OLYMPIA — Washington cattle groups resolved their conflict over the beef checkoff, uniting behind a Senate bill to hike the per-head tax on cattle sales, but offering refunds to ranchers who oppose paying the higher fee.

The Cattle Producers of Washington has dropped its longtime opposition to raising the checkoff, which funds promotions by the Washington Beef Commission and was last raised in 2001.

The Washington Cattlemen’s Association, Washington Cattle Feeders Association and Washington State Dairy Federation already favored raising the fee.

With backing from the Cattle Producers, the beef checkoff legislation, Senate Bill 5150, has a strong chance of passing this session.

“As long as the refund option stays in the bill, we are in support of it,” Cattle Producers President Josslinn Schoelser told the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee last week.

The checkoff has been a divisive issue among cattlemen. The Beef Commission collects about $1 million a year. Supporters argue inflation has eroded its ability to reach consumers. Detractors question the commission’s value.

Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, said he met with cattlemen’s groups before the session began. “I wasn’t too sure how productive it would be or whether it would turn into a boxing match. It all turned out well,” he said. “We’ve got a great compromise here.”

Fee raised in steps

SB 5150 proposes to phase in the fee hike, while giving cattle sellers the option of filing for refunds and paying less than they are now. “Everybody had to give a little bit,” Cattle Feeders executive director Jack Field said.

Currently, the state Beef Commission collects $1 for every cow sold in Washington. The fee would increase to $1.50 on July 1, to $2 on Jan. 1, 2025, and finally $2.50 on Jan. 1, 2026.

The fee increases would not apply to bull calves sold by dairies.

The national Beef Board would continue to receive an additional 50 cents per head, so the per-head fee would total $3 in 2026. Cattle sellers would be able to file to get $2 back.

Senate must agree

Some 19 state beef commissions offer refunds, according to the USDA. “We believe it will work in Washington state as well,” Cattlemen’s Association lobbyist Mark Streuli said.

House agriculture committee Chairman Mike Chapman, D-Port Angeles, said he planned to pass the bill from his committee on Friday.

The bill passed the Senate in January, but with smaller refunds. If the full House passes the bill, the Senate will have to concur with the larger refunds.