Iowa cattle producers have sent a petition to the state ag department calling for a vote to create a state checkoff program. Producers would pay 50-cents per head of cattle under the proposal, which would generate up to $1.6 million annually.

Iowa Cattlemen’s Association President Dr. Phil Reemtsma says the 600 signatures are being verified. They will know soon if the referendum has been authorized for a vote which would take place November 30.

If the referendum passes, the fund would be administered by the Iowa Beef Industry Council. He says there are five priority areas for the state checkoff.

Reemtsma says if cattlemen vote to support the state checkoff, the assessment will begin in March of next year.

The Iowa beef checkoff will be mandatory, but refunds will be available to interested producers. Iowa’s nearly 27,000 cattle producers already pay $1 a head to support a national beef checkoff.