A cow in rural Washington County. Photo by Sally Y. Hart

Today Iowa’s cattlemen can vote at their local county extension offices as to if they want the Iowa Beef Checkoff reinstated or not. In order to vote, an individual must have owned or acquired cattle during the past year and verification is required on ballots. All Iowa State University County Extension offices are polling locations today from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

If passed, the referendum would re-instate a 50-cent per head Iowa Beef Checkoff, meaning 50 cents would be assessed on every head of cattle sold in Iowa. The seller will pay the fee, which will be used by the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association for marketing and promoting Iowa’s beef and beef products, as well as production research, educational opportunities and expanding international trade relationships.