Unofficial Count Says
Sheep Checkoff Failed

SAN ANGELO — The vote count is still unofficial, but a Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association spokesperson says the statewide sheep and goat checkoff proposal has apparently failed.

The proposition would have assessed Texas sheep and goat raisers an amount not to exceed 20 cents per head with the proceeds used for promotion of sheep and goat commodities.

Votes were canvassed on Monday, and an official announcement is expected later this week.

Unofficial figures, however, showed 64.3 percent voting in favor of the referendum, short of the 66.67 percent approval needed for the checkoff to pass. The number of votes canvassed has not yet been released, but indications are that participation was smaller than anticipated.

TSGRA members are expected to hear more about the outcome of the referendum and future plans for the association and the industry at the group’s fall board meeting scheduled for Thursday in Fredericksburg.