Checkoff News
The mission of the Beef Checkoff Program focuses on "improving producer profitability, expanding consumer demand for beef and strengthening beef's position in the marketplace." To accomplish this the checkoff acts as a catalyst for change and is designed to stimulate beef sales and consumption through the combination of initiatives, including consumer advertising, research, public relations and new product development.
Checkoff Update:
Checkoff dollars are invested in 6 programs areas:
- Promotion
- Includes advertising, merchandising, and new-product development, as well as training and promotional partnerships with restaurants and supermarkets that stimulate sales of beef products.
- Research
- Provides the foundation for virtually all checkoff-funded information and promotion projects by providing the science related to beef nutrition, beef safety and pathogen resistance. The checkoff also invests in quality enhancement and new-product opportunities, as well as analysis of consumer trends, perceptions, and concerns about beef and the beef community.
- Consumer information
- Helps enhance beef's image by sharing nutritional data and other positive messages with targeted news media, food editors, dietitians, physicians and other individuals and groups who influence consumer's food knowledge and choices.
- Industry information
- Strives for an accurate understanding of the beef industry and helps maintain a positive cattle-marketing climate. Also provides factual information to correct misleading or inaccurate publicity about beef safety and environmental and animal-welfare issues.
- Foreign marketing
- Identifies and develops international markets for U.S. beef and beef variety meats through programs aimed at expanding market penetration, gaining new market access, improving global consumer perceptions and building trust in U.S. beef.
- Producer communication
- Informs producers and importers about how their checkoff dollars are invested and communicates specific program results.
June 18, 2022
Iowa Triumphs 2022 Burger Battle
The “Tombstone” smashburger from The Flying Elbow swept the polls and took home the title of the Burger Battle Champion.
June 6, 2022
Iowa and New York Beef Councils Launch Burger Battle 2022
The Iowa Beef Industry Council and New York Beef Council are sending forth their state’s best burger to answer that exact question.
June 2, 2022
Producer-Funded Research Explores Hairy Heel Wart
Contact: Rex Hoppes , Executive Director, Iowa Beef Industry Council, 515-296-2305 Iowa beef producers voted to reinstate the $0.50 cent per head Iowa State Beef Checkoff following a referendum facilitated by the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association with collections beginning in...
May 2, 2022
The Flying Elbow Takes Down Iowa’s Best Burger Competitors
The Flying Elbow, an alternative sports bar, was six years in the making. It did not happen by chance; it is the result of pitfalls and perseverance. Now it’s been named Iowa’s Best Burger.
March 18, 2022
Top 10 Announced for Iowa’s Best Burger Contest
The results are in for the first phase of Iowa's Best Burger Contest and the 2022 Top Ten have been named.
March 7, 2022
Last Call to Vote for Iowa’s Best Burger Contest
The nomination period of Iowa's Best Burger Contest will close at 5PM on March 14.
February 24, 2022
Iowa Beef Producers Assume National Leadership Positions
Janine Moore of What Cheer was elected Region III Vice President of the Federation of State Beef Councils during the 2022 Cattle Industry Convention.
February 14, 2022
The Search Begins for Iowa’s Best Burger
Iowa’s beef producers are asking their fellow Iowans to help find Iowa’s Best Burger in 2022.
January 3, 2022
2021 Beef Quality Assurance Award Winners
Beef Quality Assurance continues to be an important pillar of checkoff programming and each year we strive to recognize outstanding individuals that exemplify the tenets of the program.
July 6, 2021
Summer Grilling Coloring Contest
Break out the crayons and colored pencils because Iowa Beef is having a coloring contest!
June 18, 2021
Make Father’s Day Sizzle with Beef on the Grill
Easy recipes help the whole family celebrate dad this year.
June 9, 2021
Savor the Sizzle of Summer Grilling Season
Nothing says summer quite like the smell and sound of real beef sizzling on the grill.
May 24, 2021
Iowa and New York Beef Councils Launch Best Burger Battle
And you thought this year’s Best Burger Contest was over! The New York Beef Council and Iowa Beef Industry Council are putting their state’s best burgers to the test in a battle for bragging rights of the ultimate best burger.
May 17, 2021
Future Nutrition Professionals Virtually Tour Arizona Beef Community
Nutrition advice, dietary recommendations, and serving suggestions are recommendations nutrition professionals will make in their career. Now, more than ever, those insights can be influenced by one’s knowledge of how food is grown and raised.
