The Beef Checkoff programs are mandatory payments of $2-per-head, $1 National Checkoff and the $1 North Dakota State Checkoff, every time cattle are sold in or from the state of North Dakota. The funds are used for beef promotion, marketing, research and consumer education for beef and beef products. The money can be used in North Dakota, the U.S. and/or internationally. The federal act and order does not allow national checkoff funds to be used for the purpose of influencing governmental action or policy. The North Dakota State Checkoff is refundable.