Pork Producers Press for Prop 12 Fix in Farm Bill at D.C. Fly-In

Pat Hord with the National Pork Producers Council joined us to recap producer meetings in Washington and discuss key policy priorities including Prop 12 and agricultural labor.

cherry blossoms cherry trees washington dc_adobe stock.png

Jefferson Memorial in the spring.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — Pork producers are returning home after meetings with lawmakers on Capitol Hill, where discussions focused on Proposition 12, agricultural labor, and broader policy priorities affecting the livestock sector.

Pat Hord with the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to recap the fly-in and the issues raised during meetings with federal lawmakers and regulators, sharing his key takeaways from the trip and reflecting on the overall energy of the producer fly-in.

In his interview with RFD NEWS, Hord emphasized that pork producers made a strong case for including a fix to Proposition 12 in the next Farm Bill, underscoring concerns about its impact on domestic production and interstate commerce.

Hord emphasized the importance of direct engagement with lawmakers and regulators, noting the positive feedback NPPC received during the week’s meetings with ag policymakers.

He went on to address ongoing labor challenges facing the pork industry and other agricultural sectors, highlighting the need for reliable access to year-round workers to support production demands.

Finally, Hord spoke about his fifth-generation family farm in Ohio and how current policy decisions directly impact day-to-day operations.

Related Stories
Lawmakers and ag industry groups welcomed the confirmations, citing the direct impact of these leaders on western ranchers, water and land management, conservation programs, and regulatory reform.
All eyes will be on today’s Cattle on Feed Report, which analysts say could give a clearer picture of where the market goes next.
More than 100 pork producers traveled to Washington to meet with lawmakers and underscore the threat to small family farms.
Now the Senate must pass a version of the spending bill before the Sept. 30 deadline.
Corn and beef exports showed strong momentum, cotton sales surged, and soybean sales held steady, though China remains absent from the U.S. market.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Year-round sales of E-15 are another major topic on Capitol Hill, which, according to Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), is one issue up for debate this session with significant bipartisan support.
Lawmakers have until September 30 to shore up federal spending for next year, or risk a government shutdown. The Farm Bill is also set to expire the same day.
Keith Carson and Luke Clausen of Team Fishing Clash were an unstoppable force in the first Elimination Match of the Heritage Cup, grabbing the lead early in the day and never letting go.
American Soybean Association President Caleb Ragland joins us to share his reaction to September’s WASDE and discuss the trade uncertainty between China and his industry.