By Blake Jackson
California enacted new rules in 2024 requiring pork producers to give sows more space. This caused a stir in the industry, with some like Seaboard Foods adapting to continue selling in California. Missouri, a major pork producer, has some farmers grappling with the decision.
Many large pork producers nationwide are complying with California law. Smithfield Foods, for instance, transitioned their company-owned farms to meet Prop 12 standards. However, information on compliance for their contracted farms, including those in Missouri, is not available.
Some Missouri farmers, like AV Roth, oppose Prop 12. They believe other states shouldn't dictate farming practices and that the cost of complying is too high. Roth's farm uses gestation crates, which don't meet the new space requirements.
While the exact impact on Missouri is unclear, the state is a major pork producer. Data suggests Missouri was among the top five states for pig births between 2013 and 2023. The National Pork Producers Council declined to comment on the impact on Missouri specifically.
There are concerns that Prop 12 could lead to higher pork prices or less availability in California. Some experts believe there isn't enough compliant pork yet to meet California's demand.
California is the biggest pork consumer in the US, but where its pork comes from is uncertain. Data isn't available on how much pork comes from specific states like Missouri.
While some Missouri farmers resist Prop 12, the major pork producers are taking steps to comply. The full impact on Missouri farms and consumers remains to be seen.
Photo Credit: istock-srdjan-stepic
Categories: Missouri, Livestock, Hogs