National Check-off

The Canadian Beef Check-Off Agency administers the Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off; a mandatory levy collected on cattle sales throughout Canada to fund research and marketing activities on behalf of the entire industry. It is collected from cattle producers when they market their cattle by provincial organizations, using their existing collection systems involving auction markets, order buyers, brand inspectors and others who handle cattle sales.

The goal of the Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off is twofold – to increase sales of domestic and export beef and to find better and more efficient methods of producing beef and beef cattle. The Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off generates $7.5 million* annually on average, and is a critical source of revenue to fund initiatives that will advance the industry and build strong markets for Canadian cattle and beef.

While the Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off provides the core industry funding for research and marketing programs, it does not fully cover the costs of all programs and activities. Supplementary funding is available through government programs, and is obtained by leveraging the Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off through the investments into research, market development and promotion.