U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-Ill.) visited with Illinois hog farmers and Illinois Pork Producers Association Executive Director Jennifer Tirey about the upcoming budget reconciliation package during her 21st Century Heartland Tour on Aug. 20.
Bustos opened the door for discussion on potential areas of concern to pork producers during her visit to Zehr Farms in Washington, Ill. Producers discussed concerns about the possible elimination of the “step-up in basis,” as well as a new capital gains tax event at death.
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) said they oppose elimination of the step-up in basis, as it would significantly reduce the appeal of farming and put many generational family farms out of business.
Producers also discussed the need to reform the H-2A visa program, noting the severe shortfalls in available domestic labor. A recently updated Iowa State University study found that despite competitive wages and an expanding workforce, the U.S. pork industry continues to struggle with a labor shortage.
NPPC is urging Congress to provide year-round access to the H-2A visa program without a cap.
According to a WMBD article, Proposition 12 was another big topic of conversation. Zehr said the new rules could cause farmers to not sell pork to California at all, which would hurt California consumers. Tirey added the proposal could create shortages of pork in California.
“Having Rep. Cheri Bustos at Curt’s farm gave her firsthand experience on how these proposals impact family farms,” Tirey said.
Bustos shared her reflections on the struggles farmers are facing and applauded the farming practices of pork producers in the state. She emphasized the disconnect of the general public who has not stepped foot on a family farm to understand what it takes to get the job done, WMBD reports.
More from Farm Journal’s PORK:
