The beef checkoff’s primary function is to build beef demand. This can come through various functions, ranging from creating new beef recipes to developing agricultural education curriculum to expanding the global market for beef.
In reference to the latter, the most notable way the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) and the Kansas Beef Council have helped increase global beef demand is by working with the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Export markets not only help move high-quality prime and choice cuts of beef, but also allow producers to add value to carcasses through the sale of products like the tongue and liver.
“Markets like Mexico and South America are willing to pay top dollar for cuts that you would have trouble giving away to the domestic consumer,” said Ty Breeden, KBC executive committee member. In USMEF’s latest report, the value of beef exports equated to more than $400 per head of fed cattle slaughtered as of July 2023. From January to July of this year, the average export value was around $395 per head. CBB has reported that investing in the export market leads to roughly a $24.45 return on investment.
To see the full report from USMEF, click here.