Minnesota Beef Checkoff Fee Increase Proposed
Producers asked to request a ballot and vote in referendum

Minnesota beef producers will have the opportunity to vote on a proposed refundable increase of 50 cents per head to the state’s current beef checkoff. It’s been more than 30 years since the last checkoff increase, when the Federal checkoff was implemented for all U.S. beef producers at $1.00 per head. 

Currently, producers pay $1.00 per head at the time of sale, with funds split evenly between the Minnesota Beef Council and the Cattlemen’s Beef Board. If the referendum passes, producers will pay $1.50 per head but will be able to request a refund of $0.50 per head if they choose. The proposed increase would fund additional beef production research, promotion and consumer activities within Minnesota.

Dairy cows purchased by a producer for milk production are not subject to the checkoff. However, dairy cows and veal calves sold by a dairy producer for slaughter are subject to it. 

Producers who wish to participate in the referendum must be listed on the Minnesota Beef Council’s producer list. To be added to the list to receive a ballot, visit the Minnesota Beef Council website, email info@mnbeef.org, or call the Minnesota Beef Council office at 763-479-1011. 

Referendum timeline: 

• Dec. 5, 2025 – In-person hearing at the Minnesota Cattle Industry Convention & Trade Show at 10:30 a.m. Registration fee not required to attend the hearing.
• Jan. 14, 2026 – Virtual hearing at 7 p.m. Register now.
• Jan. 30, 2026 – Virtual hearing at noon Register now.
• Feb. 12, 2026 – Deadline to request a ballot
• March 30, 2026 – Referendum ballots mailed to producers
• April 20, 2026 – Ballots cast must be postmarked for return
• May 19, 2026 – Results of referendum released 

All hearings are open to the public and free of charge. 

We work with Minnesota’s 12 research and promotion councils (also known as commodity councils) to promote our state’s diverse agricultural sector. We also process checkoff refunds, conduct elections, and provide other administrative oversight to the councils. The councils reimburse us for these services.

All of the councils assess checkoff fees based on the sales of commodities (certain types of crops or livestock). They use these funds to expand markets, advocate for producers, and develop better methods of production and processing.

Elections

Every year, each council elects board members to manage the checkoff funds they receive. We hire and contract with an independent firm to conduct these elections. If you need a ballot, request one from the specific commodity council (listed below).

Checkoff refunds

Five of the councils allow farmers to request checkoff refunds. We process these requests for corn, dry beans, sunflowers, turkeys, and potatoes grown in Area Two. Go to the commodity checkoff fee refund page to learn more.

For all organic checkoff exemptions and questions, go to the USDA-Agricultural Marketing Service Organic Exemption Request page.

Minnesota Commodity Councils

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