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
USDA Under Secretary Richard Fordyce says the department stands ready to provide technical assistance with the Farm Bill if Congress requests it.
Strong consumer demand supports livestock market outlook.
Strong corn demand and cotton shipments support export outlook.
The American Coalition for Ethanol reacts as the Farm Bill heads to a full House vote — while ethanol expansion, including year-round E15, is left out — as well as the USDA’s pursuit of global markets for ethanol.
Hurd joined this week’s Champions of Rural America to review the proposed Farm Bill moving through the House and discuss its potential impact on rural communities and farmers across the country.
Corn demand is rising thanks to ethanol expansion, yet year-round E15 remains missing from the Farm Bill—leaving farmers questioning the policy gap.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Jake Charleston, with Specialty Risk Insurance, joins us now for an industry update and advice for cattle producers as they consider options for managing the risks of a murky market.
The National Milk Producers Federation will launch a new advocacy campaign to secure a final vote, urging House lawmakers to approve the bill as soon as they return from the Thanksgiving recess.
AFBF Vice President of Public Policy and Economic Analysis, Dr. John Newton, explains the factors contributing to the growing financial strain in the ag sector and the urgent need for swift economic support.
Tyson’s Nebraska plant closure and falling Cattle on Feed numbers send cattle markets tumbling. Analysts warn of tighter supplies, weak margins, and rising global competition.
Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller warns horse owners after EHV-1 cases linked to the Waco WPRA Finals. Horses linked to recent Waco events should be isolated and closely monitored, as early action is critical to stopping the spread of EHV-1.
One trader said the products entering the U.S. are primarily grind and trim, noting that the volume and type of beef, on its own, should not cause a major disruption. However, he says fund traders are reacting heavily to headlines rather than market realities.