The Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association is asking the state Board of Agriculture to re-assess a portion of its cattle market system through a state-wide cattle producer referendum.
Currently, roughly 1.5 million cattle are purchased in Kentucky annually.
For each animal sold, $1 is placed into a pool for beef advertising. Half remains in the state while the rest goes into a national reserve.
Dave Maples is the executive Vice President of the Cattlemen’s Association. He says the system hasn’t changed in more than two decades and needs an update.
“Kentucky’s a big beef state. I mean, it’s the largest cattle state east of the Mississippi River. There’s some 34-38 thousand producers that raise cattle," Maples said.
"It’s very important to Kentucky’s agriculture.”
The agriculture board will consider the request Thursday. If approved, the Department of Agriculture will then hold a statewide cattle producer referendum to vote on a new amount.
Upon reaching a consensus, the new assessment could take effect in April.