The National Pork Producers Council states that California consumers are beginning to feel the impact of high pork prices resulting from Proposition 12.
The council’s president claims that some people are even crossing state lines to purchase pork for their families.
According to Duane Stateler, “Black market pork is very real out there because they’ve seen— depending on what cuts— they’ve seen an average of 20-40% increase in their costs. And some people think, ‘Well, why would it be that much different?’ Well, now you have retailers across the United States that are getting product from packers that are having to stop lines and bring this in to run this, so you don’t mix it. And now you have regional warehouses with twice as many spaces required. You have to have the pork chop that is not Prop-12, you have to have the chop that is Prop-12, and then you have to have the pork chop that’s ready for Q3. Every little disruption just raises the cost, and it’s just going to raise the cost to the consumer.”
Stateler says that there is no question a legislative fix will be needed to solve Prop-12 challenges moving forward.
“I think the Supreme Court was probably right. I think this needs to be a legislative fix. That’s why we look for a legislative fix in the Farm Bill. A fix for this isn’t going to cost the government or taxpayers a dime. It’s the legislative part that we’ve got to get done because, yes, other parts of the industry are worried that this could come after GMo, or this could come after anything. It’s a concern for us going forward.”
California voters approved Prop-12 back in 2018. It places housing restrictions for all pork sold in the state.
Meat stocks rose seasonally but remain below last year overall, while tighter butter inventories could support dairy prices, and belly stocks warrant close watch for pork markets.
January 26, 2026 03:00 PM
·
Heavier weights and strong late-year slaughter supported December production, but lower annual totals highlight ongoing supply tightness heading into 2026.
January 26, 2026 11:19 AM
·
USDA Rural Development Director for Kentucky, Travis Burton, joined us to discuss the Princeton facility (formerly Porter Road Meats), now backed by the USDA, and its role in expanding domestic meat processing capacity.
January 23, 2026 03:39 PM
·
Jack Hubbard, with the Center for the Environment and Welfare, shares context and perspective on the controversial letter about Prop 12 circulating in Washington and how a review shows it misled the public.
January 22, 2026 06:25 PM
·
Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
January 20, 2026 02:47 PM
·
Congressional leaders signal momentum toward expanded, targeted farm aid to help producers manage losses and cash-flow stress in 2026.
January 20, 2026 11:48 AM
·
Midland County Livestock Association President Brandon Mitchell reflects on another strong year for the event, including a premium sale that once again topped the million-dollar mark.
January 20, 2026 08:00 AM
·
The proposal signals a renewed push to offset tariff-driven losses, stabilize nutrition programs, and broaden eligibility for farm aid, though its path forward will depend on congressional negotiations.
January 16, 2026 11:58 AM
·
Midland County Junior Livestock Show in West Texas features swine competition with top exhibitors, including Grand Champion Brinley Wilson, ahead of Saturday’s premium sale.
January 15, 2026 04:07 PM
·
