Democratic senators are urging ag lawmakers to halt efforts to include a measure that would effectively overturn Prop 12 in the next Farm Bill. In a letter, 32 senators, led by California Sen. Adam Schiff, claim Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst’s legislation will open the floodgates to unnecessary litigation — also noting that similar attempts have failed in previous Farm Bills.
The Food Security and Farm Protection Act, introduced by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA), would prevent local and state governments from interfering with the production and distribution of agricultural products across state lines. This would effectively overturn state laws like Prop-12, which places strict housing requirements on livestock.
Lawmakers from the opposing perspective, such as Ernst’s counterpart, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), have made their stance clear, stating that they see an end to Prop-12.
“I’m optimistic we’re going to try to get it in the Farm Bill, and I think we should get it in the Farm Bill, and we can’t have now, not only California, but you’ve got movement, Massachusetts, do something similar,” Sen. Grassley said on a weekly call with media. “Theoretically, you could end up with 50 different laws. And Congress has the right under the Constitution to control interstate and foreign commerce. So, it’s a federal issue.”
Grassley said he is surprised the Supreme Court has not yet intervened, alluding to the Court’s opinion that it was acceptable for California to act, since Congress hasn’t. Grassley says Prop-12 is a real problem for small pork producers in his state.
September 12, 2025 12:19 PM
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Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID) joined us on Champions of Rural America to share his insights on upcoming changes to public land management and how they will benefit agriculture and the Western working class.
September 11, 2025 01:21 PM
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As the White House works to close the trade gap, patience is wearing thin for some lawmakers. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) says farmers are getting backed into a corner.
September 11, 2025 11:26 AM
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The Interior Department is proposing to repeal the Bureau of Land Management’s Public Lands Rule. This move would make huge strides to empower local decision-making and restore balance between conservation and protecting rural livelihoods tied to these public lands.
September 10, 2025 02:45 PM
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Labor is an ongoing crisis in the ag sector. One industry group outlines three vital reforms to the H-2A visa program that farmers need to secure an affordable, stable workforce.
September 09, 2025 12:22 PM
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Pressure to lower gas prices across the Golden State could be the saving grace of this year’s corn harvest. California may soon be the final U.S. state to approve E-15 sales.
September 09, 2025 11:12 AM
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Lewie Pugh, with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report with his insights on the incident and a deeper dive into the issues at hand.
September 08, 2025 12:00 PM
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Tom Peterson with the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association says taxpayers are “unfortunate casualties” of this overlay now that the Mexican wolf population is stable under ESA guidelines.
September 05, 2025 01:21 PM
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The amendments affect BLM lands in several Western states. Comments on the Sage grouse proposals can be made to the BLM National NEPA Register until Oct. 3.
September 04, 2025 02:16 PM
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