Mission Statement
The Iowa Beef Industry Council is dedicated to expanding consumer demand for beef, strengthening beef’s position in the global marketplace and improving producer profitability.
Approved July 8, 2021
About the Iowa Beef Industry Council
The Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC) is an organization working for Iowa beef producers in areas of education, promotion, and research. The IBIC is a Qualified State Beef Council and a member of the Federation of State Beef Councils.
Checkoff Programs
The IBIC administers two checkoff programs:
The National Beef Checkoff Program is funded by $1.00 per head collected on all Iowa cattle when sold. Congress established it with the 1985 Farm Bill, and producers made it mandatory in 1988. The program is overseen by the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board (Cattlemen's Beef Board or CBB) and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Fifty cents of each dollar goes to the Cattlemen's Beef Board; the remaining funds are allocated for state and national beef promotion efforts by the IBIC Board of Directors.
The Iowa State Beef Checkoff Program is funded by $0.50 per head on all cattle old in Iowa and all Iowa-origin cattle old elsewhere. It began March 1, 2017, under Iowa law Chapter 181.
The IBIC office is located in Ames, Iowa.
Board Structure
The State Checkoff Board consists of:
- Five elected cattle producers (eligible for two 3-year terms)
- Five statutory members representing:
- Iowa Secretary of Agriculture
- Iowa State University Dean of Agriculture
- Iowa Livestock Auction Markets
- Two representatives from the Iowa Cattlemen's Association
The National Beef Checkoff Board consists of the same members, plus:
- Seven producers
appointed by the Nominating Committee for one-year terms
- Up to five seats for Federation of State Beef Council representatives. These seats are ex-officio, with voting privileges.
What Checkoff Funds Support
What Checkoff Funds Cannot Support
By law, our checkoff funds cannot be used to influence government policy or action, including lobbying.
Meet the Board of Directors
The Iowa Beef Industry Council Board of Directors is comprised of dedicated volunteer leaders from Iowa's cattle farming and ranching community. Together, they guide the strategic direction of the council's education, promotion, and community engagement efforts. The board works to demonstrate the value of Iowa's beef industry while showcasing beef as a nutritious, delicious, and vital part of healthy diets and strong communities.
Meet the Staff
The Iowa Beef Council staff proudly serves Iowa cattle farmers and ranchers through education, promotion and community engagement to demonstrate the value of the beef industry in Iowa. We also engage in activities that demonstrate that not only is beef delicious, but it's also a powerful ally in building healthy bodies, thriving communities and a strong economy for Iowa.
Annual Report
Your checkoff dollars work hard for you. Iowa Beef’s Annual Report shows exactly how producer investments are driving demand, strengthening trust, and supporting the long-term success of Iowa’s beef community.
Beef Certifications:
To purchase beef certificates call 515-296-2305 or email [email protected].
Economic Importance of Iowa's Beef Industry
Iowa State University partnered with the Iowa Beef Industry Council, through the $0.50 per head Iowa State Beef Checkoff, to conduct an economic contribution study of the Iowa beef industry. The study is important to the state’s beef industry to further understand the economic importance and value added opportunities. The study included four main components: highlights the current state of the beef industry in Iowa as it relates to production, marketing trends, and economic activity generated through each sector of the industry; estimates the total economic contribution of beef cattle production in Iowa; estimates the total economic contribution of the cattle slaughter and beef processing sector in Iowa; and identifies opportunities for beef industry growth in Iowa. Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Corn, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, and Iowa Area Development Group.
For example: In 2016, Iowa’s beef industry generated an estimated $6.30 billion of economic activity within the state and supported an estimated 32,317 jobs (19,528 direct and 12,789 indirect). Animal agriculture continues to be a valuable asset for jobs that ultimately grow communities.