.

In 2007, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) set a goal to reduce infections from foodborne E. coli O157:H7 by 50 percent in 2010. The CDC met this “Healthy People” goal in 2009, largely due to the beef industry’s research and proactive efforts.

CONTINUED INNOVATION

Dedicated to ensuring a safe beef supply for consumers throughout the years, the Beef Checkoff continues to address knowledge gaps through research. Salmonella, in particular, remains a focus for food safety efforts. Salmonella illnesses can be traced back to a wide variety of foods, with 75 percent coming from seven food categories. In 2021, beef was attributed as the source of just 6.5 percent of foodborne Salmonella illnesses, up one-half of a percent from 20206.

To improve the safety profile of beef products, the following research is being conducted:

  • Compilation of a comprehensive, representative Salmonella baseline for the U.S. beef industry across seasons and regions to more accurately understand the pathogen’s presence in ground beef.
  • Analysis of beef Salmonella outbreaks using a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis pipeline to enhance outbreak traceback reliability.

These and other ongoing safety research efforts strengthen pathogen-mitigation strategies. The program is building a roadmap to ensure safe, high-quality beef products worldwide by filling these knowledge gaps.

Industry collaboration and research dissemination are also fundamental parts of the program. Key beef safety research supported by the Beef Checkoff is featured throughout major industry events like the Meat Industry Food Safety Conference (MIFSC) and the Beef Industry Safety Summit, reaching hundreds of food safety professionals.

In 2024, presentations at MIFSC covered topics like Salmonella baselines, genetic relatedness, and pathogenic testing in beef. The 2024 Safety Summit session, “Salmonella Implications and Virulence Testing Programs,” focused on detecting virulent Salmonella strains, enhancing testing accuracy, and improving beef safety.

Sharing these findings advances pathogen understanding, supports safe beef practices and underscores beef’s role in a healthy diet, contributing to a stronger industry knowledge foundation.

Additionally, research funded by beef producers led to a novel Salmonella risk assessment approach. The beef industry’s leadership in scientific innovation advances the discussion of Salmonella risks among meat industry stakeholders and regulators, highlighting the beef industry’s proactive approach to research and beef safety.

By proactively identifying risks, developing innovative safety measures and collaborating with industry experts, Beef Checkoff-funded research helps minimize food safety threats, reinforces consumer trust and ultimately strengthens demand for beef.

To learn more about the Beef Checkoff’s beef safety research program, visit: beefresearch.org/programs/beef-safety

Frequently Asked Questions

U.S. beef farmers and ranchers are committed to continuous improvement to the land, water and health of their animals, producing high-quality beef for decades. As a result, the U.S. leads the world in greener solutions in beef production, with the lowest beef greenhouse gas emissions intensity globally since 1996.789 By focusing on the well-being of the land, their livestock, and their local communities, beef producers have enhanced efficiency while conserving the natural resources under their care.

Built on Three Pillars

Sustainability can be a broadly used term, most often associated with environmental efforts – but smarter, greener practices extend beyond that, balancing three pillars: social responsibility, economic viability and environmental stewardship. Together, these pillars highlight how beef farmers and ranchers lead with purpose.

  • Environmental Stewardship: Between 1961 and 2019, U.S. beef producers have reduced greenhouse gas emissions per pound of beef by over 40 percent while producing 75 percent more beef per animal.1231011
  • Economic Viability: Sustainable operations are also smart business. By improving efficiency, producers are increasing profitability while feeding more people.
  • Social Responsibility: The beef community strengthens rural economies, improves livelihoods, and upholds traditions. It’s about family, neighbors and legacy.

These pillars are being implemented daily on the farm and ranch, positioning U.S. beef producers as global leaders in responsible beef production. Many ranchers actively enhance wildlife habitat and improve the health of their rangeland, and as caretakers of nearly one-third of all U.S. land,12 preserving ecosystems isn’t just a responsibility, it’s a way of life.

Consumer Education and Outreach

Just as beef producers have long prioritized raising cattle with care and common sense, the Beef Checkoff has mirrored that commitment, working to drive demand for beef and build consumer confidence in beef and beef products. Consumer perception of beef remains high, with more than 90 percent of consumers expressing a positive to neutral perception of beef as a protein.13 Still, when making a purchasing decision, 70 percent of consumers consider how an animal is raised.7 This data proves that sharing the sustainability story remains crucial. That’s why the Beef Checkoff continues to communicate the positive, measurable efforts of beef farmers and ranchers.

