The public is being asked to weigh in on a proposal by the Missouri Beef Industry Council to establish a state beef checkoff fee.
The beef council is seeking a vote from Missouri cattle producers to establish a $1 per head state beef checkoff fee. Cattle producers already pay $1 per head for a federal checkoff program.
The Missouri Department of Agriculture will conduct the public hearing Wednesday at the State Fairgrounds in Sedalia.
The West Plains Daily Quill reports if the referendum is approved, cattle producers would vote on the proposal from Jan. 4 to March 4 next year.
The Missouri Cattlemen's Association supports the state fee proposal, while the national Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund and Missouri Rural Crisis Center oppose it.
