Absentee ballots are now available for Iowa cattle producers to vote in the upcoming state beef checkoff referendum. Iowa Cattlemen’s Association President Dr. Phil Reemtsma says producers can request an absentee ballot or vote in person on November 30.

Cattle producers can request an absentee ballot by calling the Iowa Department of Agriculture at 515-281-5321 or go to the website at IowaAgriculture.gov. Reetsma is encouraging all producers to vote, whether they’re in favor of the referendum or not.

He says if the referendum is approved the 50-cent per head state checkoff will be reinstated to help fund some important projects.

If the referendum passes, collections will begin March 1, 2017.