Top Texas News Highlights New Leadership Role with the Texas Beef Council
Jan Elliott joins the Texas Beef Council board, bringing a wealth of ranching experience and community leadership to this vital producer-funded initiative. Her election for fiscal year 2026 marks a significant addition to the Texas Beef Council’s leadership. Elliott, a Uvalde rancher, hails from a multi-generational ranching family and has a deep understanding of the Texas cattle industry, demonstrating the importance of the Texas Beef Council.
Understanding the Texas Beef Council’s Mission and Texas Cattle Industry
The Texas Beef Council (TBC) is dedicated to guiding the state’s beef industry, contributing significantly to beef demand growth. It oversees critical programs designed to boost beef demand and ensure the sustainability of ranching operations. The Texas Beef Council board is comprised of 20 directors, each representing producers from across Texas. These dedicated leaders manage budgets and shape the marketing plans that support essential Beef Checkoff program initiatives. The fiscal year 2026 board, which commenced on October 1, held its inaugural meeting on November 20. Brandalyn Richards chairs the board, with Shannon Treichel serving as vice chairman and Pat Shields as immediate past chairman. Kara Dudley and Brian Malaer also hold key positions on the executive committee. The Texas Beef Council is committed to strengthening beef’s market position and expanding global markets, a testament to its proactive approach.
The Beef Checkoff: A Producer-Funded Initiative for Growth Supported by the Texas Beef Council
The Beef Checkoff program serves as the foundation for the Texas Beef Council’s operations, a system established by the 1985 Farm Bill. Producers contribute a $1 per head assessment on cattle sales, which also applies to imported beef. This producer-funded initiative allows Texas producers to fund both state and national efforts aimed at increasing beef demand. The Texas Beef Checkoff, a vital producer-funded initiative, collects this assessment at each ownership transfer point. These Checkoff dollars are strategically allocated to crucial areas such as research, education, and promotion, all with the clear goal of increasing beef demand. The Texas Beef Council works diligently to keep beef top-of-mind for consumers and to inform restaurants and retailers about beef’s benefits. It is important to note that Checkoff funds are strictly prohibited from being used for lobbying or influencing government policy. The program’s sole focus is to boost producer profits; it does not involve owning cattle or plants, nor does it control market prices, aligning with the core mission of the Texas Beef Council.
Jan Elliott: A Legacy of Ranching and Leadership with the Texas Beef Council
Jan Elliott, representing Texas CattleWomen, brings decades of ranching knowledge and deep roots in Uvalde to her role on the Texas Beef Council. Her family history spans five generations of ranchers, and she currently owns and operates El Bigote Cattle Co., LLC, and Alonzo Land Company, LLC. After transitioning a New Mexico ranch in 2000, Elliott now manages a cow/calf operation in Burnet County, Texas, with her son Stephen overseeing the day-to-day ranch management, showcasing practical ranching experience. Elliott’s extensive leadership includes heading South Texas CattleWomen, for which she received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021. Her community involvement is broad, with past board service including the National Ranching Heritage Center, High School BBQ, Inc., Hands, Head, Health, Inc., and The Sahawes, Inc. She also holds ties to San Antonio’s Briscoe Western Art Museum and received a Texas Heritage Award in 2023. Elliott’s profound ranching experience is an invaluable asset to the Texas Beef Council.
Board Responsibilities and Nomination Process within the Texas Beef Council
Directors serving on the Texas Beef Council board are nominated by industry groups from across the state. Typically, eighteen directors are nominated by nine specific organizations, with two directors elected at-large. The board’s primary responsibility is to oversee all Texas Beef Council activities, including the meticulous management of budgets and the strategic direction of marketing efforts, contributing to beef demand growth. Directors can serve up to six one-year terms, and their diverse backgrounds are crucial in ensuring that all voices within the beef supply chain are heard and considered. Decisions made by the Texas Beef Council board are aimed at benefiting the industry’s best interests, and Elliott’s election significantly enhances the board’s practical insight and leadership capacity within the Texas Beef Council.
Driving Beef Demand Forward with the Texas Beef Council
The Texas Beef Council is actively engaged in building beef-loving communities by connecting with consumers, chefs, and influencers. Demand-driving programs are central to their strategy, encompassing promotion, research, and education. Beef Loving Texans, their consumer brand, offers recipes and nutrition information, while educational resources are also provided to medical professionals to highlight beef’s health benefits. Sports nutrition resources are readily available for athletes, promoting beef demand growth. Elliott’s new role on the Texas Beef Council board will significantly support these vital efforts. Her profound ranching background offers practical insight, and her extensive leadership experience will help guide strategies to ensure beef remains a top protein choice. This news is generating considerable interest within agricultural leadership circles and the broader Texas cattle industry.
A Look Ahead for Texas Beef: The Impact of New Texas Beef Council Leadership
Jan Elliott’s appointment to the Texas Beef Council board represents a significant strengthening of the council’s leadership. Her expertise is poised to serve Texas producers exceptionally well as the Texas Beef Council board guides Checkoff-funded programs crucial for industry growth and building consumer trust in beef, while also highlighting sustainability efforts. The Texas beef industry is remarkably dynamic, and Elliott’s perspective will be incredibly valuable, contributing to the ongoing efforts to maintain beef’s strong market position. This development is a key highlight in Texas agricultural news, and the Texas Beef Council’s continued work benefits all stakeholders, ensuring a prosperous future and showcasing the industry’s unwavering dedication to beef demand growth.
