The Kentucky Department of Agriculture has approved a referendum over a measure to re-assess the state’s cattle market system.
The Kentucky Cattlemen's Association requested the referendum last month. Some 1.5 million cattle are sold in the commonwealth each year.
In the current structure, $1 goes into a beef advertisement pool each time an animal is marketed. Half stays in the state while the rest flows into a national pot.
The Cattlemen’s Association aims to double that amount.
Cattle producers can vote on the issue November 20 at their county cooperative extension office or mail in an absentee ballot ten days before the deadline.
If approved, the increased check off takes effect next April. Producers can receive a refund for the assessment within 30 days of the date on which the assessment is collected.