Your 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.

The Texas Beef Checkoff is the state-level promotion, marketing, research and education program. Like the National Beef Checkoff, the Texas Beef Checkoff is producer funded and managed through a $1 per head assessment on cattle at each point of ownership transfer in Texas. 

The Beef Checkoff program was designed to stimulate consumers to buy more beef; this is accomplished through programs focused on promotion, education and research.

The Beef Checkoff program increases profit opportunities for producers by keeping beef top-of-mind with consumers, restaurants, butchers and other food retailers. It also reaches out to consumer influencer groups like educators, dietitians, and medical personnel. In short, it is always working to ensure a wholesome, quality beef-eating experience.

However, by law, Checkoff funds cannot be used to influence government policy or action, including lobbying. The Checkoff does not own cattle, packing plants or retail outlets. It cannot control prices or single-handedly turn around a bad market.

As part of the ongoing planning and evaluation effort at TBC, all programs are evaluated – to see that they are accomplishing their stated objectives, as well as achieving the outcomes and goals of the Texas Beef Council Long Range Plan – and this evaluation is reported to both the TBC Board and to Texas producers.