News

Addressing Proposition 12 in 2025

The public policy director for the Iowa Pork Producers Association says Proposition 12 continues to be one of the biggest issues impacting pig farmers.

Ben Nuelle tells Brownfield pork groups are expected to be aggressive in pushing for a federal Prop 12 solution this year. “One reason it just is going to cause chaos and a patchwork of regulations across the United States that we tend to start seeing other states do. We just don’t want to see that.”

The Proposition 12 law bans the sale of pork, veal, and eggs in California from animals anywhere in the country whose confinement does not meet minimum space requirements.

Nuelle says lawmakers could include a resolution in the next farm bill, but, “Are we going to see a farm bill this year? Is that going to have to wait until next year? We’re still going to be optimistic in trying to get one done here, but that’s just going to depend on the congressional calendar.”

National Pork Producers Council president Lori Stevermer recently told Brownfield Prop 12 has increased operating costs for pork producers, created future business uncertainty, and raised consumer prices.

Nuelle spoke to Brownfield at the 2025 Iowa Pork Congress in Des Moines. That interview can be heard below.