Pork Producers Disappointed Senate Farm Bill Fails to Pass – Ag’s Needs, Including a Prop. 12 Fix, Still Stand

WASHINGTON, D.C., Aug. 6, 2026 – The National Pork Producers Council’s President Rob Brenneman, a pork producer from Washington County, Iowa, issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry’s farm bill failed to move forward.

“When Congress passes a new farm bill, it must include the ask of America’s 60,000-plus pork producers to finally stop the threat of a state-by-state patchwork of farm animal housing laws spurred by California Proposition 12.

“America’s pork producers deserve a robust farm bill, which should come with protection from being forced to rebuild their barns every time another state decides it knows what is best for animal welfare over farmers.

“Not only does Prop. 12 make sustaining their businesses onerous for pork producers, but also it hinders the critical input and expertise of swine veterinarians.”

As farm bill negotiations continue, NPPC encourages Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) and Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) to produce—and pass—a bipartisan farm bill that focuses on keeping pig farming in the U.S. affordable, checks the overreach of interstate commerce California has enjoyed, and bottom line, offers the best care for animals.