The Kansas Beef Council (KBC) now is accepting Beef Certificate Program applications for the 2026-27 school year. Kansas family and consumer sciences (FCS) and ProStart teachers can apply online at www.kansasbeef.org. Teachers with questions can contact KBC Director of Nutrition Abby Heidari at [email protected] or (785) 273-5225.
The checkoff-funded program allows Kansas beef producers to support local schools and empower the next generation of shoppers to make informed decisions about the food they purchase and prepare at home. Through the program, FCS and ProStart teachers can receive funding to buy beef for classroom labs and gain access to more than 10 standards-based lesson plans covering beef selection, safe handling and nutrition. Reimbursement amounts are based on class enrollment and school classification. KBC provides the lesson plans and teacher support at no cost. Last year, 142 schools across 58 counties participated in the program, reaching 21,784 students.
The Beef Certificate Program also grew beyond the classroom. In partnership with the California Beef Council, KBC launched a virtual learning series titled “Beef: Processing to Plate,” which helps students learn more about food safety and meat science. The recording remains available for classroom use.
Kansas beef producers also support the next generation of foodservice professionals by sponsoring state culinary competitions such as the Kansas ProStart Invitational, where Eudora High School won the best beef dish award in March 2026.
For more information about KBC and its checkoff-funded programs, visit www.kansasbeef.org.