Cattle producers in Alberta voted to have their check-off dollars remain refundable in the Alberta Beef Producers plebiscite.

The provincial check off is a $2.00 service charge paid on cattle sold, or fed and slaughtered in Alberta, and is used to fund industry initiatives.

But the results were pretty close with 51.3 per cent voting for a refund and 48.5 per cent wanting the change to non-refundable. Four ballets were spoiled.

Results are unofficial and will be finalized next week.

The association says they've issued more than $20 million in refunds since 2010, and some producers believed the money would generate greater benefits if invested in industry initiatives.

Out of the over 18,000 beef producers the association represents, only 1874 voted.

"We would have liked to see more producers vote in the plebiscite, but we appreciate the interest and effort of those who did vote," said Chair of the Alberta Beef Producers, Charlie Christie. "In democracy, decisions are made by the people who participated and as we've said all along, Alberta Beef Producers will honour the decision made by producers."

Votes were cast between Friday, October 19th and Tuesday, November 27th.

 

Read more:

 

 Send your news tips, story ideas and comments to jgiles@goldenwestradio.com