JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com/NDFU) – A house bill that would allow authorized livestock farm corporations and limited liability companies to operate within North Dakota is making its way through the state capitol.

North Dakota Farmers Union issued a statement today taking a “neutral position” on the bill.

In the statement, President Mark Watne said, “Last week, North Dakota Farmers Union secured major amendments to HB 1371.
These amendments guarantee family farmers and ranchers control of new animal feeding operations. The amended bill also limits the number of shareholders that can participate and requires these new entities to comply with the same enforcement requirements of family farm corporations.”

Watne said a limited liability company must have 75 percent of a family farmer or rancher with controlling interest. In a corporation, 51 percent of the interest must be owned by family farmers and ranchers.

According to the statement, North Dakota Farmers Union will continue to protect family farmers’ and ranchers’ control of animal agriculture.