Beef + Lamb New Zealand has launched a referendum to decide whether the farmer-funded industry group continues or is wound down.

Legislation requires farmers to vote on whether to continue new levy orders every six years.

A "yes" vote will enable Beef + Lamb to carry on, while a "no" vote will see all the programmes end.

The proposed levy rate from 2016 to 2017 is 60 cents per sheep and $4.40 per cattle beast - both of those are unchanged.

Voting opens on Sunday, and closes on September 10.