BLOOMINGTON — Minnesota beef producers vote in February on whether to double the state checkoff to $2 for every head sold to help elevate the image of beef.

The state’s beef checkoff has been $1 a head for 28 years. But the Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association says the state’s beef industry has seen many changes over those years, including lower cattle numbers that mean less checkoff revenue, while the need for communications has grown.

The increase would grant the Minnesota Beef Council an additional $500,000 to $750,000 to help tell the industry’s message to consumers.

The state beef checkoff is different from the federal checkoff in that all the money is spent in Minnesota, and producers can seek refunds.

Ballots must be requested by Dec. 15 through a new website, Raisedwithpride.com.