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.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig discusses market conditions, policy priorities, and his outlook for agriculture moving forward.
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The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2026 agenda centers on labor stability, biosecurity, and economic resilience for family farms. Expanded DMC coverage improves risk protection for dairy operations facing tighter margins.
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Strong pork demand and improving beef exports outside China support protein markets despite ongoing trade barriers.
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Protein markets are fragmenting. Beef is supply-driven and more structurally expensive, whereas pork and poultry remain price-competitive.
January 10, 2026 07:00 AM
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Federal nutrition policy is signaling a stronger demand for whole foods produced by U.S. farmers and ranchers. Consumer-facing guidance favors animal protein, but institutional demand may change little under existing saturated fat limits.
January 08, 2026 11:42 AM
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The U.S. Meat Export Federation plans to expand its global market presence in the New Year and says it is focusing its appeal on the growing middle class worldwide.
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A look at the legislative year ahead as lawmakers return to Washington with a slate of trade concerns to tackle in 2026—from new Chinese tariffs on beef imports to the USMCA review this summer.
January 05, 2026 12:20 PM
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