Firstly, all sustainability information shared with consumer audiences is backed by science. The Beef Checkoff funds research that proves how, when properly managed, cattle operations can improve soil health, support carbon sequestration and protect native grasslands. This Checkoff-funded research defends beef’s reputation when misinformation is shared or there’s environmental scrutiny.

From there, the Beef Checkoff takes a proactive approach, staying ahead of issues that could impact consumer perceptions through a two-pronged education and outreach effort. The ultimate goal is to connect and engage with people before false or misguided information about beef production practices spreads. Then, the Checkoff can share the research-backed facts.

Here are just a few examples of what the Beef Checkoff does to educate and inform others about beef production:

  • Developing educational units for middle and high schools: By connecting with young minds, the Checkoff can educate tomorrow’s beef consumers today. Educational units focus specifically on greenhouse gases and cattle, as well as general beef production and genetics.
  • Hosting On The Farm STEM events: The Beef Checkoff funds annual educator immersion events designed to bring inner city teachers to real, working farms to learn about beef production.
  • Taking part in New York City Climate Week: Beef is an active voice during Climate Week, the largest global climate event. Checkoff-funded It’s What’s For Dinner. hosts webinars and shares resources on how beef can be a climate-smart food and provides science on emissions.
  • Collaborating with the Beef Expert Network: The 50 influencers who make up the Checkoff’s Beef Expert Network are all passionate about sharing beef’s story and connecting with their audiences to address misinformation surrounding beef.
  • Sharing information via digital campaigns: Checkoff-funded digital campaigns on Connect TV, YouTube, websites and social platforms encourage consumers to rethink the ranch. Real beef producers share their beef stories and how they care for their cattle and land through series like “Voices of the Outdoors.” This video series connects ranchers with outdoor enthusiasts, and they come together over their shared belief in taking care of the land.

The Beef Checkoff is working to make sure folks hear the real story about how farmers and ranchers raise beef – honest, transparent and straight from the pasture. It’s about showing the care and commitment that is put in every day. Want the facts? Visit beefresearch.org to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ranchers already know raising cattle protects the land, but many consumers don’t. That’s why the Checkoff-funded Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. is investing in stories like this — filmed at VanWinkle Ranch in Colorado — to show how ranchers and conservationists work together. Watch how this episode of “Voices of the Outdoors” helps bridge the gap.

Frequently Asked Questions

For beef producers, ensuring a secure and safe beef supply is more than a responsibility — it’s a commitment to consumers who trust the beef they purchase is of the highest quality. Biosecurity is an essential part of this commitment, as it helps protect cattle health and welfare, maintains product quality, and ultimately, supports consumer trust.

GROWING CONSUMER TRUST

Biosecurity aims to protect animals from disease by minimizing the movement of biological organisms, such as viruses, bacteria or parasites, within or onto an operation. This, in turn, promotes animal health and welfare and minimizes the time and labor resources required to treat a sick animal.

For Julia Herman, beef cattle specialist veterinarian with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, a solid biosecurity plan directly impacts consumer confidence. “Consumers care about the welfare of the animals they’re feeding to their families,” Herman said. “Biosecurity plays a huge role in reducing disease risk, both for the animals and the humans caring for them.”

Biosecurity practices include much more than cleaning equipment. Sanitation is just one part of biosecurity’s holistic view of herd health that incorporates nutrition, vaccination programs and low-stress handling — all of which contribute to a disease-free environment.

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

Over the years, biosecurity practices in the beef industry have advanced significantly. Herman notes that many biosecurity strategies draw lessons from other industries and human health, helping shape current biosecurity practices by emphasizing proactive, preventive measures. “Biosecurity is a mindset, not just a task. Continuous improvement is key,” she said.

To encourage producers to adopt or strengthen their operations’ biosecurity plans, a newly released Beef Checkoff-funded biosecurity plan offers a customizable, practical approach to biosecurity that aligns with each operation’s unique needs and goals.

The BQA Daily Biosecurity Plan for Disease Prevention is a customizable biosecurity plan that goes beyond just guidelines. The plan fosters a culture of biosecurity in each operation and empowers producers to take a proactive role in preventing disease, which protects cattle health and can lead to other benefits.

