Checkoff Dollers and Chile

Susan Allen

I often hear grumblings from cattlemen about whether their beef check off dollars are actually working for them.  I’m Susan Allen when Open Range returns I’ll be back with how this producer-funded marketing and research program is being used to grow demand for beef in Chile. By law, all producers selling cattle or calves, for any reason and regardless of age or sex, must pay $1 per head to support beef promotion, research and information through the Beef Promotion and Research Act. Sometimes cattlemen become frustrated with how they feel their  money is invested but these checkoff dollars have been instrumental in creating demand for US beef in Chile. That’s important because Chile is considered one of this year’s fasted growing markets for beef exports especially when it comes to muscle cuts. So earlier this month a meat importer and the U.S. Embassy in Santiago teamed up to serve a wide range of beef entrees at one of Chiles award winning steak houses.  Apparently our grain fed beef is prized by chili’s discerning  consumers who are who relish our beef because it is more tender and flavorful. At this gala  they served up U.S. flank steaks, skirt steak, T-bone and short ribs .  So here you go, a  good example of  check-off dollars at work in a country that industry experts estimate will import  $20 million of US beef and beef variety meats annually! For more information regarding checkoff dollers visit  http://www.beefboard.org/about/faq_aboutwhopays.asp