North Dakota Stockmen's Association
10/27/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/27/2026 15:35
Statement on checkoff lawsuit ruling
Posted 10/27/2026
For immediate release:
Oct. 27, 2026
For more information, contact:
Tim Erbele, North Dakota Stockmen's Association president: (701) 269-3045 • [email protected]
Julie Schaff Ellingson, North Dakota Stockmen's Association executive vice president: (701) 223-2522 • [email protected]
Elizabeth Hasenwinkel, North Dakota Stockmen's Association communications director: (701) 833-1162 • [email protected]
Statement on checkoff lawsuit ruling
North Dakota Stockmen's Association President Tim Erbele, a Streeter, N.D., cow-calf producer and feeder, issued the following statement in response to an Oct. 23, 2026, ruling in a lawsuit brought against the North Dakota Beef Commission, the State of North Dakota and Gov. Kelly Armstrong in his official capacity. The judge issued a split decision, rejecting the plaintiffs' efforts to invalidate the Beef Promotion Act, eliminate the participating-producer requirement for checkoff refunds or obtain an injunction, while ruling in their favor on one claim involving the selection process for six North Dakota Beef Commission positions.
"The North Dakota Stockmen's Association (NDSA) respects the judicial process and remains confident in the work being done to strengthen North Dakota's cattle industry and build beef demand. We are pleased that the ruling recognizes the importance of beef promotion, research and education and leaves the North Dakota Beef Commission and beef checkoff program intact.
"At nearly 100 years old, the NDSA has and continues to take its responsibility as a producer-led organization seriously. That responsibility includes supporting efforts to build demand for our product, invest in research, educate consumers, communicate beef's value in the diet in an increasingly competitive marketplace and represent North Dakota cattlemen and women in decisions that affect their livelihood.
"Research, education and promotion are essential to the long-term success of our industry. These efforts benefit producers across North Dakota, help ensure future generations have opportunities in this business and contribute to the economic strength of our state.
"This ruling does not change the NDSA's commitment to these priorities. Instead, it reinforces the importance of its work and remaining engaged to protect and advance the interests of North Dakota's cattle producers.
"Our focus remains where it has always been: on the long-term health of North Dakota's cattle industry and the producers who make it possible."
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The North Dakota Stockmen's Association is a membership-based trade organization founded in 1929 to unite, protect, promote, educate and serve North Dakota's cattle industry. Through advocacy, education, leadership development and services, the more-than-3,000-member association works to protect producers' interests, strengthen the beef industry and foster a favorable business climate for cattlemen and women. For more information, visit www.ndstockmen.org.
North Dakota Stockmen's Association published this content on October 27, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 27, 2026 at 21:37 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]