Vote set to raise California's Beef Checkoff

Cattlemen in the Golden State are about to be asked to decide whether to raise the assessment on cattle sold in the state from $1 to $2 a head.

The California Cattlemen's Association explains in its legislative newsletter:

Upon the recommendation of the California Beef Council, the California Department of Food and Agriculture is preparing to conduct a vote of California beef producers to determine whether or not there is support to raise the check-off rate from $1.00 to $2.00 per head. If approved, the increased rate would take effect on January 1, 2013.This proposal is supported by the CCA Board of Directors.

The additional dollar raised would stay in California for the promotion of and education about cattle raising in California. CDFA will send out ballots to certified beef producers. In order to vote, you must certify your eligibility. You will either receive a certification form in the mail which you must then fill out and return, or, preferably, certify online by visiting /cdfa.ca.gov/go/beef and completing all sections of the online form.