A bill has been introduced into the Oklahoma Senate to provide financial support to producers to convert from gestation crates to group housing.  The Bill is sponsored by Senator George Young who evidently is responding to concerns by hog producers faced with pressure exerted by animal welfare groups.  Senate Bill 1325 would establish a $4 million fund to be administered by the Department of Commerce to provide grants to farmers to establish sow housing compliant with Proposition #12.

There is now adequate U.S. production of pork derived from group-housed sows to satisfy Proposition #12 and Question #3. Belatedly the hog industry has recognized the impact of both consumer and retailer concern over gestation crates and the groundswell for conversion.

It is interesting that the legislature of Oklahoma recognizes the need to provide financial support to farmers to transition from gestation crates.  There was no assistance requested by or offered to egg producers to comply with California Proposition #2 after 2008.  The transfer of approximately 100 million hens from conventional cages to alternative housing systems was financed entirely by producers without state or federal assistance.