#Proposition 12 #Meat Industry #Family Farms

United for Animal Welfare: Hog Farmers Rally at Capitol

On October 8, 2025, over 200 hog farmers, meat industry representatives, and retailers from across the United States will convene in Washington, D.C., to stand against proposed legislation that threatens family farms and responsible farming practices. This significant rally, taking place at the National Press Club, aims to support California's Proposition 12 and Massachusetts's Question 3, which are critical for the welfare of farm animals.

The coalition is mobilizing to express their opposition to the controversial Save Our Bacon Act and Food Security and Farm Protection Act, previously known as the Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression (EATS) Act. These laws seek to dismantle essential humane farming standards that protect farmers and consumers alike. According to the farmers, if Congress passes this legislation, it could severely jeopardize family businesses that have already invested in crate-free systems, leaving them vulnerable to extinction.

Brent Hershey, the President of Hershey Ag, firmly endorses Prop. 12, stating, "My farm is Prop. 12-certified, and it's never operated better. Prop. 12's standards made our farm more resilient. Healthier animals mean fewer losses and better productivity, and Prop. 12 provides a market that actually rewards the hard work we put in."

The event will highlight the significant changes that Proposition 12 has already brought to the industry. Enforced by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2023, this law regulates the minimum space requirements for pigs, hens, and calves, ensuring that animals can stand, turn around, and stretch. As of now, approximately 27% of U.S. pork producers have either implemented or are working towards compliance with Prop. 12.

The support doesn’t only come from farmers; leading meat companies such as Perdue Farms, Niman Ranch, and ButcherBox have voiced their agreement with these humane farming practices. Mike Salguero, the founder of ButcherBox, explained, "The farmers who invested in meeting Prop. 12 standards took a risk to do the right thing, and we’re proud to partner with them. Consumer interest in animal welfare continues to accelerate without signs of slowing down, and undermining Prop. 12 punishes the producers who stepped up and the consumers who voted in favor of farming practices they believe in."

Additionally, the public sentiment is overwhelmingly in favor of these reforms. A recent survey indicates that nearly 70% of Americans oppose the use of gestation crates, while only 8% support them. Both California and Massachusetts saw overwhelming approval for their respective laws at the ballot box, garnering 63% and 78% support.

Phil Gatto, CEO of True Story Foods, emphasized the inhumane nature of gestation crates, stating, "Gestation crates are inhumane. Period. We’re proud to work with American family farmers, many of whom have made significant investments into converting their farms to be Prop 12 compliant. This rollback would be catastrophic."

The rally will feature not just speeches and statements from stakeholders but also a display of a gestation crate housing a realistic