Froelich: North Dakota legislative body is failing the citizens

I salute the Ranchers’ Rights Initiative lawsuit to reform the beef commission’s appointment process and settle the constitutional questions surrounding it. If any institution is to blame for this matter culminating in a lawsuit it’s our legislature. Elected legislators have had every opportunity to remedy the situation but they have failed to meet the moment. They find every excuse to hide behind rather than admit that the century code is deeply flawed. The shameful reality for cattle producers who choose not to affiliate with the Stockmen’s Association is they’ve been left behind because they choose not to pay dues to the association and the legislature is complicit. Worse, cattle producers are punished for seeking a refund of their own money and that punishment amounts to a removal of their constitutional rights. This cannot stand.  

I served in the North Dakota legislature as a representative for six sessions. During that time I was on the ag committee. I experienced the fact that very few legislators were ranchers and lacked the experience to understand what it takes to raise cattle. Sure, there are farmer legislators but there is a big difference between farming and ranching. 

We have a legislative body that is failing the citizens. The RRI lawsuit seeks to correct what the legislature refuses to do while they answer to their donors and lobbyists. If the court finds for the plaintiffs we can reform the state checkoff in a way that is responsive to all North Dakota cattle producers and keeps the funds in our state to promote North Dakota beef rather than sending it to NCBA to promote a generic inferior product. I am putting my money where my mouth is by donating towards the legal fees incurred by the courageous cattlemen who brought the suit. You can do the same by sending a check to RRI, PO Box 12, Sterling, ND 58572.

Rod Froelich

8710 Hwy. 6

Selfridge, ND 58568