The Georgia Beef Board is helping producers better understand how the federal beef checkoff program differs from Georgia’s state-level checkoff—and why both play an important role in supporting the beef industry. While many cattle producers are familiar with the long-standing federal program, fewer may realize how the state checkoff provides added flexibility and producer-driven impact closer to home.
We caught up with Wyatt Doolittle with the Georgia Beef Board to learn more about how the two programs work together to strengthen Georgia’s beef community.
“Most producers are familiar with the federal beef checkoff, that $1 per head that supports national promotion, consumer education and research.
But it’s important to know that there are limits on how those federal checkoff dollars can be used. So that’s where those state beef checkoff dollars approved through the referendum come That referendum allows producers to decide whether to invest additional producer-controlled funds into projects designed specifically for them. And so these dollars stay closer to home and can be used for efforts that federal checkoffs simply can’t touch.”
The federal beef checkoff focuses on nationwide initiatives such as advertising campaigns, nutrition research, and consumer education. However, by law, those funds cannot be used for certain state-specific needs. Georgia’s state beef checkoff, approved through a producer referendum, fills those gaps by allowing investments in projects tailored to local challenges and opportunities.
“State checkoff dollars can also help fund data collection, market analysis and producer outreach, ensuring that our cattlemen and women have timely and practical information to make informed business decisions.”
These state-level funds allow Georgia producers to access localized research, market insights, and educational outreach that directly impact their operations. From understanding market trends to improving herd management strategies, the state checkoff supports practical decision-making.
Another key distinction is oversight.
“Most importantly, these funds are overseen by producers for producers through that ACC council. Decisions are made locally with accountability and transparency to ensure that that investment delivers real value back to the beef community.”
The Georgia Beef Board emphasizes that the state checkoff is not intended to replace the federal program.
“The beef referendum isn’t about replacing the federal checkoff. It’s designed to complement it, filling the gaps and giving producers a stronger voice in how their dollars are used.”
Together, the federal and Georgia state beef checkoff programs provide a comprehensive approach—supporting both national promotion and local, producer-driven priorities that help ensure a strong future for Georgia’s beef industry.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.