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New mexico beef council collects $2 Per animal sold**

**The New Mexico Beef Council collects $1 per animal sold pursuant to the Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985, known as the Federal Beef Checkoff, and $1 per animal sold pursuant to the State Assessment as passed in 2019 with state law. The Federal Beef Checkoff is split between the Cattlemen's Beef Board ($0.50) and the New Mexico Beef Council ($0.50). Combining both the state and federal dollars, the New Mexico Beef Council works to increase and protect the demand for beef with promotion, research, advertising, education and more. 


Council Assessment

 Beef Council act 

 Beef Council General Provisions Rule, 21.25.1 NMAC 

 NM State Statue SB0193 

 Beef Council State Assessment Rule, 21.35.7 NMAC 

Beef Checkoff Act and Order

The Checkoff has significantly and positively altered the beef industry’s course, and has brought producers, industry organizations, and stakeholders together with a common purpose: driving demand for beef.

 Download Beef ORder (PDF) 

Frequently Asked Council Assessment Questions (state dollar)

  • Council Assessment funds support programs that promote beef, educate consumers and strengthen demand for beef in New Mexico. More information can be found here or by signing up for our monthly newsletter here.

    • Examples include: 
  • Consumer marketing, advertising, social media and digital campaigns promoting beef; 
  • Beef education programs for students, teachers and culinary professionals; 
  • Youth agricultural education and leadership programs, including Beef Academy and Youth Ranch Management Camp; 
  • Consumer outreach and beef promotions at community events, fairs and festivals throughout New Mexico;
  • Nutrition education and resources for healthcare professionals, registered dietitians and consumers; 
  • Beef safety, nutrition and other industry-supported research; 
  • Educational resources and training for chefs, retailers, foodservice professionals and culinary students;
  • Producer outreach and education about Beef Checkoff and Council Assessment programs; 
  • Partnerships and initiatives that connect consumers with New Mexico ranchers and the beef industry.
    • The Federal Beef Checkoff is a mandatory $1 per head assessment under federal law. Of that amount, $0.50 remains with the New Mexico Beef Council and $0.50 is forwarded to the Cattlemen's Beef Board. 
    • The New Mexico Council Assessment is an additional $1 per head that supports beef promotion, education and research in New Mexico. Producers may choose to opt out of the state assessment through the application process outlined below. 
    • Opting out of the Council Assessment does not exempt producers from the mandatory Federal Beef Checkoff.

    $1.00 per head of cattle that is involved in a transfer of ownership in New Mexico.

    The New Mexico Livestock Board Inspectors will collect the Council Assessment on behalf of the NMBC. These funds are collected as part of the transfer of ownership for each transaction that occurs in New Mexico.

    • Producers may request a refund of the New Mexico Council Assessment within 30 days of the date of sale by following these steps: 
      • Complete the online application request form at the bottom of this page. 
      • Select "Refund Application" and provide the requested information. 
      • Submit a copy of your sale receipt or other documentation showing payment of the New Mexico Council Assessment to NMBC. 
      • Provide the name and mailing address where the refund payment should be sent. 
    • Please note: Refund requests must be submitted within 30 days of the date of sale. 
    • Refunds apply only to the state Council Assessment ($1 per head), not the mandatory Federal Beef Checkoff. 
    • Each refund request applies to a specific transaction and does not exempt producers from future assessments. 
    • Refunds will be processed once the required documentation has been received and verified. 
    • For questions or assistance, contact the New Mexico Beef Council at 505-835-5510 or [email protected].
    • Producers may elect not to participate in the New Mexico Council Assessment through the following process: 
      • Complete the online application request form at the bottom of this page. 
      • Select "Opt-Out Application" or "Opt-Out Renewal" and provide the requested contact and brand information. 
      • A New Mexico Beef Council representative will contact you by phone to review your request and complete the opt-out process. 
      • Once your opt-out has been processed, you will receive an email confirmation for your records. 
      • Please note: A separate opt-out request is required for each brand the producer wishes to exempt from the Council Assessment or each brand number must be listed on the application. Opt-out requests apply to future transactions and are not retroactive. 
      • Opt-out status is valid for three years and must be renewed upon expiration. 
      • Producers who opt out of the Council Assessment are still responsible for paying the mandatory Federal Beef Checkoff. For questions or assistance, contact the New Mexico Beef Council at 505-835-5510 or [email protected].
    • Producers who wish to resume participating in the Council Assessment may contact the New Mexico Beef Council at 505-835-5510 or [email protected]. 
    • You may also select "Opt-In Form" on the online application request form below. 
    • Opt-out status automatically expires after three years unless renewed so at the end of the three years if no action is taken you have opted back in.
    • No. Opt-out status is valid for three years from the effective date and must be renewed to remain active. 
    • Opt-out status does not run concurrently with New Mexico Livestock Board Master Brand registration. 
    • Producers are responsible for tracking their expiration date and submitting a renewal request before their opt-out expires. 
    • The mandatory Federal Beef Checkoff remains applicable regardless of Council Assessment opt-out status.