“Biosecurity can be as in-depth or as simple as producers want it to be,” Herman said. “When it comes down to it, prevention is better than treatment, helping producers save money in the long run.”

While biosecurity adoption may be a gradual process for some producers, it will play an increasingly central role in the beef industry. Even small-scale producers are beginning to recognize the benefits of adopting biosecurity practices, particularly as they see the positive impact on their operations and consumer perception. “If everyone in the beef industry follows basic biosecurity protocols, it can help us all and strengthens the industry as a whole,” Herman said.

BIOSECURITY IMPLEMENTATION

To implement the custom biosecurity plan effectively, Herman recommends first thoroughly reviewing the plan and tailoring it to fit an operation’s specific needs. “Every operation is different, so producers should consult with their resource groups, like veterinarians or extension specialists, to get a second set of eyes on the plan,” she said.

Producers are encouraged to consider practical, easy-to-implement biosecurity steps, such as designating a parking area for visitors to minimize contamination, adjusting traffic patterns within the operation or quarantining new additions to the herd. These small changes can have a significant impact and are easy to integrate into daily routines.

BEEF CRISIS

If, unfortunately, a disease outbreak were to happen, the Beef Checkoff is ready to take action by preparing for the unexpected. The Checkoff can quickly provide consumers and producers with the information they need if there is ever a disease outbreak, bioterrorism attack or any other crisis that could potentially disrupt the beef industry or consumer confidence in beef.

The Checkoff is continuously evolving and updating its comprehensive, industry-wide crisis communications response plan should a cattle disease outbreak or other crisis take place in the future. Continually reassessing this plan ensures the information within is as substantive as possible while also reflecting today’s latest technology.

One element of the overarching comprehensive crisis response plan is working in coalition with the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Cross-Species team. The team helps to manage a website, FMDinfo.org, that would be activated in a time of crisis in cooperation with other industry organizations. The goal of this partnership and its website is to provide clear, factual and easily accessible information about foot- and-mouth disease if an outbreak were to occur.

As well as working with the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Cross-Species team, the Checkoff would also represent the beef industry in
the event of an outbreak, and it has developed proactive crisis communication processes, strategies and tactics to follow if necessary.

ACCESS RESOURCES

By embracing biosecurity as a core part of your operation, you can not only protect your herd but also help maintain a secure beef supply that consumers can trust.

For producers interested in taking the next step, the Beef Checkoff provides resources and tools, including the custom biosecurity plan and Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) modules, to support effective biosecurity practices. To access these resources, visit www.bqa.org/resources/biosecurity-resources

BQA DAILY BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR DISEASE PREVENTION

This free, downloadable template helps cattle producers create a customizable daily biosecurity plan for their operations. Meant to be filled out with a veterinarian or other resource team member, this plan walks producers through the different areas of biosecurity risk, evaluate what they are doing now, and plan for what to improve in the future. The template is available digitally as a fillable PDF or can be printed out for handwritten plans.

BQA CONTINUING EDUCATION MODULE ON BIOSECURITY

For producers already BQA certified, BQA’s Continuing Education module on biosecuroty focuses on the basics of disease transmission and prevention. These resources were developed so anyone who is involved in raising cattle has the opportunity to understand how biosecurity principles are integrated into their farm or ranch and plan for continuous improvement in the future. Interactive and real-world best practice examples are provided for a variety of topics, such as new bull or replacement purchases and manure management to reduce feed contamination, among others. Participants also walk through and fill out the BQA Daily Biosecurity Plan for Disease Prevention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Quite a bit has changed and evolved over the years in both the beef and dairy industries. There are much larger operations, fewer small, family-owned dairies, computerized milking technology and evolving consumer preferences. Another major difference is that dairy cattle have become an integral part of the mix in the beef supply chain.

As time goes on, beef and dairy are becoming more and more integrated, with beef-on-dairy cattle making up seven percent of cattle slaughter in 2022, equivalent to 2.6 million head14. Projections suggest this could rise to 15 percent of cattle slaughter by 2026. Beef-on-dairy crossbreeding is not a new concept; however, it has become increasingly popular in the dairy industry in recent years. Dairy producers in the U.S. are breeding their dairy herds to beef bulls to make a more profitable, higher-quality product for the beef industry. With increasingly volatile milk prices, maintaining cash flow by breeding beef-on-dairy calves is highly valuable for the producer.