May 10, 2021
Beef 101 Workshop Held for DMACC Culinary Students
Culinary students from the Iowa Culinary Institute at Des Moines Area Community College learned first-hand about the beef industry at a Beef 101 educational workshop hosted by the Iowa Beef Industry Council on April 23, 2021.
May 3, 2021
Bambino's Named Iowa's Best Burger
The 2021 Iowa’s Best Burger has been named at Bambino's in Ossian, Iowa.
April 29, 2021
May is Beef Month in Iowa
May is Beef Month in Iowa, and the perfect opportunity to pay tribute to Iowa's hard-working farmers that are committed to providing high-quality, wholesome and nutritious beef for your families.
April 19, 2021
Beef Checkoff Hosts Nutrition Communications Workshop for Dietetic Graduate Students
The Iowa Beef Industry Council recently hosted a nutrition communications workshop for dietetic graduate students enrolled in the University of Iowa’s Master of Clinical Nutrition Program.
March 19, 2021
Top 10 Announced for Iowa's Best Burger Contest
Iowans submitted nominations between February 15 – March 15 to kick off the quest to find the best burger in Iowa. Nominations were accepted online by the Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association.
February 12, 2021
Search Begins for Iowa’s Best Burger
Iowa’s beef producers are asking their fellow Iowans to help find Iowa’s Best Burger in 2021.
February 8, 2021
Iowa Beef Sponsors the Beef. It's What's For Dinner 300
Support from the Iowa Beef Industry Council brings Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. to broadcast television in NASCAR’s season-opening race
December 21, 2020
Iowa Beef Recognizes BQA Award Recipients
Beef Quality Assurance continues to be an important pillar of checkoff programming and each year we strive to recognize outstanding individuals that exemplify the tenets of the program.
October 8, 2020
Best Beef Dish of DSM Restaurant Week 2020
Vino209 Wine Bar & Bistro claimed the title of "Best Beef Entrée of dsm Restaurant Week 2020" with their crowd-please Steak Roulade.
September 20, 2020
Iowa's Best Burger Named At The Twisted Tail
The 2020 Iowa’s Best Burger has been named at The Twisted Tail Steakhouse & Saloon in BeeBeeTown, Iowa.
August 26, 2020
Hot Beef Sundae Virtual Cooking Contest Results
The Iowa Beef Industry Council teamed up with the Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters to host a Hot Beef Sundae Virtual Cooking Contest for all ages.
July 21, 2020
Hot Beef Sundae Virtual Cooking Contest
This summer the Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters and Iowa Beef Industry Council are teaming up to host a Hot Beef Sundae Virtual Cooking Contest for all ages.
July 10, 2020
2020 Governor’s Charity Steer Show Comes to Iowa State University
For the first time in its 38 year history, the annual Governor’s Charity Steer Show (GCSS) will not be held at the Iowa State Fair. Due to the cancellation of this year’s fair, Iowa State University will host the event.
July 6, 2020
Iowa Beef Checkoff Partnered with New York Beef Council to Host Virtual Farm Tour
Iowa Beef Industry Council in partnership with New York Beef Council, live-streamed a virtual farm tour connecting consumers to a New York cow-calf operation and an Iowa feedlot.
June 30, 2020
"United We Steak" Encourages Iowans To Grab Their Favorite Beef Cut and Fire Up The Grill
Iowa Beef Council participates in new Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. grilling campaign celebrating America’s favorite protein pastime.
June 18, 2020
Beef Up Iowa Program Connects Beef Farmers With Food Insecure Iowans
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg and Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced the Beef Up Iowa program to connect Iowa beef producers with food insecure Iowans.
June 16, 2020
Iowa Beef Checkoff Directory Connects Consumers to Local Beef
Earlier this month the Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC) announced the launch of a local beef directory to connect farmers that sell beef with consumers who want to buy it.
June 2, 2020
Iowa Beef Checkoff Introduces Directory to Connect Beef Producer to Local Buyers
IBIC is excited to announce the launch of a local beef directory to connect beef producers with local buyers.
May 1, 2020
May is Beef Month in Iowa
May is Beef Month in Iowa, and the perfect opportunity to pay tribute to Iowa's hard-working farmers that are committed to providing high-quality, wholesome and nutritious beef for your families.
