Missouri Pork Farmers Challenge Impact of California’s Proposition 12

Missouri pork producers are grappling with the implications of California's Proposition 12, a law that sets minimum space requirements for certain farm animals sold within the state. Approved by California voters in 2018, the regulation went into full effect in January 2024. Todd Hayes, a farmer from Marion County, Missouri, whose family has raised pigs for over 100 years, says the law is a major challenge for smaller operations. "It puts a disadvantage on small family farmers," Hayes explains, adding that adapting to the law requires significant changes to facilities and operations. Hayes also argues that individual stalls reduce competition among animals and improve survival rates. Supporters of Proposition 12, like Kate Brindle from the Humane Society of the United States, emphasize that farmers had ample notice to adjust. "The law aligns with global trends in animal welfare and market expectations," Brindle says. She also highlights California's significant pork consumption—15% of the U.S. total—indicating that the market has adapted to higher costs. While proponents argue the law reflects moral progress, Hayes and other farmers worry about potential future requirements. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld California’s right to enforce the standards, further fueling the debate over animal welfare, farming practices, and the economic toll on small-scale farmers.