ND SB2351

Creates an exception to North Dakota's restrictions on corporate farm ownership, allowing domestic corporations and limited liability companies to own or lease land for dairy farm operations up to 640 acres if the farm becomes operational within three years and maintains at least 50 cows permitted as an animal feeding operation.

Creates a separate exception for swine production facilities allowing domestic corporations and limited liability companies to own or lease up to 640 acres if operational within three years and permitted to house at least 500 swine.

Requires the agriculture commissioner to develop reporting and monitoring rules to ensure compliance with the exceptions.

Directs the agriculture commissioner to notify the secretary of state and attorney general if a corporation or limited liability company operates outside the permitted exceptions, subjecting them to enforcement provisions.

Passed the Senate 29-16 and the House 56-37 during the 2015 legislative session.