Pennsylvania Farmer Teams Up with National Coalition to Support Proposition 12 and Preserve Family Farms
On October 8, 2025, Pennsylvania hog farmer Brent Hershey, alongside more than 200 farmers from over 30 states, will rally in Washington, D.C. to advocate for Proposition 12 and oppose legislation proposed by Congress that threatens the future of family farms and responsible farming practices. The upcoming event at the National Press Club will not only feature conversations around the importance of Proposition 12 but also spotlight the pressing need for maintaining basic animal welfare standards in American agriculture.
Hershey, who has recently gained national attention for his views on animal welfare, will be speaking at a press conference alongside a variety of stakeholders, including farmers, meat producers, and retailers. This coalition represents a broad cross-section of the agricultural community that is unified in their push to protect family-run farms.
The contentious Save Our Bacon Act and the Food Security and Farm Protection Act, formerly known as the Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression (EATS) Act, are at the heart of the opposition. These legislative efforts threaten to dismantle hard-fought regulations, particularly California's Proposition 12 and Massachusetts's Question 3, which set minimum space requirements for livestock—a move that advocates assert is essential for ensuring humane treatment of animals.
Brent Hershey, President of Hershey Ag, stands by the principles embodied in Proposition 12. "My farm is Prop. 12 certified, and it has never operated better. The standards have made our farm more resilient. Healthier animals mean fewer losses and better productivity," he stated, emphasizing the positive outcomes of humane farming practices.
These standards, upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2023, not only promote animal welfare but also represent a more sustainable approach to farming that consumers increasingly demand. Reports indicate that around 27% of U.S. pork producers have begun or are considering making adjustments to their operations to comply with Proposition 12's provisions, highlighting the growing trend of adopting humane practices in the industry.
Support for the standards established by Proposition 12 has also been endorsed by several major meat companies, including Perdue Farms, True Story Foods, and ButcherBox. These businesses recognize that adhering to humane farming regulations can yield benefits not only for animals but also for consumers and the economy.
Public opinion strongly favors these reforms. Surveys show that nearly 70% of Americans are against gestation crates, with only 8% in support. This sentiment is reflected in the overwhelming voter approval that both Proposition 12 and Question 3 received, with results of 63% and 78%, respectively.
In an eye-catching move to amplify their message, farmers and advocates will use tractors and pick-up trucks to circle the Capitol on October 9, displaying large American flags and banners in support of their cause. By showcasing alternatives to outdated agricultural practices, supporters aim to educate the public and lawmakers on the importance of maintaining humane farm standards.
Through this rally and ongoing discussions with members of Congress, Brent Hershey and his fellow farmers hope to ignite a deeper conversation about agricultural practices in America. They want to ensure that family farms—often seen as the backbone of the American agricultural system—are not jeopardized by legislation that prioritizes big agriculture over responsible farming.
As Hershey and other participants prepare for this crucial event in D.C., the farming community remains hopeful that their collective voices will make a significant impact on the future of farming regulations in the United States. The event promises to be not just a demonstration but a critical moment in the ongoing battle for the protection of family farms and the promotion of humane animal treatment across the nation.
Hershey, who has recently gained national attention for his views on animal welfare, will be speaking at a press conference alongside a variety of stakeholders, including farmers, meat producers, and retailers. This coalition represents a broad cross-section of the agricultural community that is unified in their push to protect family-run farms.
The contentious Save Our Bacon Act and the Food Security and Farm Protection Act, formerly known as the Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression (EATS) Act, are at the heart of the opposition. These legislative efforts threaten to dismantle hard-fought regulations, particularly California's Proposition 12 and Massachusetts's Question 3, which set minimum space requirements for livestock—a move that advocates assert is essential for ensuring humane treatment of animals.
Brent Hershey, President of Hershey Ag, stands by the principles embodied in Proposition 12. "My farm is Prop. 12 certified, and it has never operated better. The standards have made our farm more resilient. Healthier animals mean fewer losses and better productivity," he stated, emphasizing the positive outcomes of humane farming practices.
These standards, upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2023, not only promote animal welfare but also represent a more sustainable approach to farming that consumers increasingly demand. Reports indicate that around 27% of U.S. pork producers have begun or are considering making adjustments to their operations to comply with Proposition 12's provisions, highlighting the growing trend of adopting humane practices in the industry.
Support for the standards established by Proposition 12 has also been endorsed by several major meat companies, including Perdue Farms, True Story Foods, and ButcherBox. These businesses recognize that adhering to humane farming regulations can yield benefits not only for animals but also for consumers and the economy.
Public opinion strongly favors these reforms. Surveys show that nearly 70% of Americans are against gestation crates, with only 8% in support. This sentiment is reflected in the overwhelming voter approval that both Proposition 12 and Question 3 received, with results of 63% and 78%, respectively.
In an eye-catching move to amplify their message, farmers and advocates will use tractors and pick-up trucks to circle the Capitol on October 9, displaying large American flags and banners in support of their cause. By showcasing alternatives to outdated agricultural practices, supporters aim to educate the public and lawmakers on the importance of maintaining humane farm standards.
Through this rally and ongoing discussions with members of Congress, Brent Hershey and his fellow farmers hope to ignite a deeper conversation about agricultural practices in America. They want to ensure that family farms—often seen as the backbone of the American agricultural system—are not jeopardized by legislation that prioritizes big agriculture over responsible farming.
As Hershey and other participants prepare for this crucial event in D.C., the farming community remains hopeful that their collective voices will make a significant impact on the future of farming regulations in the United States. The event promises to be not just a demonstration but a critical moment in the ongoing battle for the protection of family farms and the promotion of humane animal treatment across the nation.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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