Currently, there is a good understanding within the industry of the value behind finished dairy steers, native cattle and even cull cows, but the Beef Checkoff works to provide a complete, clear picture of this growing trend’s effects on various aspects of the beef industry.

Checkoff-Funded Research

As more dairy producers explore beef-on-dairy to enhance calf marketability, Checkoff-funded research becomes critical in evaluating the trend’s impact on profitability, meat quality and even retail display appeal, among other considerations. Through research studies, the Beef Checkoff aims to provide producers and industry leaders with data-driven insights, ensuring that beef-on-dairy calves benefit the entire beef supply chain and meet consumer expectations for quality. The following Checkoff-funded beef-on-dairy research studies explore different aspects of the beef-on-dairy trend.

Understanding the Influence of the Beef-on-Dairy Crossbred Calves on Subprimal Yields and Three-Dimensional Shapes of Various Beef Muscles

In this study, researchers found that beef-on-dairy crossbred carcasses demonstrate good value, particularly in middle meats like tenderloin, ribeye roll and striploin, due to high side-weight percentages and favorable yield and marbling scores compared to traditional beef breeds. Meat quality evaluations showed that beef-on-dairy products are color-stable, qualify as USDA “very tender,” and are likely to offer consumers a positive eating experience.

Understanding the Effect of Phenotype Expression in the Dairy Beef Model on Beef Quality

This study evaluated how visual breed characteristics in crossbred beef-on-dairy cattle (ranging from dairy-like to beef-like appearances) impact carcass traits and eating quality. Findings indicated that, despite visual differences, there were minimal differences in carcass performance and eating quality across phenotypes, with no significant variations in tenderness, juiciness or flavor. These results suggest that dairy-influenced traits in crossbreds do not detract from the product’s marketability, offering consistent quality.

Understanding the Influence of Beef-on-Dairy Crossbred Cattle on Eating Quality, Retail Display and Chemical Composition in Beef Strip Loins

This study found that beef-on-dairy crossbred cattle produce carcasses with intermediate qualities between native beef and dairy cattle, combining favorable characteristics of both types. These crossbreds exhibited muscling, carcass length and retail display attributes similar to native beef while maintaining tenderness and flavor qualities closer to dairy cattle. As beef-on-dairy crossbreds increase in the market, their beneficial traits could add value to dairy farmers, feeders and packers within the U.S. fed-beef industry.

Suitability of Beef x Dairy Crosses as Moderate-sized Subprimal Alternatives for the Foodservice Industry

This study found that beef x dairy crossbred carcasses generally matched the yields, steak sizes and consumer acceptance of traditional beef, showing no disadvantage in tenderness, flavor or juiciness. While beef x dairy tenderloins were slightly smaller, overall subprimal and steak yields were consistent across both groups. These results suggest beef x dairy cattle could offer a valuable option in the beef supply without compromising quality, potentially benefiting both dairy and beef sectors economically.

Utilizing the F94L Myostatin Gene in Beef-on-Dairy Breeding Systems to Increase Carcass Value and Improve Beef Profitability

The study found that using the F94L myostatin allele—a genetic variant that enhances muscle growth—in a beef-on-dairy system improved muscling, ribeye symmetry, yield grade and retail yield without affecting calving ease or growth performance. While marbling scores were slightly reduced, steak palatability remained largely unchanged, suggesting that F94L can address carcass deficiencies in dairy-cross cattle. Selecting sires with the F94L allele could be a valuable strategy for enhancing beef quality in the dairy sector.

Producer Involvement

Dairy producers who sell cattle and calves end up paying two Checkoffs – the Dairy Checkoff and the Beef Checkoff. The contributions help further not only the research above, but also beef promotion and education to drive demand for beef products. Because dairy producers pay into the Beef Checkoff, representatives also serve on the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, making Beef Checkoff decisions. Dairy producers comprise approximately 12 percent of the seats on the 99-member producer- and importer-led board.

Beyond the national board, dairy producers also serve on state beef council boards. Jack Hoekstra, a third-generation dairyman born and raised in Oakdale, California, currently serves on the California Beef Council and is a partner in the Hoekstra Dairy and Oakdale Calf Ranch with his brother.

