Several farm groups back increasing support for the Washington Beef Commission by raising a per-head fee on cattle sales, though one cattlemen’s organization remains unalterably opposed.
State Sen. Sharon Shewmake, D-Bellingham, introduced a bill Jan. 4 that would increase the check-off fee to $3 from $1.50.
The national Cattlemen’s Beef Board would still get 50 cents. The state commission would receive $2.50 instead of the current $1.
The Washington Cattlemen’s Association, the Washington State Dairy Federation, the Washington Farm Bureau and the Washington Cattle Feeders Association endorse the bill.
