Ranchers sue to revamp North Dakota Beef Commission appointment process

Ranchers sue to revamp North Dakota Beef Commission appointment process

A new lawsuit filed by a group of independent North Dakota ranchers alleges that Gov. Kelly Armstrong and private associations have too much power over who serves on the North Dakota Beef Commission’s board. The primary role of the Beef Commission is to decide how to use the money the state raises through checkoffs. Checkoffs are a small fee that ranchers pay on cattle sales. The proceeds are used for promoting beef consumption and research and …