This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

The 2016 election marked a significant shift in American politics. No matter which candidate you supported in the election, we all must work together to overcome the challenges facing Utah and our nation. As pork producers, we see tremendous opportunity for continued prosperity under the incoming president and Congress. The reason for our optimism is Utah's leading senator, Orrin Hatch.

Hatch has long been a champion of Utah agriculture generally and pork producers specifically. We are lucky to have him fighting on our behalf. He currently serves as chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction over trade and tax policy. He is also the Senate president pro tempore, which makes him third-in-line to the presidency. He has achieved these positions of influence through years of hard work and unrelenting dedication to the people of Utah. His authority in the Senate is of great value to the people of our state.

Heading into 2017, Utah pork producers face some daunting headwinds. Hog prices are low, the dollar is high and "trade" is a dirty word. But pork producers need trade, and specifically exports, to be successful. Because of trade we have achieved incredible economic success: U.S. exports of pork have increased 1,550 percent in value and nearly 1,300 percent in volume since 1989 — the same year the United States began opening international markets for value-added agriculture products. Today, of the 150 million pigs produced each year in the United States, one out of every four pigs is exported. These same pigs are huge consumers of American corn and soybeans.

The pork industry creates hundreds of jobs in our state, including 1,200 jobs in rural Utah that depend upon reliable export markets, especially Mexico, China and Japan. Export market disruptions that result from major changes to trade agreements or retaliation from our trade partners will greatly affect our business and our jobs. We are the most productive farmers in the world, but for American farmers and ranchers to succeed, we need a level playing field with export partners. That's why, as pork producers, we intend to work with Hatch in his role as chairman of the Finance Committee to ensure that any changes in U.S. trade policy create more — not less — opportunity for Utah agriculture.

Utah pork producers are subject to enormous regulatory responsibilities. While we support regulations to provide clear rules of the road, overregulation is a drag on business with no discernible value to the public good. As they are shutting off the lights, the Obama administration continues to propose more regulations that harm Utah pork producers. Just last week, they proposed the so-called "GIPSA" Rules, which would harm marketing agreements with producers and harm growth and innovation. These regulations will likely lead to greater industry consolidation and fewer independent producers. We urge a thorough review of existing and proposed regulations to create a pro-growth regulatory environment. Through the years, Hatch has been a supporter of sound, science-based regulatory policy, and we look forward to having him help us once again.

While we face many questions going into 2017, we can be sure that Hatch is a strong supporter of Utah pork. We are confident that, with his leadership, we can find a better way on trade and regulations to unlock American growth and opportunity.

Jim Webb is president of the Utah Pork Producers Association.