Canadian Beef Check-Off Agency reports strong year at AGM

The Canadian Beef Check-Off Agency has wrapped up the 2024/25 fiscal year by reporting financial results, program highlights, and updates to its board and committees at its Annual General Meeting.

The Agency collected $18.7 million in national check-off revenue and $1.5 million in import levies. Funds were allocated to marketing through Canada Beef (55%), research via the Beef Cattle Research Council (27%), public and stakeholder engagement programs (4%), and support for provincial cattle associations (14%).

“The check-off system in Canada works because producers support it,” says Agency Chair Trevor Welch of Glassville, NB. “Your trust in the check-off is what allows us to keep building and delivering impact.”

General Manager Melinda German highlighted the Agency’s focus on transparency, accountability, and delivering value to the industry.

The 2025 $2,000 scholarship was awarded to Jenalee Stewart of Ponoka, AB. With over 20 applicants this year, the scholarship has quickly become one of the Agency’s most widely recognized communications initiatives.

The Agency announced its 2025/26 board members, including primary producers, representatives from the Canadian Meat Council, retail and foodservice, and I.E. Canada. The Executive Committee was confirmed as Trevor Welch (Chair), Sheila Hillmer (Vice Chair), Sylvain Bourque (Finance Chair), Craig McLaughlin (Governance Chair), and Jeff Cline (Marketing Committee Chair).

The Marketing Committee, which provides industry guidance to Canada Beef, includes elected and appointed representatives from across the value chain.

The Agency also thanked outgoing members Mary Paziuk and Mike Guest for their contributions. Paziuk represented Manitoba Beef Producers and advocated for producers nationwide, while Guest brought extensive marketing and processing experience to the committee.

The Canadian Beef Check-Off Agency’s 2024/25 Annual Report is available online.