Iowa Cattlemen’s Association members have approved a $.50 per head state beef checkoff. Association President Dr. Phil Reemtsma says he’s pleased by the 54-percent approval rate.

Collections will begin in March of next year. He says the funding provided by the checkoff will go towards priority areas set by Association members who were surveyed on how they want the additional funding spent.

Reemtsma says long term the state checkoff dollars should help keep producers in business and weather the tough economic times they’ve been facing lately.

The state beef checkoff is mandatory, but producers can request a refund. It will be administered by the 10 member executive committee who serve on the board of directors of the Iowa Beef Industry Council.