For Hoekstra, integrating beef into his dairy operation started as a way to add value to his bull calves. He began experimenting with crossbreeding more than 20 years ago, seeking ways to maximize the worth of calves.

“We’ve been experimenting with beef-on-dairy for quite a while,” Hoekstra said. “We were actually doing some crossbreeding within our dairy breed and then getting these steer calves on the ground, trying to make them worth a little bit more. It evolved into getting into a calf ranch, raising calves ourselves and actually buying calves from outside sources, too.”

Hoekstra’s experience has shown him that crossbreeding brings both production and health benefits. “Anytime you crossbreed a little bit, you do get a healthier calf,” he said, noting that the improvement in health has also led to production savings.

Looking ahead, Hoekstra is confident that the beef-on-dairy trend will continue to grow. He believes it is here to stay, partly due to the current shortage of cattle in the U.S., which drives up demand for high-quality beef calves from dairy operations. “Dairymen like to get a high price for their dairy bull calf… it’s really helped the dairyman cash flow for the last couple of years.”

Hoekstra also sees the value in collaboration between the beef and dairy industries, emphasizing the shared goal of producing quality food. “I think just working together to ensure that what we produce is high quality is important. It has an added benefit to everything, and quality sells,” he said.

As a producer paying into the Beef Checkoff, Hoekstra also appreciates the Checkoff’s efforts to give producers a voice and works to promote beef and build relationships with major buyers. “We have a person who can go to the major restaurant chains and supermarket chains. It’s great that we have someone out there establishing those relationships for us, among other things,” Hoekstra said.

Dairy farmers and beef producers are neighbors, often sharing the same values, challenges and opportunities. Through the Beef Checkoff, these industries work together to fund vital research, promote beef products and build trust with consumers. As the beef-on-dairy trend continues to grow, this united approach will help meet market demands, enhance beef quality and drive value for both beef and dairy producers, ensuring a strong, integrated beef marketplace for the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ryan Moorhouse

Beef Country is in my blood. My wife and I live in Amarillo now, but I grew up near Benjamin in North Central Texas on my grandfather’s cow-calf and stocker operation. After graduating from Texas A&M in 1998, I went to work in the feedyards just to learn more about the beef industry and ended up making a career with Five Rivers Cattle Feeding. Today, in addition to working at Five Rivers, I also manage my portion of the family’s dryland wheat and grass stocker operation with a business partner.

One thing I’ve learned over my years in this industry is that there is a need for producers to stand up and let their voices be heard. As the current vice chair of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB), I’m able to help represent all phases of the industry, from cow-calf to cattle feeder, using my experience to help promote beef. I try to talk with producers all over the country – generational or new to the business – and understand their points of view.

When those producers learn about my role on the CBB, we often end up discussing the Beef Checkoff. We ask you to invest your hard-earned money to advance the entire beef industry, so many of you want to share your opinions about the Checkoff and its value. Lately, I’ve been referring producers to the results of the recent independent, third-party return on investment (ROI) study.

Every five years, all U.S. commodity boards commission an independent study to evaluate their programs’ effectiveness, a requirement of the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) oversight of these programs. Even if the CBB wasn’t required to commission this study, this information is essential. You wouldn’t invest money without expecting – and deserving – updates on your investment’s performance. Checkoff investments should be no different.

Released in early July, the latest ROI study, conducted by Dr. Harry Kaiser of Cornell University, found that each dollar invested in national Beef Checkoff demand-driving activities from 2019 to 2023 positively impacted domestic beef demand and U.S. beef exports. In fact, it created a total financial benefit of $13.41 for producers and importers who paid into the program.

Dr. Kaiser’s analysis also examined what beef demand would have been over the past five years without investments in the national Beef Checkoff. The study found that total domestic beef demand would have been 8.5% lower per year, steer prices would have been 7.8% lower per year and U.S. export beef demand would have been 11.5% lower. All in all, the national Beef Checkoff added an incremental $3.3 billion to the beef industry in 2023 alone. That $3.3 billion also had positive indirect effects by adding $4.1 billion to the U.S. economy and generating a nearly $9.5 billion increase in the U.S. GDP (Gross Domestic Product).

CBB’s hope is that the study’s findings will give more producers confidence in the Beef Checkoff and help you all trust that we’re spending your money wisely. We want producers to know that by investing our national Checkoff dollars into bigger and better demand-driving promotional, research and educational programs, we’re creating opportunities to increase overall revenue for those who pay into the program, which can lead to greater financial benefits for everyone involved over time.

