The Budget of the Agriculture Commissioner was heard in a North Dakota Senate Appropriations Committee on Monday. During the hearing, Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring highlighted several areas of the department. One area of growth over the past year was in meat processing. “We have three new official state slaughtering facilities, a handful of other custom exempt facilities and two new facilities we’ve been assisting to come online.” During the hearing, North Dakota Stockmen’s Association Executive Vice President Julie Ellingson testified in support of the budget and the portions important to its members. “There are dollars included for the restoration of the Johne’s Disease Prevention Program, which has been critical to many members across North Dakota.” Also included is a legislative management study of the North Dakota Beef Commission. including its operations and the selection of commission members. Independent Beef Association of North Dakota President Kerry Dockter “believes this board should be made up of elected positions.” Listen to the story.