Minnesota producers narrowly reject increase to beef checkoff

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Minnesota beef producers voted against a proposed refundable 50-cent increase to the state beef checkoff following a statewide referendum conducted by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

A total of 3,477 ballots were mailed to producers. Of eligible ballots submitted, there were 380 ballots opposed and 377 votes in favor. As a result, the current beef checkoff assessment will remain at $1 per head at the time of sale, split evenly between the Minnesota Beef Council and the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, according to a Department of Agriculture news release.

If the referendum had passed, producers would have paid $1.50 per head, but would have been able to request a refund of $0.50 per head if they chose.

It’s been more about 40 years since the last beef checkoff increase in Minnesota. That was in 1986 when all U.S. beef producers started paying $1 per head, according to Minnesota Beef Council Chief Executive Officer Kelly Schmidt.

Those pushing for the referendum to pass said the proposed increase would have funded additional beef production research, promotion and consumer activities within Minnesota.

The referendum process included public hearings held during the winter of 2025-2026 and was administered by the MDA in coordination with a contracted ballot printer and processor, No Coast Workshop.

The MDA provides administrative oversight and support for the state’s agricultural research and promotion councils, also known as commodity councils. These councils collect checkoff fees to support research, market development, promotion, and producer education for Minnesota agricultural commodities.

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