North Dakota livestock industry set to rise

By Scout Nelson

The North Dakota Livestock Alliance (NDLA), formed in 2017, emerged in response to public opposition to large-scale pig farms in Buffalo and Devils Lake, North Dakota. The challenge was clear: public acceptance of large-scale livestock facilities was difficult to achieve.

Amber Wood, NDLA executive director, reflects on the significant progress since then. NDLA aims to support and promote North Dakota's livestock industry, which has lagged neighboring states like Minnesota and South Dakota in livestock production.

NDLA's efforts to grow animal agriculture aimed to match neighboring states and create a more balanced agricultural industry. This would increase local demand for crop products, enhance local economies, and boost prices. Crop commodity groups were among the alliance's founding members.

NDLA organized educational opportunities for county commissioners, township officers, and the public. These included "windshield tours" of pig barns in other states, showing that modern pig farms do not have the expected odors. Dairy barns allowed visitors to see operations firsthand.

These initiatives have made a difference. ADM and Marathon operate Green Bison Soy Processing in Spiritwood, North Dakota, which began crushing soybeans in 2023. The North Dakota Soybean Processors plant in Casselton is expected to start processing this fall. Epitome Energy plans to build a crush plant in Grand Forks.

Soybean meal, a crucial livestock feed, is a significant output of these plants. Previously, much of this meal was exported. Now, local availability of feed and open ground for manure management makes North Dakota attractive for large-scale livestock operations.

North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring acknowledges that the state's open acres and soybean crush plants are pivotal. While the state's corporate farming law is still restrictive for big corporations, the law's requirements ensure projects are feasible and managed by experienced individuals.

“North Dakota has what the livestock industry needs,” Wood said. This major rejuvenation in the livestock industry is a promising development for the state.

Picture Credit: istock-songqiuju