West Virginia lawmakers have introduced House Bill 2146, aiming to eliminate consumer sales taxes on beef, pork, and lamb processing at slaughterhouses. If passed, the bill could provide financial relief to livestock producers facing rising production costs.
Dwayne O’Dell, director of government affairs for the West Virginia Farm Bureau, highlighted the potential savings for farmers, as current processing taxes range from $30 to $60 per animal.
“With escalating costs in labor, feed, and fertilizer, anything that reduces overhead expenses is a positive step,” O’Dell said. “This initiative could help sustain existing farmers and encourage new entrants into the livestock industry.”
West Virginia produced more than 1 million pounds of commercial red meat in 2024, according to the USDA, underscoring the importance of livestock production to the state’s agricultural economy.
Impact on Pork Producers
For swine producers, removing processing taxes could reduce costs at slaughter, improving profit margins amid ongoing market volatility. The move could also strengthen regional processing capacity, making local slaughterhouses more competitive.
As discussions on House Bill 2146 continue, industry stakeholders will be monitoring its progress and considering whether similar measures could be implemented in other states.
Stay connected with Swine Web for updates on legislation affecting pork producers.
