Farm Reporter Maci Carter recently spoke with Duane Stateler, President of the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), at Washington Watch in Washington, D.C. The conversation centered on the pork industry’s priorities as Congress works towards finalizing the farm bill, as well as ongoing concerns regarding Prop 12, international trade, EPA regulations, and labor.
Stateler emphasized the NPPC’s consistent farm bill priorities. “Well, our farm bill priorities haven’t changed over the last two years. It’s our three-legged stool for our animal health and well-being and the protection of our herd from foreign disease, and that’s been in the bill. Of course, Prop 12 is in the bill. We’re much appreciative of Chairman Thompson’s and Boozman’s work on the farm bill.”
He stressed the importance of the farm bill alongside reconciliation efforts, stating, “We need to keep in mind that we can’t take care of everything in reconciliation. We still need a farm bill, and we need to keep that coalition together. You’re not going to get everything solved for the rural area with a reconciliation bill, so we need that farm bill. Hopefully, we can get that farm bill pushed across this year.”
Regarding California’s Prop 12, Stateler noted its inclusion in both House and Senate farm bill drafts. “Prop 12 is in on the farm bill, both in the Senate side and in the House side. It’s just a matter of getting a Farm Bill introduced and getting it through on that. The results of Prop 12 are still in effect. It’s still costing the people in California about 40% more for their purchase of pork. It’s just the fact of a disruption in the marketplace. That’s the biggest problem with it we have.” He also expressed concern about potential similar regulations in other states, highlighting the NPPC’s efforts to advocate against them at the state level to minimize market disruption.
International trade and tariffs remain a significant concern for pork producers. “We’re using our voice as best we can to promote the trade and tariffs. We knew there was going to be some disruption,” Stateler explained. While acknowledging some easing in the market following initial concerns, he emphasized the uncertainty facing producers. “It’s just the uncertainty and the unknown; that’s the biggest thing that lies with the producers is what tomorrow is going to bring. It would be nice to wrap some things up and have some certainty in what we are looking forward to.”
The NPPC is also closely monitoring EPA guidelines, particularly the re-evaluation of the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. “EPA Director Zeldin has taken the approach of re-looking at the WOTUS. The Biden administration went outside the lines of what the Supreme Court had set on WOTUS last year. Zeldin is taking a holistic approach to looking to what is best, and we appreciate that,” Stateler said, expressing hope for a clearer definition that respects both environmental concerns and farmers’ rights.
Labor needs within the pork industry are another critical issue. Stateler noted some improvement with the TN visa situation but emphasized the need for broader immigration reform. “The best news is what I heard from President Trump on the radio this afternoon, which was that he’s going to offer $1,000 to self-deport. If you do that, you’ve got an opportunity to come back. If you don’t, you don’t have. We truly hope that there’s some kind of immigration policy that both sides of the aisle can accomplish and get something that is meaningful, rather than an H-2A program that only comes in for nine months and doesn’t work. These people want to come and they want to work, and I think we have jobs to offer them, but let’s get a good immigration policy, that we’ve needed for 30 plus years, and finally, get something done on this to the benefit of everybody.”
Regarding the health of the swine herd, Stateler reported ongoing challenges with Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) but noted producers are actively managing the issue. He also provided an update on swine traceability, stating that the USDA is working on the final rule, which is expected in about a year and a half. “We’re looking forward to seeing the final rule on that, because once we get that traceability to where we can trace it back to the farm and trace the movements of the pigs. That will keep us in trade markets everywhere, and not allow us to be shut down in case we get a foreign animal disease in this country.”
Despite the challenges, Stateler highlighted a positive note for the pork industry. “It’s a positive time right now, on the cash markets today. This is our high time in the markets. It’s grilling season, and there’s nothing people like any better than grilling ribs and pork chops during the summer. That’s our highlight, and what brings a smile to our producers’ faces right now.”
