In a strong present of unity, greater than 250 unbiased farmers from throughout america gathered in Washington, D.C. this week to defend California’s Proposition 12, the landmark regulation establishing humane housing requirements for sows, veal calves, and laying hens.
The 2-day occasion featured tractor rallies, instructional shows, and a nationwide press convention marking the formation of the American Meat Producer Affiliation (AMPA) — a brand new coalition devoted to making sure transparency, equity, and better animal welfare requirements in U.S. agriculture.
Brent Hershey, proprietor of Hershey Ag, was on-site reporting for Swine Internet, capturing firsthand the voices of producers decided to right misinformation and form their very own narrative.
Reclaiming the Narrative: Hershey’s Mission to Set the Report Straight
“We have been there to have our voices heard and dispel the myths that the NPPC continues to advertise,” Hershey instructed Swine Internet.
Drawing from on-farm expertise and verified knowledge, Hershey outlined 5 key misconceptions being pushed in public discussions about Prop 12 — and the info that counter them:
- Fable: It prices $4,000 per sow to transform to Prop 12 compliance.
Truth: “On our farm, it’s nearer to $400–$800 per sow — about 10% of that determine.” - Fable: Prop 12 provides $20 per pig in manufacturing prices.
Truth: “The actual quantity is between $2 and $4 per pig.” - Fable: NPPC pork costs surged by 40%.
Truth: “ They surged initially however have dropped steadily as provide adjusted, as we speak barely 10% presently and dropping month-to-month as provide is adjusted Pork is 25% the price of beef, an excellent worth for the patron” - Fable: State-by-state rules harm household farms.
Truth: “They really open new markets and reward producers who meet larger welfare and transparency requirements.” - Fable: Eliminating gestation crates harms sow welfare.
Truth: “Our animals are more healthy, calmer, and the pork high quality is best in Prop 12 programs.”
Info from the Capitol: What the Information Exhibits
Supplies offered through the D.C. briefing underscored the rising alignment between animal welfare coverage and financial stability:
- No discount in nationwide pork provide, based on USDA knowledge.
- No provide chain disruptions throughout Prop 12 implementation.
- Retail pork costs have stabilized, with will increase averaging underneath 10%.
- Unbiased producers are increasing market entry by assembly larger requirements that customers now count on.
These findings immediately refute claims that Prop 12 has destabilized manufacturing or pushed up prices — as an alternative pointing to a extra adaptable, consumer-aligned pork trade.
Tractor Rally and Press Convention: Farmers Take Their Message to the Streets
Outdoors the U.S. Capitol, tractors lined the Nationwide Mall as farmers demonstrated each conventional gestation crate programs and trendy Prop 12-compliant housing. The visible distinction drew important consideration from policymakers and the general public, symbolizing the evolution underway in animal agriculture.
In the course of the press convention, presenters included:
- Brent Hershey, Hershey Ag
- Joel Salatin, Polyface Farms
- Will Harris, White Oak Pastures
- Jared Schilling, Coleman Meals
- Russ Kremer, True Story Meals
- Trisha Zachman, Niman Ranch/Perdue
- Kelly Hilovsky, ButcherBox
Every speaker shared insights on sustainability, animal welfare, and the significance of empowering small and mid-sized farms to compete pretty by transparency and accountable manufacturing practices.
ButcherBox: A Voice for Market Accountability
Among the many company allies on the occasion, ButcherBox amplified the message that Prop 12 is as a lot about shopper belief as it’s about animal care.
🔴 “ButcherBox stands firmly with household farmers who embrace progress,” mentioned Kelly Hilovsky of ButcherBox. “Customers have made it clear — they need meat raised humanely, transparently, and responsibly. Prop 12 protects these requirements and offers moral farmers a good market benefit.”
The corporate emphasised that Prop 12 helps to create a stronger connection between producers and shoppers — and supporting U.S. farmers who spend money on humane, verified programs fairly than industrial scale alone.
A World Second for Agriculture
Whereas centered in Washington, this rally resonated far past america. Around the globe, animal welfare requirements are shaping new market entry necessities and export alternatives. The Prop 12 mannequin — balancing welfare, sustainability, and traceability — mirrors a rising worldwide motion towards accountable protein manufacturing.
As Hershey famous from the steps of the Capitol:
“Prop 12 isn’t the issue — it’s a part of the answer. It rewards farmers doing issues proper and ensures shoppers get the standard and accountability they count on from U.S. pork.”
The farmers’ message was clear: moral farming just isn’t a distinct segment — it’s the way forward for international meals manufacturing.
Reporting by Brent Hershey, on-site for Swine Internet
