In a powerful show of unity, more than 250 independent farmers from across the United States gathered in Washington, D.C. this week to defend California’s Proposition 12, the landmark law establishing humane housing standards for sows, veal calves, and laying hens.
The two-day event featured tractor rallies, educational displays, and a national press conference marking the formation of the American Meat Producer Association (AMPA) — a new coalition dedicated to ensuring transparency, fairness, and higher animal welfare standards in U.S. agriculture.
Brent Hershey, owner of Hershey Ag, was on-site reporting for Swine Web, capturing firsthand the voices of producers determined to correct misinformation and shape their own narrative.
Reclaiming the Narrative: Hershey’s Mission to Set the Record Straight
“We were there to have our voices heard and dispel the myths that the NPPC continues to promote,” Hershey told Swine Web.
Drawing from on-farm experience and verified data, Hershey outlined five key misconceptions being pushed in public discussions about Prop 12 — and the facts that counter them:
- Myth: It costs $4,000 per sow to convert to Prop 12 compliance.
Fact: “On our farm, it’s closer to $400–$800 per sow — about 10% of that figure.” - Myth: Prop 12 adds $20 per pig in production costs.
Fact: “The real number is between $2 and $4 per pig.” - Myth: NPPC pork prices surged by 40%.
Fact: “ They surged initially but have dropped steadily as supply adjusted, today barely 10% currently and dropping monthly as supply is adjusted Pork is 25% the cost of beef, a great value for the consumer” - Myth: State-by-state regulations hurt family farms.
Fact: “They actually open new markets and reward producers who meet higher welfare and transparency standards.” - Myth: Eliminating gestation crates harms sow welfare.
Fact: “Our animals are healthier, calmer, and the pork quality is better in Prop 12 systems.”
Facts from the Capitol: What the Data Shows
Materials presented during the D.C. briefing underscored the growing alignment between animal welfare policy and economic stability:
- No reduction in national pork supply, according to USDA data.
- No supply chain disruptions during Prop 12 implementation.
- Retail pork prices have stabilized, with increases averaging under 10%.
- Independent producers are expanding market access by meeting higher standards that consumers now expect.
These findings directly refute claims that Prop 12 has destabilized production or driven up costs — instead pointing to a more adaptable, consumer-aligned pork industry.
Tractor Rally and Press Conference: Farmers Take Their Message to the Streets
Outside the U.S. Capitol, tractors lined the National Mall as farmers demonstrated both traditional gestation crate systems and modern Prop 12-compliant housing. The visual contrast drew significant attention from policymakers and the public, symbolizing the evolution underway in animal agriculture.
During the press conference, presenters included:
- Brent Hershey, Hershey Ag
- Joel Salatin, Polyface Farms
- Will Harris, White Oak Pastures
- Jared Schilling, Coleman Foods
- Russ Kremer, True Story Foods
- Trisha Zachman, Niman Ranch/Perdue
- Kelly Hilovsky, ButcherBox
Each speaker shared insights on sustainability, animal welfare, and the importance of empowering small and mid-sized farms to compete fairly through transparency and responsible production practices.
ButcherBox: A Voice for Market Accountability
Among the corporate allies at the event, ButcherBox amplified the message that Prop 12 is as much about consumer trust as it is about animal care.
🔴 “ButcherBox stands firmly with family farmers who embrace progress,” said Kelly Hilovsky of ButcherBox. “Consumers have made it clear — they want meat raised humanely, transparently, and responsibly. Prop 12 protects those standards and gives ethical farmers a fair market advantage.”
The company emphasized that Prop 12 is helping to create a stronger connection between producers and consumers — and supporting U.S. farmers who invest in humane, verified systems rather than industrial scale alone.
A Global Moment for Agriculture
While centered in Washington, this rally resonated far beyond the United States. Around the world, animal welfare standards are shaping new market access requirements and export opportunities. The Prop 12 model — balancing welfare, sustainability, and traceability — mirrors a growing international movement toward responsible protein production.
As Hershey noted from the steps of the Capitol:
“Prop 12 isn’t the problem — it’s part of the solution. It rewards farmers doing things right and ensures consumers get the quality and accountability they expect from U.S. pork.”
The farmers’ message was clear: ethical farming is not a niche — it’s the future of global food production.
Reporting by Brent Hershey, on-site for Swine Web
