North Dakota House Bill 1487 would reword language, making paying into the state Beef Checkoff voluntary. Independent Beef Association of North Dakota President Kerry Dockter, who ranches at Denhoff, says the proposal is tied to the refund process. “A lot them do not know it is available (the refund) to ask for that second dollar back. You have 60-days from the time the cattle are sold to request checkoff dollars back. If you miss that period, you’re out of luck.” Dockter adds the intent of this bill is to make paying into the state checkoff a simpler process. “My personal opinion is those checkoff dollars should be kept in the state to promote the beef that if born, raised and processed in North Dakota. Funnel that money into packing plants so people can get the good quality beef we all grew up on.” The bill has been referred to the Agriculture Committee, where a hearing is scheduled for Friday. Listen to the Red River Farm Network interview with Dockter.