ABOUT MBIC


Michigan Beef Industry

The cattle industry is a significant agriculture industry for Michigan. During 2007, the Michigan cattle herd totaled 1.07 million head of which 106,000 were beef cows and 31,000 replacement heifers. Cattle on full feed for processing totaled 170,000 head according to Michigan's Agricultural Statistics Service.

Cattle are raised in every Michigan county on about 14,400 farming operations. Cattle and cash receipts for Michigan cattle totaled $295 million.  Since there are about 9.5 million consumers in the state, the industry meets about 33% of Michigan's demand for beef.

Michigan Beef Industry Commission

The Michigan Beef Industry Commission (MBIC) was created under Act 291 in 1972. The purpose of the Commission is to promote the sale of beef and beef products.

The Commission is governed by nine beef industry representatives appointed by the Governor. They include: two members engaged in the raising, breeding, or growing of cattle or calves for beef production; three members engaged in the feeding of cattle for beef production; one member engaged as a dairyman in the production of fluid milk; one member who is an executive of a meat packing company which purchases cattle and processes beef; one member engaged in the operation of a public livestock marketing firm; and one member engaged in retail sales of beef. In addition, three ex officio members representing the Michigan Department of Agriculture, the Michigan State University Animal Science Department and the Michigan Veal Committee are also seated on the MBIC Board.

Beef Promotion and Research Act

With the passage of the 1985 Farm Bill, the uniform $1 per head checkoff became effective and is assessed each time a beef, dairy or veal animal is sold.

By law, 50 cents of the dollar is remitted to the Beef Promotion and Research Board (Beef Board) in Denver. Since the MBIC meets the requirements necessary to be designated as a "Qualified State Beef Council" under the federal law, Michigan can govern the use of the remaining 50 cents according to the Federal Act and Order.

A portion of Michigan's checkoff dollars is contributed to the Checkoff Division of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA). The NCBA was created in 1996 by combining the National Cattlemen's Association and the Beef Industry Council of the National Live Stock and Meat Board. Michigan has a beef director and a veal director seated on this board.

Michigan's dollars are combined with 44 other state beef councils in order to fund research and develop promotion and education programs to be implemented in this state.

The MBIC has been successful in forming partnerships with for-profit companies and other state beef councils to help extend the checkoff dollars. In addition, the MBIC has received matching state grants for beef promotions.

Mission

The purpose of the Michigan Beef Industry Commission is to build the demand for beef and veal products, in order to increase the opportunity for all segments of the industry to earn an adequate return on investment.

The mission is accomplished in a variety of ways through four major function areas: Promotion, Consumer Information/Education, Industry Information and Research.

Function Areas

The Promotion area consists of print, television and radio advertising, as well as retail and foodservice promotions. In addition, the MBIC sponsors special promotional events.

The Consumer Information/Education function focuses on programs developed for thought leaders. This includes physicians, nurses, dietitians, nutritionists, educators, and media.

Industry Information is primarily the public relations area for the industry. Attention and resources have been focused on issues such as food safety, nutrition, animal welfare and the environment.

The Research function is best accomplished by combining the limited research dollars with other states in order to have a more effective program.

The Michigan Beef Industry Commission, the Beef Promotion and Research Board and the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, are all working together in a coordinated state/national effort to promote beef and veal products in order to hold market share and increase the demand for beef and veal so that producers receive a fair return on their investment.

MI Beef Industry Commission Board of Directors

Ex Officio

Staff

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Michigan Beef Industry Commission
2145 University Park Drive, Suite 300 Okemos, Michigan 48864
(517)347-0911 FAX: (517)347-0919
MIBeef@aol.com