BISMARCK, N.D. — The North Dakota Stockmen's Association plans to ask the 2015 Legislature to double the $1-per-head checkoff that ranchers pay when they sell cattle.
The national beef checkoff, which is used to fund beef research, education and promotion, hasn't changed for nearly three decades, prompting seven states to increase it at the state level in recent years. Chairmen of the House and Senate agriculture committees say that for North Dakota to become the eighth, the Stockmen's will need to show that an increase is necessary.
Lawmakers "have always been a little reluctant to increase fees unless justified," said Rep. Dennis Johnson, R-Devils Lake, a grain farmer and former rancher. "Whenever we talk about checkoff increases, there's always going to be a good hearing as to why it's needed. If they can justify it — if their members want it — they'll probably get the support."
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