Wanzek bill passes senate

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – North Dakota’s Senate has voted to exempt dairy and swine operations from the state’s anti-corporate farming law.
 
Senator’s voted 27-18 to allow corporations to operate dairy and hog farms. The measure now goes to the House.
 
     Supporters of the bill say it would improve farmers’ access to capital and spur the state’s economy. Opponents say the current law blocks unfair competition from big, out-of-state corporations.
 
     Jamestown Republican Sen. Terry Wanzek says dairy and hog farm operations are in serious decline in North Dakota and his bill is aimed at saving those industries.
 
     The state’s anti-corporate farming law dates back to 1932. It now allows corporations with as many as 15 shareholders to own farms or ranches, as long as the shareholders are related.

Previously…

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – A Jamestown lawmaker is pushing a measure that would exempt dairy and swine operations from North Dakota’s anti-corporate farming law.
 
     Sen. Terry Wanzek says dairy and hog farm operations are in serious decline in North Dakota and his bill is aimed at saving those industries.
 
     The legislation would allow corporations to operate dairy and hog farms, as long as the operations don’t take up more than 640 acres of land.
 
     North Dakota Farmers Union President Mark Watne says his group is against the legislation. Watne says “individuals should own the land and animals in North Dakota.”
 
     The state’s anti-corporate farming law dates back to 1932. It now allows corporations with as many as 15 shareholders to own farms or ranches, as long as the shareholders are related.