Most of us don’t follow every twist in Congress. But right now, something big is moving that could affect millions of animals: the Farm Bill. Leaders in Congress say they see an opening to finish major pieces soon. That’s why we need to speak up — now.
What Is the Farm Bill, in Plain English?
The Farm Bill is a giant package Congress renews every few years that sets many of the rules for farms and food. It can help animals — or it can lock in cruelty. This time, some members want to use it to undo hard‑won protections against the worst confinement on factory farms.
What Is Prop 12 — and Why Does It Matter Here?
In 2018, California voters passed Proposition 12. It’s a simple idea: if meat or eggs are sold in California, they can’t come from animals kept in tiny cages or crates where they can’t even turn around.
In 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court said states can choose to keep cruel products off their shelves. That win inspired progress nationwide — including momentum here in Minnesota for basic space standards so animals can stand up, turn around, and stretch their limbs.
What’s the Threat Right Now?
Some in Congress are pushing bills that would wipe out laws like Prop 12. They have friendly names, but the effect is the same: block states from saying ‘no’ to cruel products. These include:
- Food Security and Farm Protection Act (FSFPA) in the Senate
- ‘Save Our Bacon’ Act (SOB Act) in the House
In the past, the language in these bills was called “The EATS Act.” And we stopped it from passing!
But now these ideas may be folded into the Farm Bill. If that happens, years of progress for animals could be erased in one vote.
Why This Matters for Minnesota
Minnesota is a top pork and turkey state. What happens in Washington directly affects animals here at home.
Investigations have documented severe suffering on factory farms in our state — for example, Animal Outlook’s undercover investigation at Holden Farms in Utica, Minnesota, revealed egregious abuse of mother pigs and piglets.
Minnesotans — including farmers — are working for more humane systems. These bills would slam the brakes on that change and reward the worst confinement.
Many farmers have already invested to meet higher-welfare standards. Overriding those standards now would hurt the producers doing the right thing and hand power back to the biggest companies.
Quick Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: ‘States are forcing farms to change.’ Fact: No — producers can choose which markets to sell to. If you want to sell into a humane market, meet that standard. If not, sell elsewhere.
- Myth: ‘This will make food unaffordable.’ Fact: After Prop 12 took effect, pork remained competitive across most of the country. Fear of huge price spikes hasn’t come true.
- Myth: ‘It’s a confusing patchwork.’ Fact: Only a couple of states have pork sales rules — and they’re aligned on the basics: no extreme confinement.
What We Want in the Farm Bill
Here are the top priorities we want to see in the Farm Bill:
- Keep states’ ability to keep cruel products off their shelves.
- Support farmers who are moving away from cages and crates.
- Protect communities, workers, and the environment alongside animals.
Take Action With Us Today
Tell Congress: Don’t undo animal‑welfare protections in the Farm Bill. Say no to the FSFPA, the SOB Act, and any Farm Bill language that erases Prop 12‑style protections.
Take action with us online — it only takes two minutes!
Minnesota can lead with compassion — again. If you’re a Minnesota farmer, veterinarian, public health professional, or local leader who’s willing to speak out, we’ll help draft a quote, letter to the editor, or testimony for your district.
Together, let’s keep the momentum for animals going — and make sure this Farm Bill moves us forward, not back.
Sources
- From Horror to Hope: How New Policies Are Transforming Factory Farming (CAA blog, 2024) https://caa.mn/2024/04/29/from-horror-to-hope-how-new-policies-are-transforming-factory-farming/
- What Is the EATS Act and How Does It Affect State Laws? (LegalClarity explainer, 2025) https://legalclarity.org/what-is-the-eats-act-and-how-does-it-affect-state-laws/
- Lawmakers see opening to finish Farm Bill (DTN/The Progressive Farmer, Jan 12, 2026) https://www.dtnpf.com/agriculture/web/ag/news/article/2026/01/12/lawmakers-see-opening-finish-farm
- Animal Outlook investigation: Holden Farms, Utica, MN (2022) https://animaloutlook.org/investigations/holden-farms-the-problem-with-pork/
- Rebranded EATS Act Eliminates Nation’s Most Important Farm Animal Welfare Laws (Jan 2026 report) https://app.juma.ai/assets/workspace_470daadd-e104-4e43-b9a7-084fc2286c1c/user_63fcb3c8-690a-45b9-8184-9d6fe910d72e/ccb5f70f-cbca-44e5-b4c7-e8fef770cdfb.pdf
