State beef council representatives from 31 states, including the Wisconsin Beef Council, attended the Partnerships in Action (PIA) conference Oct. 18-20 near Denver to learn about national Beef Checkoff programs and discuss ways those efforts could be expanded in Wisconsin and across the country.
More than 70 state staff attended the event, which was held in the offices of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), a contractor to the Beef Checkoff. Attending from the Wisconsin Beef Council were Executive Director Tammy Vaassen, Director of Marketing Angie Horkan, Director of Communications and Outreach Kaitlyn Riley, and Consulting Dietitian Sarah Agena.
Topics of discussion over the three days included fiscal year 2022 program strategy, current consumer trends and preferences, and an overview of upcoming Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. promotions. Attendees also heard updates about nutrition programs, the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program as well as e-commerce and influencer activities.
“PIA provides a great opportunity for state staff to network and learn how national programs can be implemented at the state level,” said Vaassen. “In addition, we’re able to share the unique programs we’re implementing in Wisconsin and gain ideas and inspiration for new activities from other states.”
The PIA conference is Checkoff-funded and coordinated by the Federation of State Beef Councils, which is supported by, and provides support to, state beef councils across the country including the Wisconsin Beef Council. The Federation was established in 1963 by grassroots producers nationwide as a more concerted and focused effort to conduct national beef research and promotion programs.
For more information about Beef Checkoff efforts, visit beeftips.com/cattlemens-corner.
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