The North Dakota Farm Bureau is currently pushing to amend the state constitution to include a right to farm. The amendment is part of an effort to limit the power of local animal rights activists.

Last year, the Humane Society of the United States spearheaded a ballot proposal to ban fenced hunting preserves. Over the last several months, the Human Society, working with other animal rights groups, has attempted to pass animal welfare laws that would significantly alter livestock practices across the country.

 This activism has irked farmers across the state, many who see animal rights organizations as outside interlopers. Central North Dakota farmer Doyle Johannes stated, “[the amendment] doesn’t allow someone from the East Coast, the West Coast, to come in here and tell you what you can and can’t do because of their idealistic notions. We want to be able to farm in North Dakota, the way we think we should be able to.”

The amendment would add language to the state constitution, stating “The right of farmers and ranchers to engage in modern farming and ranching practices shall be forever guaranteed in this state. No law shall be enacted which abridges the right of farmers and ranchers to employ agricultural technology, modern livestock production and ranching practices.”

While many farmers are supportive of the measure, some worry that its overly broad language could hinder efforts to protect against a neighbor’s livestock odor or prevent the spread of genetically engineered crops. The Farm Bureau needs to collect roughly 27,000 signatures in order to place the amendment on the November ballot.

To learn more about agricultural financing opportunities contact a Farm Plus Financial representative by calling 866-929-5585 or by visiting .   

Follow us on:  Twitter 

Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer