Dean Frazer

As a fifth-generation Iowa farmer, I understand the importance of making decisions that sustain a farm for future generations. My family has been farming and raising pigs in central Iowa for more than 155 years. Today, my wife and I, and our son and daughter-in-law raise pigs, corn and beans near Conrad in Grundy County. Our kids are already partners in the operation, and we are excited about the prospect of the next generation continuing the Frazer family tradition.

90 percent of Iowa farms are family owned, and like other family farmers, we take pride in caring for our animals, protecting our land, and producing safe, nutritious food for families here at home and around the world.

That is why I believe Proposition 12 remains one of the most important issues facing pork producers today.

Unfortunately, as Congress examines solutions to the challenges created by Proposition 12, we’ve seen a coordinated smear campaign designed to distract from the real issue. Rather than discussing the impact of California’s law on family farmers, opponents have resorted to misleading claims and political attacks against the Save Our Bacon Act and those who support it.

Let’s be clear: this is not about helping one company, one segment of agriculture, or any foreign interest. It is about protecting family farmers and preserving a national marketplace that has served consumers and producers well for generations.

At its core, Proposition 12 is a California law that dictates how breeding pigs must be housed and restricts the sale of pork in California unless producers comply with California’s standards. While California voters have every right to establish laws within their own state, many farmers are concerned about the precedent created when one state effectively imposes its regulations on producers nationwide.

The reality is that family farmers are among those most affected by a growing patchwork of state-by-state regulations. These mandates create uncertainty, increase costs, and make it more difficult for family farms to remain competitive.

This debate is not about whether farmers care about animal welfare. Iowa pig farmers care deeply about the health and well-being of their animals. Farmers work alongside veterinarians, animal scientists, and other experts every day to continually improve animal care practices based on research and proven outcomes. Many veterinarians have expressed concerns with Proposition 12 because it mandates a specific housing system rather than focusing on measurable animal health and welfare outcomes.

I am grateful for the leadership of Iowa’s congressional delegation, which has worked to address the challenges created by Proposition 12 through the Save Our Bacon Act. Their efforts are not about helping corporations; they are about standing up for Iowa farmers, rural communities, and consumers.

For Iowa farm families like mine, this issue comes down to a simple principle: farmers in Iowa should not have their operations dictated by ballot initiatives in states thousands of miles away. We deserve policies rooted in science, common sense, and respect for the family farms that help feed America.

Dean Frazer of rural Conrad is an Iowa pig farmer and the president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association.