Beef Checkoff Vote Hearing Set

By Scout Nelson

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will host the third and final Beef Checkoff Referendum Hearing on Friday, January 30, 2026. The hearing will run from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. and is open to the public at no cost.

This hearing is part of a statewide process leading up to a 2026 vote by Minnesota beef producers on a proposed refundable increase to the current state beef checkoff. The proposed change aims to provide additional funding for beef production, research promotion efforts, and consumer education activities within Minnesota.

The January 30 session is the last opportunity for producers and interested individuals to learn about the details of the proposal before voting takes place. During the hearing, participants will receive information about how the checkoff works, how the refundable increase would be structured, and how funds could be used to support the state's beef industry.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is serving as the sponsor of the hearing. Organizers encourage anyone with an interest in beef research promotion or consumer outreach to attend. These hearings are designed to ensure transparency and provide clear information so producers can make informed decisions.

In addition to the hearing, Minnesota beef producers who wish to vote in the referendum must request an official ballot. Interested producers must contact the Minnesota Beef Council by February 12 2026 to be added to the ballot mailing list.

Additional details about this hearing and other commodity research and promotion hearings are available through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Information can be found on the Commodity Research and Promotion Councils page which outlines upcoming hearings and voting requirements.

To register for the January 30 Beef Checkoff Hearing and access official information please visit
https://www.mda.state.mn.us/

This hearing plays an important role in shaping future investment in Minnesota’s beef sector by allowing producers to understand the proposal and prepare for the upcoming vote.

Photo Credit: beef-checkoff