Questions About the Checkoff

What Beef, Dairy and Veal Producers Need to Know

Q. Who pays the checkoff dollar?

A. All beef, dairy and veal producers. Any producer selling cattle must pay the dollar.

Q. Isn't the dollar collected only when cattle are sold for slaughter?

A. No. The $1.00-per-head checkoff is due each time an animal is sold, regardless of its age or purpose. This means feeder cattle and stockers, as well as fed cattle, are subject to the checkoff. Breeding stock and dairy cows sold into other herds, whether privately or at auction, are also subject to the checkoff. An animal will probably be checked-off more than once during its lifetime.

Q. Is anyone exempt from paying the checkoff?

A. No. As of October 1, 1996, as stated in the Beef Promotion and Research Act and Order, anyone selling cattle and calves is required by federal law to remit the dollar checkoff. Special allowances are made for buyers who resell cattle no more than 10 days after purchasing them. In these cases, a "Certification of Non-Producer Status" form must be filed for each transaction.

Q. How do I remit checkoff dollars, and when is payment due?

A. Check with your state beef council for a private treaty form or e-mail us for specific information. Your state beef council also provides "Collection Points" with remittance forms used to keep track of checkoff dollars and cattle transactions. Collection Points include auction markets, order buyers, livestock dealers and packers. Remittance forms and payments are due by the 15th day of the month following the transaction.

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Michigan Beef Industry Commission
2145 University Park Drive, suite 300
Okemos, Michigan 48864
(517) 347-0911 FAX: (517) 347-0919
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