Fighting for Farmers

BIG Update 

Law enforcement officers face risks every day to protect their communities. On Sunday, I joined Sheriff Pat West in Sturgis to thank officers serving during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. These brave men and women are responsible for keeping South Dakotans and visitors safe. Many of these officers work overtime to keep us safe, and thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill this overtime pay will be tax free.

BIG Idea 

California’s Proposition 12 (Prop 12) sets minimum standards for living space requirements for farm animals in California and prohibits the sale of products from animals confined in spaces that don’t meet California’s standards.  

This rule was adopted in 2018 and has only increased costs for producers and consumers with little to no benefit for livestock. For example, the price of a pound of pork loin in California rose more than 40%, and producers are facing a $4,000 cost per animal on construction to be compliant with California’s unscientific law. Even with that amount of investment, studies show that Prop 12 rules have not led to better welfare conditions for livestock. 

Reality check—producers know and want what’s best for their livestock. Prop 12 is a fantastic failure, and Congress must fix that mistake.  

Click here for Johnson’s Prop 12 remarks in the Ag Committee .

BIG News 

It was Ag Appreciation Day at the Sioux Empire State Fair, and I volunteered to welcome and thank our producers who work tirelessly to feed and fuel the world. In Congress, I’ve fought nonstop for policies which support the agricultural industry. The One Big Beautiful Bill was full of wins for rural America, including funding key agricultural priorities that protect farmers, promote trade, and invest in research.