But the value of the ROI study doesn’t end there. The CBB takes this data very seriously, and while a return of $13.41 sounds great, we want to do even better. The ROI study isn’t simply a platform for the CBB and the national Beef Checkoff to rest upon. It gives us information that we can use, in coordination with organizational long-term goals and the strategic initiatives of the Beef Industry Long Range Plan (LRP), to help shape current and future national Beef Checkoff programs.

As we move into the last month of FY 2024 and begin allocating national Beef Checkoff program funds for FY 2025, the ROI study’s data will be a tool to help make the best possible decisions on behalf of beef producers and importers – with the goal that those decisions will continue to propel the industry forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Science teachers on farms? Yep, it’s happening. An On The Farm STEM event in Kentucky, hosted by Beef Checkoff contractor, the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture (AFBFA), offered teachers a chance to see beef producers in action. Now, they’re taking that experience back to their classrooms to show the next generation what it means to produce beef the right way. By connecting with the young minds of schoolchildren through their teachers, the Beef Checkoff engages with tomorrow’s beef consumers today.

Agriculture Meets Education

This summer, 25 educators — including classroom teachers, district leaders, university professors and representatives from partner organizations — participated in a three-and-a-half-day immersive beef production experience in Kentucky. The group, representing 20 states and a diverse range of educational environments — from rural, suburban K-12 schools to urban and post-secondary institutions — gained valuable insights into the beef industry.

Attendees visited Branch View Angus, the University of Kentucky, Eden Shale Farm, Blue Grass Stockyards and What Chefs Want, a wholesale restaurant food distributor. Prior to the event, participants attended virtual webinars on ‘Science Through the Lens of Agriculture,’ ‘Exploring Sensemaking Using Topics in Agriculture’ and ‘Using Agriculture Topics to Drive Learning in Science.’

These tours and webinars offered educators the opportunity to deepen their understanding of equitable, three-dimensional learning within the context of agriculture, helping them integrate agricultural concepts into diverse educational settings.

“We aim for educators to recognize the importance of food and agriculture in science education, gain confidence in implementing next generation science standards-aligned practices and summarize agricultural systems,” said Brian Beierle, the science and education lead for AFBFA. “Ultimately, the goal was for educators to leave with a concrete plan to incorporate agriculture-based, specifically beef-funded agriculture resources into their classrooms within a year.”

In a post-event survey, participants rated their experience highly, giving it an average score of 4.8 out of 5. Most reported a significant increase in their understanding of beef production as a result of the event. Before the event, only 12 percent of participants held a positive view of how cattle are raised. However, following the On The Farm STEM experience, that number soared to 75 percent, with participants expressing a ‘strongly positive’ perception of cattle production practices.

“The most impactful thing was to see individuals who are experts in what they do, to have the opportunity to see what they do, to hear how they do it and to learn from them,” one event participant said. Another said, “The event gave a complete picture of the beef industry, from birth to shelf – and all the environmental impacts were addressed.”

Program Growth

Originally, On the Farm STEM began as an event for children’s book authors. However, as AFBFA identified educational needs, they recognized the potential for an immersive experience connecting educators to the science behind beef production, efficiency, sustainability and resilience in agriculture. The demand for On The Farm STEM events has skyrocketed, with a 325 percent increase in applications since 2020.

Early iterations of the event focused primarily on tours, but the program has since evolved into a balanced blend of hands-on experiences and academic support. “We now work closely with educators to tailor the experience to their local curriculum demands and provide them with resources for direct implementation,” Beierle said.

Also, the program has grown to include state-level events. Events took place last summer in New York, Colorado and Kansas, with plans to equip more state beef councils to partner with educational agencies at the local level to further scale the event.

“Today, the program is regarded as a leading professional development opportunity for teachers, meeting the evolving needs of educational systems,” Beierle said. “On top of that, the program opens doors for students — through their teachers — to college and career pathways they might not have otherwise known about. This can lead to some pretty significant outcomes: a more diverse future workforce, more room for innovation and future consumers who are better equipped to navigate conflicting claims. It’s all about opening dialogue between agricultural communities and education to create lasting, beneficial partnerships.”

For more information about the On The Farm STEM experience visit www.onthefarmstem.com