Pork Producers Reignite Push for ‘Skinny’ Farm Bill, Federal Fix for Prop-12

While the 2018 Farm Bill received an extension under the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” Act, the National Pork Producers Council wants lawmakers to do more to support the sector.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) —Pork producers are renewing the push for an updated Farm Bill in the next few months. While the 2018 legislation got another extension from the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” Act (OBBBA), the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) want lawmakers to do more to support the agriculture industry.

NPPC’s former President Lori Stevermer told RFD-TV News a new Farm Bill would address several issues in the pork sector, including California’s Prop 12, a problem for producers with impacts far beyond the state’s borders.

“We have talked about the Farm Bill a number of times, and it’s been the one issue that’s been across my whole time on the board,” Stevermer said. “We’re still hopeful that there’s going to be a skinny farm bill yet. [House Ag Committee] Chairman [Glen “GT”] Thompson has been very supportive of the pork industry. He wants a ‘skinny’ Farm Bill. And you know, just as a reminder, that’s where our federal solution for Prop 12 is in that -- so we’re hoping there’s some type of preemption -- because really, once again, our farmers are concerned about that patchwork of regulations. So, if there is no Farm Bill, if nothing happens, then that’s the concern that each state will create its own type of production standard or production regulations, and then our farmers are stuck working with that patchwork.”

The latest extension of the 2018 Farm Bill was signed into law over the summer and runs through next September.

Related Stories
CWD is an infectious, degenerative disease of cervids that causes brain cells to die, ultimately leading to the death of the affected animal.
The latest Meat Demand Monitor shows strong retail demand for beef products like ribeye steaks and ground beef.
Andy Tauer from the National Pork Board discusses efforts to boost pork demand and how the industry is responding to trade restrictions related to pseudorabies.
USDA’s first 2026/27 outlook shows tighter supplies across several markets, led by wheat, corn, cotton, rice, beef, and sugar.
American beef and pork products are gaining visibility in Colombian butcher shops through training and merchandising programs.
Based on USDA data compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation, pork exports increased by six percent in March compared to the previous year, while beef exports weakened overall.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

It’s been a decade since Hurricane Rita ripped through southwest Louisiana, and recovery has been a long, difficult process for many who have lived in the coastal area. Today, oyster farming offers a pearl of hope.
Katelyn joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to discuss her upcoming episode of Dirt Diaries: The FarmHER + RanchHER Podcast and share her ag journey.
California rancher and former NCBA President Kevin Kester joined House Republicans on Tuesday to tout provisions in the Big, Beautiful Bill that support family ranches.
The EPA proposal laid out two options: fully reallocate all exempted volumes to the 2026–2027 standards, or reallocate half.
The Fertilizer Research Act, reintroduced by Sens. Grassley, Ernst, and Baldwin, would direct the USDA to study and publish public reports on competition and pricing trends in the fertilizer market.
Allowing year-round sales of E15 nationally could deliver billions in economic gains, according to a new study from the Renewable Fuels Association and National Corn Growers Association.