Contribution rates vary throughout the different checkoffs, but they are always based on a percentage of net sales or assessed at a set rate per production unit. Each checkoff program participant contributes at the same rate, no matter where his or her operation is located. The Board retains control of 50 cents of every dollar and 50 cents is submitted to the National Beef Board. The DBAB will conduct and implement programs within the state that are consistent with the Beef Promotion and Research Act. The fundamental goal of every checkoff program is to increase commodity demand, thereby increasing the potential long-term economic growth of all sectors of the industry.
Consumers benefit from checkoffs in two ways.
First, product information is made available to help make informed choices and secondly, research is on going to create new and improved products that meet consumer quality, safety and nutritional expectations. The industry s advertising campaign provides the consumer with information on the importance of beef in a healthy diet. Checkoff dollars are used to promote and increase the export of beef. Primary markets for beef are Japan, Canada, Mexico and South Korea. Research funded by Checkoff dollars have recently reported that lean beef helps to lower bad cholesterol levels which may reduce the risk of heart disease.