April 20, 2020
Five Affordable Beef Steaks and Roasts for Cheap Meals
Sometimes you just need a really good, budget-friendly meal that tastes better than something that comes from a box.
March 24, 2020
Rex Hoppes Named Iowa Beef Industry Council Executive Director
Van Meter Farmer, Businessman Has Broad Ag Background
March 19, 2020
Beef Up Your Immune System and Cooking Skills
While some of you may be stuck at home with the kids and frantically racking your brain for simple supper recipes, others may be looking for ways to boost your immune system with a nutritious and delicious meal. Either way, beef has you covered on both counts.
March 13, 2020
Top 10 Announced for Iowa’s Best Burger Contest
Iowa's Best Burger Contest announces the 2020 Top 10 Best Burgers.
March 2, 2020
Iowa's Best Burger: Less Than Two Weeks To Nominate
There are less than two weeks to nominate your favorite burger joint and it’s a close race to the finish line for several Iowa restaurants vying for this year’s title of Iowa’s Best Burger.
February 24, 2020
Two Iowa Beef Producers Secure National Beef Leadership Roles
Beef producers help guide Beef Checkoff spending through Federation, Operating Committee.
February 10, 2020
Search Begins for Iowa's Best Burger
The Best Burger Contest is not only a great way to celebrate Iowa’s 25,000 beef farmers, it’s also a great way to increase business for participating restaurants and draw visitors to Iowa communities.
December 18, 2019
2019 Beef Quality Assurance Award Winners
At the 2019 Iowa Cattle Industry Leadership Summit, the Iowa Beef Industry Council recognized Steve Rehder of 3-R Feedlots Inc., Bruce River, Katy Lippolis and Sheldon Livestock Sales Inc. for the 2019 Iowa Beef Quality Assurance Awards.
December 9, 2019
Statewide Chef Competition Showcases Beef and Soy Sharing the Plate
"We love the message combining beef and soy in a competition sends. There is room for both on the same plate, they are complements, not competitors."
November 26, 2019
Food Bloggers Learn To Prepare the Perfect Steak
Nine social influencers attended a “BEefTogether” Steak Night, thanks to a partnership between the New York and the Iowa Beef Industry Councils, funded by the Beef Checkoff.
November 21, 2019
Beef At Iowa Corn-Fed Food Blogger Tour
The Iowa Beef Industry Council partnered with the Iowa Corn Growers Association and the Iowa Pork Producers Association this fall for the 2019 Iowa Corn-Fed Food Blogger Tour.
November 19, 2019
Iowa Supports New Theater-Focused Beef Promotion Campaign This Holiday Season
The Beef Drool Log is a two-and-a-half-hour video featuring a Prime Rib Roast cooking on a rotisserie over an open flame. The video puts a tasty spin on the iconic Yule Log like only beef can.
November 5, 2019
Fuel for Performance | Sports Nutrition Videos
Ellen Davis, sports dietitian and RD, shares the important role protein plays before, during and after a workout or competition to improve athletic performance and enhance recovery.
October 31, 2019
Iowa Beef Backs New Consumer Campaign Shedding Light on Animal Care Standards
In Iowa and across the county, Beef Quality Assurance helps lead to safe, high-quality beef.
October 29, 2019
Iowa, Illinois Beef Councils Team Up for Fun and Fiery Chicago Gourmet Event
Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. was proud and prominent at the 12th annual Bon Appetit presents Chicago Gourmet “foodie” event Sept. 28.
September 17, 2019
With Help from Iowa, National Program Reaches Major Milestone
Masters of Beef Advocacy Celebrates 10 Years, 15,000 Graduates
September 12, 2019
Beef Resources for Family and Consumer Science Teacher Programs
120 Family and Consumer Science (FCS) teachers visited the Beef for Strength exhibit during the 2019 Iowa Family and Consumer Science Educators Conference held in Ames, Iowa on August 6, 2019.
August 21, 2019
Allison Named New Director of Industry Relations
The Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC) is excited to welcome Casey Allison of Nevada, Iowa as our new Director of Industry Relations.
August 20, 2019
IBIC Welcomes Accountant
The Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC) is excited to welcome Sharon Kline of State Center, Iowa as our new Accountant.
