Famers union opposes bill that allows corporate ownership of livestock operations in North Dakota

(Fargo, ND) -- The North Dakota Farmers Union is opposing a bill which would allow corporations to own and run livestock operations in the state.

“Family farmers and ranchers are the future of North Dakota’s livestock sector. NDFU will continue to collaborate with legislators and other partners to help family farmers and ranchers access new opportunities,” said union President Mark Watne.

Watne is speaking out against House Bill 1371, which would allow corporations to have complete ownership of hog, dairy and poultry farms and cattle feedlots. Watne says the state "should not give opportunities away to big corporations". The union president says North Dakotans overwhelmingly voted down a similar exemption in 2016.