for farmers & ranchers
Beef Checkoff dollars are being invested in programs within promotion, consumer education, and research that keeps beef top of mind for consumers in Minnesota, across the U.S. and the world.
WHAT iS THE CHECKOFF?
The Beef Checkoff is a producer-funded marketing and research program designed to increase demand for beef.
beef quality assurance
BQA is a nationally-coordinated, state-implemented program that helps producers maintain proper management techniques.
producer stories
We've highlighted just a handful of the 18,000 beef farmers and ranchers in Minnesota. Click below to see who we've visited.
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.
ANNUAL REPORTs
The annual report is a summary of how Checkoff dollars were used. View our most recent report online along with previous years' reports.
PAY THE beef CHECKOFF
By law, all producers selling cattle or calves must pay $1 per head to support the efforts of the Beef Checkoff program.
Minnesota Beef Checkoff Referendum
The Minnesota Beef Council is proposing to increase the amount of the current state checkoff by an additional 50 cents per head on all bovine animals marketed within Minnesota by each producer or feeder. The additional 50 cents per head is refundable and subject to the Minnesota Beef Research and Promotion Order. Dairy cows purchased by a dairy producer specifically for milk production are not subject to the checkoff. Dairy cows and veal calves sold by a dairy producer for the purpose of slaughter are subject to the checkoff.
If you have any questions about the referendum, please contact the Minnesota Beef Council at 763-479-1011 or [email protected].
The deadline to be added to our certified mailing list to receive an official referendum ballot was February 12, 2026. If you would like to be added to the certified producer list for future elections and to receive the annual report, email [email protected] or call the office at (763) 479-1011.
Referendum Taskforce Committee >
local producer promotion program
The Local Producer Promotion Program was created to support producer organizations who are working to build beef demand on the local level. Any local cattle producer organization may request up to $500 per fiscal year for projects directly relating to the promotion of beef.
To learn more about the program and apply for funds, click the link below and fill out the online form.
cbb producer redirection of checkoff
Producers may use this form to request that QSBC send the full $1 per-head beef checkoff assessment from their individual cattle sales to the Beef Board and that the QSBC not retain any portion of the individual's assessment for its direct programming efforts.
become a master of beef advocacy!
Masters of Beef Advocacy is your go-to program for training and resources to be a strong advocate for the beef community. This free, self-guided online course provides farmers, ranchers, service providers, consumer, and all members of the beef community the tools and resources to become a beef advocate and answer tough questions about beef & raising cattle.