USDA Moves to Permanently Increase Pork Processing Line Speeds

New rule aims to boost pork processing capacity by removing maximum line speed limits

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture has proposed a rule to update the New Swine Inspection System's line speed regulations, allowing pork processing plants to set their own line speeds based on their ability to maintain process controls and food safety. This move is expected to increase efficiency and boost pork processing capacity, providing financial security and stability for pork producers.

Why it matters

The proposed rule change follows years of advocacy by the National Pork Producers Council to increase line speeds, which they argue will provide much-needed financial security and stability for pork producers. However, there are ongoing concerns about the potential impact on worker safety that will need to be carefully evaluated.

The details

The USDA's proposed rule aims to remove maximum line speed limits for pork processing plants operating under the New Swine Inspection System (NSIS). This will allow these establishments to set their own line speeds based on their demonstrated ability to maintain process controls and food safety, rather than adhering to a strict maximum speed limit. The National Pork Producers Council has been advocating for increased line speeds since 2019, and the USDA has been gradually expanding a pilot program to evaluate the impacts.

  • In November 2021, the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) permitted increased line speeds at six pork packing plants while gathering data to evaluate potential worker impacts.
  • In November 2023, FSIS extended the trials for an additional 90 days.
  • In February 2024, FSIS again extended the trials through January 15, 2025.
  • In January 2025, FSIS released the results of a months-long study at six plants, concluding that 'line speeds were not determined to be the leading factor in worker musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risk at these plants.'
  • In March 2025, the USDA announced plans to make the NSIS increased line speed program permanent.

The players

National Pork Producers Council

A trade association representing U.S. pork producers, advocating for policies that enhance the industry's efficiency and profitability.

Duane Stateler

The president of the National Pork Producers Council and a pork producer from McComb, Ohio.

Sandra Eskin

The USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety, who discussed the pilot program with producers at the National Pork Producers Council's legislative action conference in April 2024.

John Boozman

The U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Ranking Member, who introduced a Farm Bill framework in June 2024 that included making the NSIS increased line speed program permanent.

Tom Rollins

The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, who was thanked by the National Pork Producers Council for taking steps to increase pork processing efficiency.

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What they’re saying

“Thank you, Secretary Rollins and the Food Safety and Inspection Service, for taking steps to unleash the potential to process pork more efficiently while also protecting food and worker safety.”

— Duane Stateler, President, National Pork Producers Council (americanagnetwork.com)

“Greater efficiency of increased line speeds provides financial security and more stability for pork producers. Without the NSIS program, some pork producers could have incurred an additional loss of nearly $10 a head.”

— Duane Stateler, President, National Pork Producers Council (americanagnetwork.com)

What’s next

The USDA will continue to work with the Food Safety and Inspection Service to finalize the rule and implement the permanent increase in pork processing line speeds.

The takeaway

The USDA's proposed rule to permanently increase pork processing line speeds is a significant victory for the National Pork Producers Council, which has long advocated for this change. While worker safety concerns will need to be closely monitored, the industry expects the move to boost efficiency and provide much-needed financial stability for pork producers.