News

Illinois beef checkoff referendum

Illinois beef producers will be able to vote in a referendum in February 2015 that would reestablish that state’s beef checkoff.

Reid Blossom, executive vice president of the Illinois Beef Association, tells Brownfield Ag News the association believes the national checkoff needs a higher assessment rate, “That’s reflected in the fact that Illinois is now working to reactivate its state checkoff. It’s reflected in the fact that you’ve seen other states like Ohio, Georgia, Texas this year already and, most recently, our neighbors to the south in Kentucky – have all activated state (beef) checkoffs this year alone.”

The Illinois beef checkoff would be a voluntary 50-cent per head contribution – for promotion of the Illinois beef industry which Blossom said is growing but needs more resources to continue that growth.

For voting options, dates and more information click here

AUDIO:  Interview with Reid Blossom (13:30, mp3):