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.
CoBank Knowledge Exchange’s Jeff Johnston shares the group’s positive perspective on expanding data centers into rural areas and weighs the risks and rewards for those communities.
January 16, 2026 01:44 PM
·
Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Sid Miller joined us to discuss data center expansion, farmland preservation, rural economic impacts, and imminent cattle biosecurity concerns affecting agriculture today.
January 16, 2026 01:28 PM
·
National Corn Growers Association Chief Economist Krista Swanson discusses corn supply pressures, market fundamentals, policy considerations, and producer outlook for the year ahead.
January 16, 2026 01:13 PM
·
The proposal signals a renewed push to offset tariff-driven losses, stabilize nutrition programs, and broaden eligibility for farm aid, though its path forward will depend on congressional negotiations.
January 16, 2026 11:58 AM
·
January 16, 2026 09:57 AM
·
Soft equipment sales signal cautious farm spending as producers prioritize cash flow over expansion.
January 16, 2026 07:00 AM
·
Rep. Erin Houchin of Indiana discusses how the Affordable Homes Act will benefit rural communities, and her broader efforts to improve access to affordable housing.
January 15, 2026 03:04 PM
·
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig discusses market conditions, policy priorities, and his outlook for agriculture moving forward.
January 15, 2026 01:36 PM
·
NEFB President Mark McHargue recaps the Farm Bureau’s Annual Convention, producer sentiment in Nebraska, and discusses key issues facing agriculture.
January 15, 2026 01:17 PM
·
