For the Week Ending June 27, 2025
(Brought to you in partnership with the National Pork Producers Council)
🗓 Note: In observance of the Independence Day holiday, NPPC’s Capital Update will not be published July 7. It will return on July 14. Enjoy the 4th—and don’t forget to fire up the grill with pork!
🔊 Now Available: Capital Update in Audio Format
NPPC’s weekly recap is now available as a podcast-style audio version, keeping you informed while on the move.
🎧 [Click to Listen]
🏛️ House Moves to Modernize the Clean Water Act
In a major win for pork producers, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved the PERMIT Act (H.R. 3898), streamlining key aspects of the Clean Water Act (CWA).
🔹 Key Reforms Include:
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Defining “agricultural stormwater” to cover livestock and crop runoff.
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Eliminating duplicate pesticide regulations.
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Requiring that permit limits be attainable and within control of producers.
🧩 NPPC’s Role: Helped shape the language of the bill alongside other ag organizations.
💥 Why It Matters: These reforms reduce delays, confusion, and regulatory burden for producers working to comply with CWA standards.
💰 NPPC Champions Senate Tax Reform Package
NPPC joined a broad coalition of ag groups urging quick passage of the Senate tax package within the “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act.”
📌 Key Benefits for Pork Producers:
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100% Bonus Depreciation made permanent.
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Estate Tax Exemption increased to $15M in 2026.
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Section 179 Expensing increased to $2.5M.
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20% Business Income Deduction made permanent.
🗣 NPPC says: These provisions help producers plan, grow, and remain financially secure.
🚨 If not extended, these tax tools will begin expiring at the end of 2025.
👷♂️ H-2A Visa Program Reform in the Works
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced potential H-2A visa reforms to address persistent labor shortages in agriculture.
📉 Current Limitation: H-2A visas are seasonal-only and not available to year-round pork operations.
📢 NPPC supports expanding H-2A to allow year-round access for livestock producers.
💡 Why it matters: Many pork producers are struggling to fill critical labor needs under the current system.
🙌 Lori Stevermer Honored in Congress
Rep. Brad Finstad (R-MN) publicly recognized Lori Stevermer, co-owner of Trail’s End Farm, for her leadership as NPPC President (2024–2025).
👏 “Lori shows up, speaks up, and delivers for American pork producers,” said Finstad.
Stevermer now chairs NPPC’s Trade Committee and continues to represent producer interests at the national level.
🐷 About NPPC
The National Pork Producers Council is the global voice of the U.S. pork industry, representing 60,000+ producers. NPPC works to protect producers’ livelihoods, promote animal welfare, and ensure access to safe, high-quality pork worldwide.
🌐 Learn more at nppc.org
