A petition drive has been launched by a coalition of cattle groups calling for a referendum to be held on the national beef checkoff. South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association supports the checkoff program. Executive Director Jodie Anderson is disappointed this effort is moving forward and that it’s happening at a bad time when the industry has been struggling in battling price and pandemic issues.

She says the major effort behind this drive comes in South Dakota which is also disappointing as the beef checkoff has strong national support.

Anderson is hoping if producers are forced to vote on the beef checkoff will vote in favor of it. She says however, having the vote done electronically likely will help the opponents.

The petition drive is being conducted now until July 1, 2021 with close to 89,000 signatures needed in order to force a referendum.

A petition drive has been launched by a coalition of cattle groups calling for a referendum to be held on the national beef checkoff. South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association supports the checkoff program. Executive Director Jodie Anderson is disappointed this effort is moving forward and that it’s happening at a bad time when the industry has been struggling in battling price and pandemic issues. T Cut 17 Anderson Cwcod q. real issues that need to be addressed…:31 Seconds She says the major effort behind this drive comes in South Dakota which is also disappointing as the beef checkoff has strong national support. T Cut 18 Anderson Msbco q. this is primarily a South Dakota issue…:29 Seconds Anderson is hoping if producers are forced to vote on the beef checkoff will vote in favor of it. She says however, having the vote done electronically likely will help the opponents. T Cut 19 Anderson Evmho q. need and haven’t had reliable access to..:30 Seconds The petition drive is being conducted now until July 1, 2021 with close to 89,000 signatures needed in order to force a referendum.