August 1, 2019
Iowa’s Best Burger at Iowa State Fair
The 2019 Iowa’s Best Burger will be featured during the upcoming Iowa State Fair at the Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters on Friday, August 9.
July 24, 2019
Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters Announces New Menu Item for 2019
The Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters at the Iowa State Fair announces a new menu item for 2019 – Ranch Hand Steak Salad.
July 2, 2019
Beef at Drake Road Race Recovery Zone
The Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC) provided beef jerky to 2,000 runners who competed in the 5K, 10K and half marathon at the Drake Relays Road Races held April 20th, in Des Moines, Iowa.
June 18, 2019
Stockmanship & Stewardship Event June 28-29 in Ames
Join us in Ames, IA for the Midwest Summer Stockmanship & Stewardship experience on June 28-29, 2019.
June 3, 2019
Serve up a Savory Steak this June
In honor of steak month, the Iowa Beef Industry Council is sharing tips on how to enjoy wholesome, nutritious and delicious beef meals on the grill all summer long.
May 21, 2019
The Beef Industry Behind the Auction Block
The Beef Checkoff Program releases the latest farmer profile video to show consumers how beef gets from pasture to plate.
April 25, 2019
Winners Selected in Beef Marketing Competition
The Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation has selected winners for High Steaks, their beef marketing competition.
April 23, 2019
Beef Checkoff Educates Health Professionals at Iowa Health Conferences
The Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC) attended two state-wide health conferences to educate influential health professionals on the positive benefits of beef and the importance of beef as a food for strength.
April 18, 2019
Hands-on Cattle Care Training is Coming to Iowa
Join us in Ames, IA for the Midwest Summer Stockmanship & Stewardship experience on June 28-29, 2019.
March 27, 2019
Beef Checkoff Hosts Dietitian Media Training Workshop
The Iowa Beef Industry Council provided media training workshops to twenty-two dietetic interns, students, and clinical dietitians at the University of Iowa on February 26 in Iowa City and at Iowa State University in Ames on February 27.
March 22, 2019
Beef Checkoff Engages Family Physicians in Pennsylvania
The national Beef Checkoff welcomed the opportunity to engage, on a local level, with the Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians.
March 19, 2019
Top 10 Announced for Iowa’s Best Burger Contest
Iowa's Best Burger Contest announces the 2019 Top 10 Best Burgers.
March 5, 2019
Virtual Reality Beef Ranch Tours Expand to Global Audiences
A look inside America’s beef farming and ranching industry is now available to new audiences with translated 360-degree virtual tours.
February 27, 2019
Less Than Two Weeks to Nominate Iowa’s Best Burger
There is still time to nominate your favorite burger for this year’s Iowa’s Best Burger Contest.
February 11, 2019
Search Begins For Iowa's Best Burger
Iowa’s beef producers are asking their fellow Iowans to help find Iowa’s Best Burger in 2019.
February 7, 2019
IBIC Welcomes Director of Marketing & Communications
The Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC) is excited to welcome Kylie Peterson, Ames, Iowa, as Director of Marketing & Communications
January 24, 2019
Beef Producers Elected to Oversee National & State Beef Checkoffs in Iowa
Beef producers from across Iowa elected, Dan Hanrahan and Corinne Rowe to serve as directors of the Executive Committee for Iowa Beef Industry Council.
January 7, 2019
IBIC Accepting Research Proposals
Beef farmers in Iowa are excited about the opportunity to release the 2018-19 call for research proposals funded by the $0.50-per-head Iowa State Beef Checkoff Program.
January 2, 2019
Japan & South Korea Equally Hungry for U.S. Beef
The Japanese market for U.S. beef continues as the number one export market for our products. South Korea is edging forward to compete for the same product currently the number two export market.
December 18, 2018
Kennedy, Peterson, Schwab win 2018 Iowa Beef Quality Assurance Awards
During the 2018 Iowa Cattle Industry Leadership Summit, the Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC) recognized Kennedy Cattle Company, Peterson Farms, and Denise Schwab for the 2018 Iowa Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Awards.
October 15, 2018
Beef. It's What's For Dinner. Debuts at Chicago Gourmet Food & Wine Event
Food and wine lovers from all over the city of Chicago and the suburbs came out of the woodwork by the thousands to attend the biggest high-end food and wine event of the year on September 28-30: Chicago Gourmet.