Understanding the Saskatchewan Cattle Check-off
A quick guide for producers, buyers and remitters
Check-off Rate
The cattle check-off collected on sales helps fund work that supports Saskatchewan producers and the broader Canadian beef industry.
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What it Funds
The $5.25 per head check-off is divided between provincial and national priorities.
National beef research and market development
$2.50 per head supports beef research, market development and promotion across Canada.
SCA advocacy & producer support
$2.75 per head supports SCA advocacy, research and work that serves Saskatchewan producers.
How the check-off works
The check-off moves from sale to investment in four steps.
Check-off deducted at sale
When cattle are sold, buyers, livestock dealers, agents and abattoirs generally deduct the check-off from the seller's sale proceeds.
Rate follows the seller's province
The applicable check-off rate is based on the seller's province of residence, not where the sale takes place.
Remitted to SCA by collector
The buyer or other collector remits the amount deducted to SCA, typically by the 25th day of the following month.
Invested provincially and nationally
The $5.25 check-off is divided between the $2.75 provincial portion and the $2.50 national portion to support Saskatchewan priorities plus national research, market development and promotion.
Remitters must report head counts by province of origin based on the seller’s address. Buyers must retain records showing the seller, head count, levy deducted, contract details, and transaction date, and may retain a $0.10-per-head collection fee when remitting the check-off to SCA. The $2.50 national portion is non-refundable once remitted. Livestock dealers and agents are exempt from the levy if they own feed cattle for seven days or less in the ordinary course of business.
Questions about check-off?
Contact SCA for forms, remittance instructions, and regulatory details.