Ranchers Secure Historic Victory Against Unconstitutional Beef Commission Appointments

Ranchers Rights Initiative and North Dakota ranchers Kenny Graner, Mike Heaton, and Jeremy Maher, alongside attorneys Robby Dube, Aaron Bostrom, and Derrick Braaten, have secured a historic victory for independent cattle producers. Their successful challenge to the North Dakota Beef Commission’s appointment process struck down unconstitutional privileges that gave select private associations exclusive control over nominations for six commission seats. CPAC applauds their courage and determination in standing up for American ranchers and fighting to ensure qualified producers have a fair opportunity to serve. Their victory affirms that public institutions must remain accountable to the people they serve. Below is Ranchers Rights Initiative’s press release announcing the ruling and outlining its significance.

Press Release: Ranchers Rights Initiative Announces Victory in North Dakota Beef Commission Case

Issued October 26, 2026, by Ranchers Rights Initiative. Reproduced below.

For immediate release October 26, 2026 ~ Ranchers Rights Initiative (RRI) and North Dakota ranchers Kenny Graner, Mike Heaton, and Jeremy Maher are proud to announce they have won their lawsuit against the North Dakota Beef Commission (NDBC) and the State of North Dakota challenging the constitutionality of the NDBC appointment process.  Originally filed on July 17, 2025, the district court has confirmed a core constitutional principle: government is by the people, not the privileged.

In a 59-page opinion, the district court ruled that North Dakota’s Beef Commission Act is unconstitutional because it grants special privileges to the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association — privileges other cattlemen were not granted under the Act. The district court struck down the Stockmen’s Association’s illegal privilege on multiple constitutional grounds, noting that even the association itself admitted there was no difference between its members and members of the Independent Beef Association of North Dakota (I-Band). The district court also rejected the government’s argument that Plaintiffs should have sued back in the 1970s when the law was first passed. The court also rejected the Government’s argument that Plaintiffs should not be allowed to sue just because they lobbied against the bill in the past.

For years, independent cattle producers were barred from serving on the NDBC because of the Stockmen’s Association’s complete control over nominations. The North Dakota Legislature rejected multiple attempts to correct and reform the law. Today, that barrier has finally come down.

RRI was represented by lead counsel Robby Dube, Partner at Eckland & Blando; Aaron Bostrom, Associate at Eckland & Blando; and North Dakota counsel Derrick Braaten of the Braaten Law Firm.

The fight is not over yet. The Government could try to take this challenge to the North Dakota Supreme Court. If you want to support RRI’s efforts in this lawsuit, you can donate to RRI at: P.O. Box 12, Sterling, ND 58572.

Email: ranchersrightsinitiative@outlook.com. Find RRI on Facebook at Ranchers Rights Initiative.