The controversy surrounding gestation crates has been at the forefront of the pork industry for years. These crates, which restrict sows’ movement, have sparked widespread public concern over animal welfare. I, along with many other hog farmers, believe that this method is outdated and inhumane.
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) claims to represent us but continues to support the use of gestation crates through legislation like the EATS Act. This move contradicts the wishes of both consumers and farmers who have worked hard to transition to more humane practices.
Twelve states, including major agricultural hubs like Michigan and Ohio, have already banned gestation crates. Food companies, including Costco, McDonald’s, and Kroger, have also responded to consumer demands by implementing purchasing policies that reject this housing method. It’s clear that the future of pork production lies in more humane approaches, not clinging to outdated practices.
As producers, many of us have already invested significant resources to improve how we raise our sows, aligning our methods with consumer expectations. If NPPC’s efforts to overturn these bans succeed, it would not only undermine the trust we’ve built with consumers but also threaten smaller farms that have made these changes. Large corporations, including foreign-owned entities, could continue using crates and undercut those of us who have invested in humane alternatives.
The NPPC’s argument that laws like California’s Prop 12 force all producers to change their methods is misleading. Producers can still choose whether or not to comply with the standards set by individual states; they simply choose to sell in different markets if they do not wish to meet those standards. In Iowa, the Iowa Pork Producers Association president even noted that enough change has occurred to meet Prop 12’s demands without impacting producers who chose not to adjust their operations.
The NPPC should be working with lawmakers on solutions that support all producers—such as tax incentives and financial support for those transitioning to crate-free systems—rather than pushing divisive legislation like the EATS Act. Consumers have spoken, and it’s time for the industry to listen and evolve.
It’s crucial that we align our industry with modern expectations. The NPPC’s focus on fighting animal welfare advocates may feel like a symbolic victory, but it’s driving customers away and harming the very farmers it claims to represent. It’s time to prioritize humane farming practices and support the farmers who are leading the way.
As a farmer raising 3,000 sows and 78,000 market hogs annually, I call on lawmakers to consider policies that help us transition toward a more humane future—one that benefits both animals and farmers alike. The pork industry can thrive while doing what’s right. We just need the leadership to guide us there.
