STANDING FOR
FAMILY FARMERS
Farmers’ voices need to be heard—and listened to—by legislators and regulators in the state and federal government.
We’re proud to represent their interests.
American Meat Producers Association
The American Meat Producers Association represents farmers, ranchers, and meat producers across the United States, fighting to protect their livelihoods and preserve the future of American farming. We start by listening to our members to understand what matters most to them then work tirelessly to ensure they can keep doing what they do best: farm.
We advocate for policies that promote responsible production, protect fair and open meat markets, and keep family farms thriving. And we push back against legislation that threatens farmers’ independence, stifles healthy competition and diverse markets, or takes money out of their pockets.
Our mission
Our nation’s farmers, ranchers, and meat producers feed millions every day. But too often, they’re treated as an afterthought when powerful interests shape laws and regulations that hurt their ability to compete.
We exist to change that. The American Meat Producers Association stands squarely with farmers and meat companies, ensuring their voices are heard and their interests come first in every policy debate.
Our vision is an America where farmers thrive, build sustainable businesses, and pass their farms on to the next generation.
Our platform
FAIR MARKETS
Ensure a level playing field for farmers and meat companies. We advocate for transparent, competitive markets that reward quality, responsibility, and innovation, not size or influence.
ANIMAL CARE
Support practical, science-based standards that strengthen animal welfare and consumer trust. We help producers meet those standards efficiently, with clear guidance and solutions.
FOOD SECURITY
Protect the strength and stability of America’s food supply. We promote trade and policy that keep meat affordable, accessible, and proudly produced here at home.
PEOPLE
FIRST
Empower the people behind American meat production. We advance workforce safety, training, and rural community investment to keep good jobs and strong families at the heart of agriculture.
Farmer Leadership Council
AMPA’s Leadership Council brings the voices and experience of American farmers directly into the heart of our advocacy and policy strategy. Comprised of respected farmers who understand the challenges facing producers firsthand, the Council guides AMPA’s priorities and has a direct role in shaping the policies that impact farmers and their businesses, families, and communities.
Brent Hershey
Hog Farmer & President, Hershey Ag
Brent Hershey is the owner and President of Hershey Ag, a 3,000-sow, Prop 12-certified hog operation he founded in 1980. Raised on the family farm, Brent converted away from gestation crates and now leads the fight to defeat legislation threatening Prop 12 and states' rights, with record piglet production and near-98% conception rates since certifying.
Russ Kremer
Founder, Heritage Foods
Russ Kremer, known as the "Pope of Pork," is a fifth-generation, Prop 12-certified hog farmer and sustainability advocate. In 2001 he helped found a cooperative of hog farmers committed to animal welfare. A former National Pork Producers Council board member, Russ is a leading voice defending Prop 12 and states' rights in Washington.
Samuel and Jack Santry
Co-Owners, Sweet Water Farm & Ranch
Samuel and Jack Santry, U.S. Army combat veterans, co-own Sweet Water Farm & Ranch, a regenerative ranch in California's Sierra foothills near Yosemite. Among the first Prop 12-certified pork producers, they raise Berkshire hogs on open pastures and oak woodlands. Their farm has grown from a small local operation into a supplier for restaurants and wholesale customers across Northern California.
Fighting for what farmers need
We engage with elected officials at both the state and federal levels to advance sound, farmer-driven policy, facilitating direct meetings between policymakers, livestock farmers, and meat company representatives.
We host political fundraisers and events for legislators who demonstrate strong support for our members. In Washington, D.C., we organize gatherings that highlight our members’ work and the key legislation we support or oppose.
We collaborate with journalists to elevate the voices of farmers and shine a light on the issues shaping their livelihoods. People increasingly want to understand where their food comes from, and through the media, we share the real stories behind America’s farms.
Did you know that about 98 percent of farms in the United States are classified as family farms?
These farms often tie generations together, strengthening rural communities and nurturing a sense of pride and stewardship over the land.
Because farmers are located in rural communities, farms support local businesses (equipment dealers, feed stores, repair services, transport), schools, and infrastructure. Their operators often live in the communities they serve, and their income (both on-farm and off-farm) circulates locally — reinforcing stability in rural regions.
Phil Gatto, CEO True Story Foods
“AMPA provides a must-needed and necessary voice for farmers and meat companies to legislators and the media. Because of them, we’d had critical meetings with our Congressional elected officials. I’m thrilled we’re members, AMPA has been a pivotal advocate for our company and our network of farmers across the country.”
What Makes AMPA Different?
Pro-producer and pro-responsible farming. We support farmer-aligned humane standards and help make sure farmers aren’t undercut by harmful legislation attempting to reverse progress.
Pragmatic and science-based. We work with regulators, buyers, and policymakers using real data and practical solutions that deliver measurable results for producers and consumers alike.
Big tent. From small family farms to premium brands and large-scale operations, every responsible producer has a home here. AMPA unites the industry around shared values of fairness, quality, and progress.
WHY JOIN US?
The American Meat Producers Association provides the resources businesses need to deliver nutritious animal protein to consumers. We amplify our members’ voices in Washington, offer tools to adapt to evolving regulations and markets, and create opportunities to share ideas and shape the future of the industry.
AMPA in the News
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Millions spent in ads urging Boozman to reject Farm Bill provision that would counter California animal welfare law
July 15, 2026
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Save Our Bacon Act Draws Opposition in Farm Bill Fight
June 26, 2026
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Senate Farm Bill Draft Draws Praise, Criticism Across Agriculture
June 25, 2026
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Dems, anti hunger groups slam GOP farm bill; others mixed
June 24, 2026