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.
Livestock profits are propping up overall sentiment, but crop producers remain cautious amid tight margins and uncertain policy signals.
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Farmers for Free Trade Executive Director Brian Kuehl shares more about the tour to gather farmers’ insights on the economic challenges they face in the ag economy.
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USDA will meet part of November SNAP benefits under court direction, citing insufficient funds for full payments.
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Laramie Sandquist discusses Nationwide Agribusiness’s commitment to grain bin safety initiatives, including providing life-saving equipment and training to fire departments across the country.
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An import lag for ground beef will likely look different than last year’s egg shortage. The difference comes down to biosecurity and market flexibility.
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The WASDE/Crop Production combo will be the first full read on supply, demand, and yield that could move basis and hedging plans since the government shutdown more than a month ago.
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China’s grain expansion model may be hitting its limit. Lower prices, high rents, and policy fatigue threaten future output — with ripple effects across global feed and oilseed markets.
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America’s love for burgers depends on open markets. Without lean beef imports, prices would skyrocket, crushing demand and destabilizing the beef industry.
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The Livestock Conservancy joins us in the RFD-TV Studio to discuss how protecting heritage-breed poultry is essential to resilient food systems and the preservation of agricultural traditions.
October 31, 2025 12:59 PM
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