Act & Order

The current checkoff structure, which recognizes the role of the state beef councils and the Federation, is laid out in the original checkoff legislation.

Beef Research and Information Act 

(The Act) was passed as part of the 1985 Farm Bill and provides the foundation for a producer-funded  checkoff program aimed at helping to build both domestic and international demand for beef and beef products.   

The Act defines a “qualified state beef council” as a “beef promotion entity that is authorized by state statute or is organized and operating within a state that receives voluntary contributions and conducts beef promotion, research and consumer information programs, and that is recognized by the Cattlemen’s Beef Board as the beef promotion entity within such state.”

Beef Promotion and Research Order 

(The Order) defines the specific structure and operational requirements for the Beef Checkoff Program, including the Federation.

“Federation means the Beef Industry Council of the National Live Stock and Meat Board or any successor organization to the beef industry council which includes as its state affiliates the qualified state beef councils.”