With the supreme court hearing arguments on California’s Prop 12, there’s a lot of questions unanswered in the minds of Wisconsin’s pork farmers. Keri Retallick, Executive Vice President of the Wisconsin Pork Association joins us to share more about what Prop 12 means. She also gives us an update on October Pork Month and the Passion for Pork initiative that started during the pandemic.
In November of 2018 California voters passed Prop 12, which imposed specific housing requirements for egg layers, veal calves and pigs. Not only did the requirements apply to farmers within the state, but also to all meat and eggs sold in California. Since then a legal battle has continued and has wound its way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Earlier this month the case was heard by the court and their ruling is expected in early 2023. Keri says that the industry belief is that this case comes down to the freedom to operate and feels that the restrictions that this places on farmers is unconstitutional.
Looking at the numbers, Keri says about 15% of the pork raised in the United States is consumed in California. She goes on to say that modifications required to meet the specifications that Prop 12 lays out for animal housing could cost about $3,500 per sow. She fears that if this law stands, there would be more concentration of the industry and the consequences here in Wisconsin could be severe.
October is “Pork Month” and despite the challenges in the industry there is lots of good work going on. The Wisconsin Pork Association has a few programs they are highlighting. This fall they’re working with local retail outlets with their “CeleBrat” promotion. The Southwestern Wisconsin Pork Producers are also hosting a butterfly pork loin sandwich drive through meal on Oct, 28th. There is also a grant program out there for family and consumer science programs to buy pork and learn about preparing pork with the lesson plans the association offers.
Keri says that the “Passion For Pork” program that was created during the pandemic has continued to grow thanks to a value added producer grant. She says their goal is to have a program put together so that Wisconsinites can buy pork that’s been both raised and processed right here in Wisconsin.
Leave a Reply