Standing up for Iowa pig farmers

Iowa's congressional delegation defends farmers while out-of-state interests mislead the public about Prop 12.

As the nation's leading pork producing state, raising roughly one-third of the nation's pigs, Iowa farmers are hit first and hit hardest by policy changes that can upend our industry, just as we've seen with California's Prop 12 - a mandate driven more by politics than by sound veterinary science or animal-care expertise.

That is why the misinformation being pushed by the American Meat Producers Association is so concerning, and why Iowa's congressional delegation has stood with farm families - including Rep. Ashley Hinson, who introduced the Save Our Bacon Act after hearing directly from Iowans about Prop 12's consequences, from the farm gate to the grocery aisle.

An economic engine

Iowa's 5,172 pig farms help create more than 120,000 jobs, from hog production to processing, and the pork industry contributed $15.4 billion in value added to Iowa's economy in 2024. The pork industry provides $8 billion in household income while contributing $2.7 billion in taxes paid, according to a recent study from the Iowa Pork Producers Association.

Iowa is the country's long-established leader in pork production for good reason.

Our pig farmers build on generations of experience while embracing the latest research and technology to produce safe, nutritious pork and provide quality animal care. Iowa's abundant supply of essential feedstuffs also makes our state an ideal place to raise pigs responsibly and efficiently.

Agriculture and pork production are vital to Iowa's economy and communities, so when the ag economy struggles, all of Iowa feels it. During a multiyear downturn, livestock has provided one of the few bright spots for farmer profitability.

Misinformation hurts

That makes it especially frustrating to see out-of-state special interests spend millions on a dishonest pro-Prop 12 campaign targeting our federal officials under the guise of protecting Iowa farmers and promoting animal welfare.

Make no mistake, the group behind the $30 million ad blitz doesn't represent American agriculture, and their false claims certainly don't reflect the views of Iowa pig farmers.

Iowans know that members of our state's congressional delegation are loyal supporters of agriculture, and the Save Our Bacon Act reflects the concerns they have heard from farm families, processors and consumers who understand the negative consequences of Prop 12.

When states enact different rules and regulations for agricultural products to be sold within their borders, it becomes impossible for farmers to navigate the patchwork of laws.

This dangerous precedent squeezes out farmers, and it limits options and inflates prices for consumers at the grocery store. The same could be true for any industry that engages in interstate commerce, not just agriculture.

Iowa agriculture is proud of our elected federal officials and their track record supporting farm families. In the face of outside pressure and dark money attacks, their support hasn't wavered, and we commend the Iowa delegation for standing strong in support of Iowa agriculture and our farm families.

Johnson, a Calhoun County farmer, is president of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation.