Minnesota Keeps Current Beef Checkoff

By Scout Nelson

Minnesota beef producers have voted against a proposed increase to the state beef checkoff assessment following a statewide referendum managed by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). The proposal asked producers to approve a refundable 50-cent increase to the current beef checkoff fee collected during cattle sales.

The referendum results showed a very close decision among producers across the state. Officials reported that 380 eligible ballots opposed the proposal, while 377 ballots supported the increase. Because the proposal did not pass, the current beef checkoff assessment will remain at $1.00 per head at the time of sale.

The existing assessment continues to be divided equally between the Minnesota Beef Council and the Cattlemen’s Beef Board. These organizations use checkoff funds to support agricultural research, market development, producer education, and promotional programs connected to the beef industry.

The referendum process included several public hearings conducted during the winter of 2025 and 2026. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture coordinated the voting process with assistance from No Coast Workshop, a contracted ballot printing and processing company. A total of 3,477 ballots were mailed to eligible producers across the state during the referendum period.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture also oversees agricultural research and promotion of councils known as commodity councils. These groups collect checkoff fees from producers to help fund programs that support agricultural industries across Minnesota. The funding helps provide research projects, marketing activities, educational resources, and industry development programs for producers and agricultural businesses.

Officials explained that commodity councils continue to play an important role in strengthening agricultural markets and supporting producer education efforts throughout the state. The close referendum results reflected strong opinions from producers on both sides of the proposal.

With the referendum complete, the beef checkoff assessment will continue at its current level. Industry organizations will continue using the existing funding system to support research, education, and promotional activities connected to Minnesota’s beef industry.

Photo Credit: beef-checkoff