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Ag group urges yes on lamb checkoff vote

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP)--The president of New Mexico Wool Growers Inc., wants sheep producers to vote in favor of a lamb checkoff in a referendum this month to keep marketing money coming in.

Wool Growers president Joan Kincaid of Pinon says it's important the checkoff stay in place to make sure American lamb stays visible and convenient for consumers.

The checkoff was authorized in 1996. The U.S. secretary of agriculture holds periodic referendums to see if producers want the assessment to stay in place.

Sheep producers, exporters and feeders are assessed a half-cent per pound upon the sale of a live animal, while packing plants pay 30 cents per head.

The assessments fund the American Lamb Board, which includes research, promotion, marketing and industry communications.

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