A press conference with hog producers and Iowa family farm advocates on the harm the Save Our Bacon Act would do to independent family farmers who have found viable markets not controlled by corporate packers like China-owned Smithfield. Speakers will discuss the importance of challenging monopolies and the industrial livestock model, threats to Iowa’s drinking water, and how the Save Our Bacon Act threatens critical states’ rights to oversee their farm and food production.
WHEN: Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. CDT
Livestream link: https://youtube.com/live/
WHERE: The Big Oak Barn, 12806 NE 64th St., Elkhart, IA 50073. The press conference will be held outdoors if weather is accommodating, indoors otherwise. Parking is available on site.
WHO: Brief remarks from:
- Aaron Lehman, President of the Iowa Farmers Union
- John Gilbert, Iowa hog farmer
- Chris Petersen, Iowa hog farmer
- John Norris, former USDA Chief of Staff, former Polk County Administrator, who initiated the Central Iowa Source Water Research Assessment report
- Tony Thompson, Iowa farmer, co-owner of Prudent Produce
RSVP: Please RSVP to Adam Shriver at ashriver@farmactionfund.us or 515-236-1824.
