Kentucky beef producers pass referendum to create Kentucky Beef Checkoff

December 5, 2014 -Lexington, KY- Kentucky beef producers passed the referendum in favor of creating the Kentucky Beef Checkoff. In a vote conducted at local Kentucky Cooperative Extension offices Thursday, November 20th, beef and dairy producers voted in favor of collecting an additional $1.00 per head sold. The final tally was 1,816 in favor of the state checkoff and 1,423 against. Collections of the state checkoff will begin April 1, 2015. Kentucky Cattlemen's Association President, Steve Downs, is enthusiastic to get started, realizing the work really begins now. "A tremendous thank you needs to be paid to all of the cattlemen and women that took the time to vote. We have an exciting opportunity in front of us and an equally talented team to work to ensure the future of the Kentucky beef industry is secure and prosperous." The Kentucky State Board of Agriculture approved the Kentucky Cattlemen's Association request for a referendum during their August 21, 2014 board meeting. For more information about the Kentucky Beef Checkoff, contact Dave Maples at (859) 278-0899 or dmaples@kycattle.org or visit www.kybeefcheckoff.com.