The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship announced Thursday that the vote on the Iowa Beef Checkoff, a referendum to reinstate the fifty cents given to the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association per head of cattle sold, has passed.

Preliminary results show 56 % of the more than 17,000 who voted were in favor. A simple majority was needed for passage. Marion County Iowa State Extension Director Dale Miller says producers were divided about the vote. He says some were in favor because of the long term good they see cooperative state efforts doing for the Iowa Beef market, but the opposing view sees more revenue leaving their pockets. The funds brought in by the Checkoff will be used to promote and market Iowa beef, conduct production research, expand international trade relationships and provide educational opportunities. A federal checkoff of a dollar per head is already in place.