CattleMen's Corner
Welcome to the corner of the internet where you can learn more about your Beef Checkoff investment and how the Washington State Beef Commission is investing your Beef Checkoff dollars in programs and resources for consumers and producers.
what is the beef checkoff?
The Beef Checkoff Program is a producer-funded marketing and research program designed to increase demand for beef locally, nationally and globally. Beef Checkoff funds support local and national demand-building programs in the areas of Promotion, Consumer Information, Industry Information, Foreign Marketing, Research and Producer Communications.
where does beef checkoff money go and who controls it?
Beef Checkoff funds are shared between State and National Beef Checkoff organizations who are overseen by their local Departments of Agriculture and the USDA. As a Qualified State Beef Council in good standing with the Cattlemen's Beef Board (CBB), the Washington State Beef Commission (WSBC) is responsible for collecting all Beef Checkoff funds in Washington State. The WSBC is required to send fifty cents of the Federal $1.00 to the CBB for National Beef Checkoff programs. The remaining fifty cents of the Federal dollar and Washington Beef Checkoff funds are entirely Washington State-controlled.
The WSBC’s Board of Directors, who are industry nominated and appointed by the Washington State Director of Agriculture for 3-year terms, provide financial oversight and direct all state based programs. Each of Washington's beef industry sectors are represented on the WSBC Board of Directors by: 2 Cow/Calf Producers, 2 Cattle Feeders, 2 Dairy Beef Producers, 1 Auction Market, 1 Beef Processor; and is overseen by the Washington Director of Agriculture by a voting member representing Washington State Department of Agriculture. The Washington CBB Representative serves on the WSBC in a non-voting Ex-Officio capacity.
Additionally, Washington has two representatives to direct National Beef Checkoff programs via our Federation of State Beef Councils Director and our Representative to the CBB. The Federation Representative is elected by the WSBC Board annually and must be actively serving at as WSBC Board member. The CBB Representative is nominated by qualitied state organizations to the CBB and appointed by USDA's Secretary of Agriculture.
The WSBC's Marketing Plan and Budget are submitted for review and approval to both the WSDA Director and CBB annually, and an Annual Report of all WSBC activities and programs is delivered to WSDA, CBB and the Washington State Legislature annually.
beef checkoff producer programs
Masters of Beef Advocacy & Trail Blazers
The Checkoff-funded MBA & Trail Blazers programs is a self-directed online training program designed to equip beef producers and industry allies with the information they need to be everyday advocates for the beef industry.
Beef Quality Assurance
BQA is a nationally-coordinated, state-implemented program that raises consumer confidence through offering proper management techniques and a commitment to quality within every segment of the beef industry.
Young STEAKHolders
The WSBC's Young SteakHolders program is designed specifically to connect and support the next generation of Washington's Beef Community through outreach, education and special events. Contact the WSBC if you'd like to be included.
BEEF COUNTS
Beef Counts was launched in Washington state in 2010 with the help of many producer volunteers, Agri Beef and the Washington State Beef Commission. Washington beef producers can be involved by making donations during the Annual Rollover Auction in October and throughout the year by volunteering with Second Harvest to distribute donated beef to their hungry neighbors in need.
Promote your beef business By Listing in our local beef directory
If you are currently selling beef to the public, add your business to our directory to assist prospective customers in finding you.
As a reminder, any producer marketing cattle of their own production in the form of beef or beef products to consumers, either directly or through retail or wholesale outlets, or for export purposes, is responsible for paying the Beef Checkoff at the time of processing. If you need to know how to pay the Checkoff, start here or contact the WSBC office today.
Checkoff E-update
Sign up for the monthly Washington Beef Checkoff E-Update to stay in the know about Beef Checkoff programs happening across the state each month.
still hungry? Keep Exploring!
rethink the Ranch
The WSBC works hard to tell the stories of our 9,000 family farmers and ranchers to Washington's beef-loving consumers. We invite you to see how we grow consumer trust in the work you do.
cooking lessons
Our local consumers love beef. And they love inspiration, ideas and recipes that help them prepare and serve it in a way that their families will love. See what consumers have cooking!
beef for strength
Health and nutrition are top of mind for many Washington consumers. The WSBC extends national Beef Checkoff-funded beef nutrition research and materials to help consumers and health professionals feel confident in beef role in a strong life.