The Kansas Beef Council: Promoting the State's Beef Industry

The Kansas Beef Council: Promoting the State's Beef Industry

The state of Kansas has a long history of raising high-quality beef cattle, and the Kansas Beef Council has been instrumental in promoting this industry for nearly five decades. Formed in 1973 by the Kansas Livestock Association, the council is dedicated to beef promotion and is directed by a board of volunteer cattle producers from across the state.

One of the key ways in which the Kansas Beef Council supports the industry is through the national beef checkoff program. In 1988, a national referendum was passed requiring $1 to be collected on each head of cattle sold, commonly known as the $1 beef checkoff. Kansas collects approximately $10 million each year, with 85 cents of each dollar forwarded to the national level to fund programs nationwide. The remaining 15 cents is used by the Kansas Beef Council to promote beef locally.

The council uses checkoff funding to support various programs aimed at increasing demand for beef products. These include advertising, retail and foodservice promotions, research, public relations, education, food safety, producer communications, and nutrition initiatives. By investing in these areas, the Kansas Beef Council is able to reach a wide range of consumers and stakeholders and showcase the quality and benefits of beef products.

One of the unique features of the beef checkoff program is its accountability and transparency. All checkoff-funded programs are budgeted and evaluated by the Beef Board, an independent organization of 110 checkoff-paying volunteers. This ensures that the funds collected are used effectively and efficiently to promote beef and enhance the industry.

The Kansas Beef Council is also committed to supporting producers and ensuring that the checkoff program is fair and equitable. All producers and importers pay the same $1 per head, and one-half of the money collected by state beef councils is controlled by producers in the state. The council is also producer-led, with Beef Board members nominated by fellow state producers.

Through its efforts, the Kansas Beef Council has helped to make the state's beef industry one of the strongest and most successful in the country. By promoting beef products and supporting producers, the council is ensuring that the industry continues to thrive and contribute to the state's economy and way of life.

Scott Stebner
Executive Director
Program Areas: Administration, Advertising, Producer Communications, Kansas Beef Endurance Team, Consumer Communication

Abby Heidari, RDN, LD
Director of Nutrition
Program Areas: Nutrition Communication, Health Educators & Health Professionals

Grace Jacobson
Communications Coordinator
Program Areas: Producer and Consumer Communication

The Kansas Beef Council can be reached at (785) 273-5225. Please fill out the form below for all email inquiries.

Kansas Beef Council

6031 SW 37th Street    
Topeka, KS 66614    
Phone:  (785) 273-5225    
Fax: (785) 273-3399
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