Voting for American Ag: Rallying together to withstand anti-animal ag initiatives in California and Colorado

Activists can be relentless in their attacks against animal agriculture, but last year’s ballot measures were shot down.

National Pork Producers CEO Bryan Humphreys reflects on the wins for agriculture.

“There was a ballot measure in Sonoma County, California, and one in Denver, Colorado — the one in Sonoma County was going to ban confined animal feeding operations, and 85% of the folks there voted against that and with American farmers,” Humphreys explains. “In the state of Colorado, in Denver, there was an effort to ban harvest facilities, and 65% of Denver voters voted with American agriculture to stop that ban. A couple of bright spots over the election, where the voters stuck with American agriculture.”

Humphreys was especially encouraged by these efforts to stop the bans, calling the grassroots agriculture efforts heartwarming.

Related Stories
Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
The Surface Transportation Board rejects the proposed Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific merger, prompting concerns from agricultural shippers about rail consolidation, service reliability, and higher transportation costs.
Congressional leaders signal momentum toward expanded, targeted farm aid to help producers manage losses and cash-flow stress in 2026.
Midland County Livestock Association President Brandon Mitchell reflects on another strong year for the event, including a premium sale that once again topped the million-dollar mark.
Livestock strength is carrying the farm economy, while crop margins remain tight and increasingly dependent on risk management and financial discipline.
Protein-driven dairy growth is boosting beef supply potential, creating an opening to support rural jobs and ground beef availability.

Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.