The beef checkoff is known for meat quality studies, including research on tenderness and marbling. North Dakota Beef Commission secretary/treasurer Travis Maddock, who owns Dakota Global Consulting, says the research is now focusing on the healthfulness and wholesomeness of beef. “Our priorities are on how we should fund research about the role of beef and animal proteins and beef fat in the diet and how it affects cognitive ability. We’re also looking at food safety and making sure that the beef produced in the U.S. is the safest in the world.” Maddock emphasizes the grassroots decision-making process for the beef checkoff investment. “The checkoff is comprised by 200 producers sitting around the table to determine if this is a good fiduciary use of those dollars.”
