BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - Gov. Jack Dalrymple has signed a bill to exempt pork and dairy operations from the state's eight-decades-old anti-corporate farming law.
Dalrymple signed the bill on Friday, after it was approved by North Dakota's Legislature.
The so-called "ham-and-cheese'' bill has been one of the most contentious non-oil related bills considered by lawmakers this session.
Supporters say it's intended to revitalize dairy and swine farms after years of decline. Opponents believe the anti-corporate farming law blocks unfair competition from big, out-of-state corporations.
Federal agriculture data show the number of dairy farms in North Dakota has decreased from about 350 in 2002 to 91 now.
Data show swine numbers have also declined from about 280,000 in 1995 to about 139,000 in 2014.