For more than 60 years, grassroots producer engagement has driven the demand for beef through the Federation of State Beef Councils. States voluntarily invest in the Federation to build beef demand by inspiring, unifying and supporting an effective and coordinated state and national Checkoff partnership. Ultimately, it is cattle producers from coast to coast who direct the Federation’s work, and we celebrate their dedication. These are the “Faces of the Federation.” 

Nathan Martin, Federation Director

Martin Angus, Centralia, Missouri

Located in northeast Missouri, Martin Angus is a family-run seedstock Angus and diversified crops operation with a 200-head cow herd. Nathan Martin, a fourth-generation cattleman, has spent the last decade helping to direct the work of the beef industry as a Federation director and Checkoff committee member representing the Missouri Beef Industry Council. His commitment to educating fellow producers and encouraging others to serve is moving the industry forward. 

How does the Federation of State Beef Councils impact the beef industry?

Volunteer leaders help direct the funds, and that is a role that I've embraced. I think it's important in the beef industry that we're grassroots. We're managed and operated by actual producers. We decide where the money goes and how it's spent and debate those issues and we try to do our best to use funds wisely. When it comes to volunteer leadership, producers may worry about the time it takes away from their operations, but I think once you make the commitment, you realize the importance and how much impact you actually can have. 

The Federation also gives cattle producers a national voice. Being from Missouri, I might know our state’s needs and how to promote and market beef in Missouri but there are a lot of differences across our great country. I think as we pool our funds we can make an impact on a much broader area of the country. We are reaching consumers in urban areas and in states where there may be few cattle, but a large population. The Federation gives us a much more national imprint. 

What are some of the benefits of investing in the Federation?

The collaborative effort of working with the Federation is more important than ever because even though available funding is less than what it was years ago, we still have a positive effect with those limited resources. Pooling dollars allows us to stretch those funds a little further. 

One of the Checkoff-funded and Federation supported programs that's had great value for Missouri is Beef Quality Assurance (BQA), which provides training to producers. I think it's vital as we continue down this road. Consumers want to know that they can trust the product, that it's safe and it's raised right, and those are mechanisms that are positive for demand.

Why do you think the Federation continues to be vital?
The Federation continues to be vital today as the overall goal is to drive and improve demand for beef. It's a never-ending job. We have lots of competing forces that tell us otherwise, but we know that we have a safe, nutritious product, and we must continue to promote that and educate the consumers. They are in the driver's seat of the industry, and we need to follow what their desires are. 

What is the most important message you’d like to share about the Federation?

I want to reassure producers that in my experience of working with the Federation, the staff is very dedicated, very committed and focused on driving beef demand. We can be proud of the staff we have, and I think they're doing an excellent job. 

What I appreciate the most about the Federation is the connections with the great people in the beef industry, and I admire their dedication and commitment. We're all about doing the very best job we can, and the consumers hopefully understand that. But it's a great industry with great people. God has given us the ability to raise cattle and there's nothing better than that. 

Watch the Faces of the Federation series on Cattlemen to Cattlemen here.