Ag groups oppose cut to checkoff

LINCOLN (AP) — Nebraska agriculture groups don't like the fact that Gov. Dave Heineman has proposed taking some of the money farmers contribute to checkoff funds to help balance the state budget.

Normally, the checkoff fees that are paid when farmers sell their crops are used only to research and promote those crops. But Heineman's proposal to deal a projected $334 million revenue shortfall includes dipping into the corn, sorghum and wheat funds for about $750,000.

Nebraska Farm Bureau President Keith Olsen says his group opposes any effort to use checkoff funds for a purpose other than they were intended.

Heineman's spokeswoman says the governor's budget proposal is designed to spread the sacrifice throughout state government, so no cuts go too deep.