The head of the national beef checkoff provided an update on beef checkoff programs amid COVID and the role of the checkoff to South Dakota Beef Industry Council members yesterday at their February meeting. Greg Hanes, CEO of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, says beef demand remained strong during the pandemic, despite the shift in the meat supply chain from restaurant and food service to retail.

During the pandemic he says more families have been cooking beef at home and trying new cuts which is positive long term. The Cattlemen’s Beef Board also had to pivot with promotions and advertising.

Hanes also addressed concerns about checkoff dollars being used to support the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. He says legally that is not the case. NCBA is a contractor, but on research and other projects and is audited by USDA to make sure no dollars are being used for policy.

And Hanes also says the claims that checkoff dollars are being used to promote imported beef are incorrect.

Hanes spoke at the South Dakota Beef Industry Council’s February meeting in Ft. Pierre.