The Idaho Beef Council (IBC) was created in 1967 by the Idaho legislature as a marketing organization for the Idaho beef industry, and to support a national beef marketing effort.  Specifically, the Idaho Beef Council seeks to identify opportunities and implement programs which enhance the attributes of beef and the beef industry as viewed by consumers.

An eight-member board of directors guides the Idaho Beef Council.  The Council consists of three cow-calf producers (one of which is a Cattlewoman representative), two feeders, two dairymen, and one auction market representative.  IBC board members are nominated by their respective organizations and appointed by the Governor for a three year term. 

Idaho Beef Council income is generated from the $1-per-head check-off collected on the sale of all bovine animals sold in Idaho.  Fifty cents of each dollar collected is forwarded directly to the national Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board (CBB).  In accordance with IBC state statute, at least 20% of the remaining in-state funds are expended to national beef promotion programs for use in promotion, research, and educational activities.  Currently IBC invests these funds in projects through the Federation of State Beef Councils and the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).  IBC board members, staff, and other Idaho cattlemen serve as directors and sit on committees of the Federation of State Beef Councils and the CBB to help shape national programs.  Click here to view the Idaho producers who are represented on these national committees.   

The Idaho Beef Council is one of 44 state beef councils organized to collect the federal beef check-off initiated on October 1, 1986.  On May 10, 1988, Idaho beef producers showed their support for the beef check-off by overwhelmingly approving the national referendum with an 87% approval rate. 

Each fiscal year, an annual report is produced to compile information for producers to see how their checkoff dollars are being spent in the state and on a national level.  Click here to read the current annual report.