BISMARCK, N.D. -- Senate lawmakers on March 18 approved a bill that would double the beef check-off from $1 to $2 in North Dakota.
Beef producers already pay $1 per head under a federal check-off collected by the North Dakota Beef Commission. Half of the funds are used nationally -- sent to a Cattlemen's Beef Board or to the Federation of State Beef Councils -- while the Beef Commission keeps the other half.
House Bill 1238 would add $1 per head that would be controlled at the state level for research and promotion. It could be refunded at the producer's request.
Opponents, including the Independent Beef Association of North Dakota, say ranchers should be able to vote on the check-off increase.
The Senate approved the bill 45-2 after making minor changes. The bill now returns to the House, which passed it 69-22 last month.
