KBC Uses Beef Certificate Program To Help Build Demand

Apr 17, 2025

The Beef Certificate Program (BCP), funded by the checkoff, is making a lasting impact on the next generation of consumers by engaging middle and high school students across the state. Through partnerships with family and consumer sciences (FCS) and ProStart programs, BCP provides funding for beef used in cooking classes and food labs—empowering more than 22,000 students last year to develop practical skills while exploring beef’s role in a nutritious diet.

A highlight of this year’s efforts was the Kansas ProStart Invitational held in Wichita March 3-4. This statewide culinary competition challenged high school teams to apply their classroom knowledge in a real-world setting. Maize Career Academy earned the coveted “Best Beef” award, sponsored by Kansas producers through the beef checkoff. Throughout the event, Kansas Beef Council (KBC) educational resources reinforced beef’s important role in culinary education. BCP resources also took center stage at the Kansas High School BBQ Competition, where 10 high school teams showcased their beef expertise across categories such as ribeye and brisket.

Beyond cooking competitions, BCP enriches classroom learning with more than 10 standards-based lesson plans that cover beef’s nutritional benefits, culinary versatility and sustainable production practices. Recently introduced Beef Sustainability Readers, tailored for STEM classes, align with Next Generation Science Standards and encourage critical thinking about food systems and environmental impact. These resources also offer cross-curricular opportunities for FCS classes, further extending beef’s reach in the classroom.

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Video: You Be The Judge: Evaluating 8 Breeding Rams!

It's time for some honest feedback here at Ewetopia Farms! Today, we’re showing you all eight rams we used for breeding this year. Instead of just presenting them, we thought it would be fun to create a “Ram Report Card” — where we point out both their strengths and areas for improvement.

But here’s the twist: you be the judge! In the comments, let us know what you like about each ram and what you think could be improved. No ram is ever perfect, but every one of them brings something valuable to the flock. By sharing perspectives, we all learn more about what to look for in good breeding stock.

At Ewetopia Farms, we raise registered Suffolk and Polled Dorset sheep, focusing on high-quality genetics, structure, and friendly temperaments. Evaluating breeding rams is part of the bigger picture of building stronger flocks — and we’re excited to share the process with you.

If you enjoy seeing how we evaluate our animals, follow along by subscribing to our channel. We share daily insights into the joys and challenges of sheep farming here in Canada.