By: NATHAN STUEDLE
Pork producers say the Senate Farm Bill still needs to address differing state livestock-housing requirements. The National Pork Producers Council welcomed progress on the Agricultural Act of 2026 but continues seeking federal action addressing California's Proposition 12 and similar state laws. The group says requiring producers to comply with different housing standards across states can increase costs and create uncertainty for the nation's pork operations.
NPPC President Rob Brenneman says producers need a five-year Farm Bill that provides more consistency in livestock-production requirements. The organization also cites veterinarians who argue animal welfare can't be evaluated solely through minimum space requirements and that production practices should be able to change as new research becomes available. As Farm Bill negotiations continue in the Senate, pork producers are asking lawmakers to address conflicts among state livestock-housing standards before final legislation is completed.