Minnesota cattle producers narrowly rejected a proposed refundable 50-cent increase to the state beef checkoff assessment. The measure failed by just three votes statewide. Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association President Jake Thompson said he was disappointed with the outcome, noting the checkoff program plays a critical role in beef promotion and market development. “I thought that was communicated fairly well,” said Thompson. “If there was any time within the beef industry to make that extra investment, maybe right now would be a great time, apparently, the people who voted just thought a little differently.” The current state beef checkoff remains at $1 per head. That rate hasn’t changed since its inception in 1986.
