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Beef Checkoff referendum in Minnesota could double in‑state funding for producer‑driven programs

Cattle producers in Minnesota are voting this spring to increase the state Beef Checkoff by fifty cents.

Kaitlyn Root, executive director of the Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association says producers are supportive of the effort.  “We support it because we know the good work that the beef checkoff does,” she says. “The ultimate goal is increasing demand for beef. If we did not have demand for beef, our producers would not be in business.”

Checkoff funds are not used for lobbying or policy making and are used for promotion, education, and research of beef.  Root says because the Cattlemen’s Association does not utilize checkoff funds, it has zero impact on its budget. And, if requested, the checkoff is refundable.

She tells Brownfield if passed, the funds staying withing the state would double.  “Think about all the great work that could then be done on Minnesota specific efforts,” she says. 

To be eligible to vote in the upcoming referendum, producers need to be on the Minnesota Beef Council’s certified producer list.  That must be completed by February 12, 2026.

The election begins March 30, 2026, and ballots will be mailed by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.  Ballots must be postmarked by April 20^th and the results of the referendum will be released on May 19, 2026. 

AUDIO: Kaitlyn Root, Executive Director for Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association & BQA Coordinator for the Minnesota Beef Council