07/29/2026
A North Dakota judge is weighing whether the way members are chosen for the state's Beef Commission violates the constitution.
Three cattlemen behind the Ranchers Rights Initiative argue the law unfairly favors the North Dakota Stockmen's Association and a few other groups, pointing out that the vast majority of beef producer appointments since 2009 have gone to Stockmen's Association members. The state counters that the law applies equally to everyone, that at-large seats are open to self-nomination, and that the challengers lack legal standing. Judge Jackson Lofgren has taken the matter under advisement and says he'll issue an opinion as soon as he can. The trial originally set for August has been canceled.
A North Dakota judge is set to decide whether the process for who serves on the state’s Beef Commission is unconstitutional.
