State Beef Checkoff Vote Passes in Iowa
A majority of cattle producers in Iowa voted to reinstate a $0.50 per head checkoff.
On Nov. 30, a referendum vote was held with 56% of cattlemen voting in favor of the checkoff, according to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. The Department of Ag still has to certify the results by Dec. 30.
“We look forward to the opportunity with additional funding to build beef demand both domestically and globally. We work on behalf of Iowa’s cattle producers for the long-term sustained growth of the Iowa beef industry,” says Scott Heater, Chairman of the Iowa Beef Industry Council.
State checkoff funds can be used for the following:
- Marketing & promoting Iowa’s beef and beef products
- Enhancing Iowa’s beef industry image
- Production research
- Expanding international trade relationships
- Providing producer, consumer, and youth educational opportunities
Iowa’s checkoff is mandatory, but producers can get refunds if they send in a request. The federal $1 per head beef checkoff is not impacted by this program.
“We are very pleased with the results of the referendum. Reinstating our state checkoff has been a priority mission for the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association over the last year and we've been encouraged at each step in the process by the input and support of producers around the state,” says Phil Reemtsma, veterinarian and president of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association.
Collection of the checkoff begins on March 1, 2017.
