The Humane Society of the U.S. (HSUS) in recent weeks has been turning up the heat on Congress to throw out a state's rights amendment offered by Rep. Steve King (R-IA), in the 2013 farm bill.

The King amendment, also known as the Protect Interstate Commerce Act (PICA) amendment, would prevent states from enacting laws that place conditions on how agricultural goods are raised or grown within the state's borders for sale in other states.

The PICA amendment puts significant pressure on standing laws in California, for example, which require that all egg-laying hens be housed in larger cages by 2015. The state's laws further require that all eggs sold in the state must be produced by farms that adhere to California's cage standards.

King explained that in California's case, the impact of their large market would "compel producers in other states to invest billions to meet the California standard of 'means of production,'" thereby harming ag trade.

To read the entire article, click here.

You might also like:

Diagnosing, Treating Hoof Cracks In Cattle 

8 Tips To Manage Heat Stress In Beef Cattle

Monthly Outlook: Frustrating Cattle Market Shows Positive Signs

Hay & Forage Tips: How To Put Up Hay Faster