The close vote leaves the current Minnesota beef checkoff rate as is

MAPLE PLAINS, MN – 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. But several ranchers at the hearings expressed frustration with the refund process, calling it an “administrative hurdle” designed to discourage them from getting their money back. As one producer put it, “If it’s truly our money, we shouldn’t have to fill out a form to keep it.”

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.

In addition to the national critiques from organizations like R-CALF USA, many Minnesota ranchers expressed local concerns during the public hearings held throughout the winter of 2025–2026. The razor-thin margin of just three votes reflects a deeply divided community where the “no” votes were driven by immediate economic pressures and skepticism over the return on investment.

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 was administered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture in coordination with a contracted ballot printer and processor, No Coast Workshop.

While the federal rate requires an act of Congress to change, individual states can establish their own “secondary” state checkoffs through producer referendums. Other state beef councils have navigated similar elections or established additional assessments to bolster local research and promotion. Unlike the federal $1, which is split 50/50 between the state and the national Cattlemen’s Beef Board, the full amount of an increase stays 100% within the state.

Ohio: Currently assesses a $2 total checkoff ($1 federal + $1 state). The Ohio Beef Council uses the additional state-specific funds for local marketing, such as the “Eat Beef Ohio” digital passport and partnerships with collegiate athletics. 

Texas: Texas producers approved a $1 state-level checkoff in 2014, making the total assessment $2 per head. Like the Minnesota proposal, the Texas state dollar is refundable upon request, though it is mandatory at the point of sale. 

Kentucky: One of the earliest to implement an additional fee, Kentucky has a $1 state checkoff (making a $2 total) that is used extensively for youth education and local “Kentucky Proud” beef promotion.

Mississippi: Producers here also approved an additional $1 state assessment. These funds are managed by the Mississippi Beef Council to specifically target regional consumer trends that differ from national campaigns.