SAINT PAUL, MN / ACCESS Newswire / January 5, 2026 / A case currently before the United States Supreme Court centers on whether the U.S. Constitution protects the right to farm, ranch, and produce food as a fundamental liberty. The case originated from a legal dispute between Minnesota deer farmers and the State of Minnesota regarding state laws enacted in 2023.

That year, Governor Tim Walz signed two laws affecting deer farming operations. One law prohibits the sale of breeding stock from deer farms, including animals certified as disease-free. The second law restricts the transfer of deer farming operations to heirs, preventing businesses from being passed to the next generation.

Deer farmers challenged these statutes in federal court, arguing that the laws effectively eliminate their ability to operate. During oral arguments, a federal judge asked whether the state would have the authority to prohibit other forms of animal agriculture, such as the beef industry, if it determined such action served a public policy goal to protect the state from global-warming. Counsel representing Governor Walz and the state responded that yes, it would.

"This is not just about deer farming," said Steve Porter of the Minnesota Deer Farmers Association. "We have been battling legislative warfare on deer farming and family farms here in Minnesota for years. Our lawsuit filed in the U.S. Supreme Court is about the attack on all farming and ranching, and private property in America."

In July 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit ruled that the ability to pursue farming is not a fundamental right under the Constitution. The decision allows state regulations affecting agriculture to be evaluated under a lower level of judicial scrutiny.

"Our lawsuit seeks to affirm that Americans have a fundamental right to farm and ranch and to ensure that state governments cannot regulate agricultural producers out of existence," Porter said.

The plaintiffs have petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to review the case and determine whether farming and ranching constitute a fundamental right protected under the Constitution.

All amicus briefs filed in support of this U.S. Supreme Court case can be read HERE.

Contact:

Scott Fier, President Minnesota Deer Farmers Association
Phone: 507-829-3151
Email: fierscott@gmail.com

SOURCE: The Cavalry Group