(Bismarck, ND) — A Bismarck legislator awaits sentencing after a jury found him guilty on Friday of using his political office for personal gain. 

Court officials say Representative Jason Dockter of Bismarck had pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor count of speculating or wagering on official action. The charge was linked to his legislative vote on a state lease on a building in which he had a financial interest. Prosecutors had alleged that Dockter’s interest in the property should have barred his participation in the vote that approved state funds for the project. Officials say Dockter could face up to 360 days in prison and a $3,000 fine when he is sentenced.

Members of North Daktoa’s Dem-NPL commented on the conflict-of-interest guilty verdict today, including House Minority Leader Zac Ista. “Representative Dockter must resign after a jury convicted him of using his public office for personal gain. He has the right to appeal his conviction, but he should step aside from the privilege of serving in the Legislature. All North Dakotans deserve elected officials who are acting only in the best interests of the citizens of our great state.” 

Cattle producers will have an opportunity to see how Angus‐sired cattle from their operation perform in a feedlot during the North Dakota Angus University calf feed‐out program this summer and fall.

North Dakota State University’s Carrington Research Extension Center is partnering with the North Dakota Angus Association to sponsor the North Dakota Angus University Feed-out. This is the 13th year of the program.

Ranchers can consign steers to the program by contacting the Carrington Research Extension Center. Consigned steers should be at least 50% Angus genetics and weigh between 800 and 900 pounds at the time of delivery. Consigned cattle should be delivered to the center feedlot the week of June 3-7.

Ranchers who consign cattle pay the feeding costs based on the average cost of gain, plus veterinary costs and a modest yardage charge. The center will carry the feed, veterinary and yardage costs until the cattle are marketed. After the cattle are marketed, costs and all applicable fees are deducted from the sale price without an interest charge. Consigners of the program must also be North Dakota Angus Association members.

Participants in the North Dakota Angus University will receive periodic progress reports on their calves’ performance, as well as a final report on the overall performance, efficiency and carcass traits for their calves.

In 2023, calf performance was measured during a 123-day feeding study. Steers had an average daily gain of 4.0 pounds per day and a dry-matter feed conversion of 7.1 pounds of feed to pound of gain. Shrunk live weight at harvest averaged 1,440 pounds and carcass weight averaged 937 pounds. The cattle graded 100% U.S. Department of Agriculture Choice or better with 81.4% meeting Certified Angus Beef specifications and 24.5% Prime quality grade.

The North Dakota Angus Association offers $1,500 in prizes to the top three carcasses at the end of the feed-out. These prizes are sponsored by Neogen, Western Ag Reporter, and LaMoure Feed and Seed.

To consign a group of cattle or for more information, contact Carrington Research Extension Center animal scientist Colin Tobin at 701-652-2951 or

colin.tobin@ndsu.edu

, Extension livestock systems specialist Karl Hoppe at 701‐652‐2951 or

karl.hoppe@ndsu.edu

, or North Dakota Angus Association feed-out program chair Sydney Glasoe Caraballo at 678-989-7189.