The Cattlemen's Beef Board (CBB) will invest approximately $38.1 million in fiscal year 2026 to fund 14 approved proposals supporting beef promotion, research, education, foreign marketing, and communications. These efforts are essential to sustaining consumer demand and reinforcing the economic viability of U.S. beef producers.

Meeting in Denver, Colorado, on September 3-4, the Beef Promotion Operating Committee (BPOC) approved funding from the Beef Checkoff for projects beginning October 1, 2025. The BPOC, composed of 20 members split between CBB appointees and representatives from the Federation of State Beef Councils, evaluated proposals totaling $49 million-nearly $11 million more than the available budget.

"We had to make difficult decisions given the strength and creativity of the proposals submitted," said Ryan Moorhouse, chair of the CBB and BPOC. "Our priority was to fund the most impactful programs that align with Checkoff goals and deliver measurable value to U.S. producers."

Nine contractors and three subcontractors received funding, including the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA), United States Meat Export Federation (USMEF), and American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture. Fund allocations include:

• NCBA: $25.1 million

• USMEF: $7.9 million

• CBB: $1.8 million

• American Farm Bureau Foundation: $705,000

• Other partners: $2.6 million combined

Budget Highlights by Category:

• Promotion Programs ($9.24M): National campaigns emphasizing beef's nutritional benefits, flavor, and convenience.

• Research Initiatives ($9.3M): Focused on beef safety, sustainability, product quality, and consumer perception.

• Consumer Information ($7.71M): PR and educational efforts, including school curriculum and influencer outreach.

• Industry Information ($2.21M): Countering misinformation and advancing beef advocacy and antibiotic education.

• Foreign Marketing ($7.9M): Promoting U.S. beef in 13 global regions, spanning over 90 countries.

• Producer Communications ($1.8M): Outreach and reporting to stakeholders, with digital content strategy and feedback loops.

Additional expenses include oversight, litigation support, evaluation, and Checkoff education, bringing the total FY26 budget to $42.4 million, a modest increase of 1% over FY25.

The funding remains subject to final USDA approval, ensuring compliance with the Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985.