Advocacy protects farms, drives policy change for pork’s future
Duane Stateler, NPPC president, says persistence defines NPPC’s approach to advocacy
2 September 2025
2 minute read
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Earlier this year, Congress passed and President Trump signed into law the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). It addresses major priorities the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) and pork producers voiced: The bill includes robust investments in animal health and funding for agricultural trade initiatives, and it updates the tax code to support the growth and success of family farms. Despite delays in Congress that have tied up a five-year farm bill being passed the last couple of years, U.S. representatives heard requests from pork producers and addressed these priority programs.
With prolonged debate delaying a “permanent” farm bill, the NPPC identified alternative strategies to secure funding for these programs. The tax reform bill, in particular, underwent multiple revisions during the legislative process, and NPPC was there each step of the way, working with members of both sides of the aisle, to ensure these vital provisions were included in the final version.
Persistence defines NPPC’s approach to advocacy. As the organization’s president, I am committed to ensuring we leave no stone unturned as we pursue economic sustainability and operational freedom for U.S. pork producers.
Our sole charge is to protect the livelihoods of all U.S. pork producers. By focusing on four main advocacy pillars — trade, animal health, commerce and production, and environment and energy — we speak up as the global voice for the U.S. pork industry by proactively engaging with decision-makers at the international, federal, and state levels. The key priorities I noted were included in the OBBBA are recent examples of how our steady, persistent advocacy pays off for the pork industry.
NPPC has always been, and will always remain, a producer-led organization. Our long-range strategic plan was created by producers for producers to ensure our advocacy efforts are aligned with the long-term goals of the hardworking men and women NPPC represents. We have a responsibility to stay ahead of evolving regulations, global dynamics, market trends, and corporate demands. Our leadership is committed to transparency to keep producers informed every step of the way.
As a fifth-generation farmer, protecting my family’s legacy is what motivated me to advocate for the industry. No single producer can solve our industry’s policy challenges alone, but together, 60,000+ producers through the combined voice of NPPC can drive real change. There truly is strength in numbers.
