Ranchers Support New Dietary Guidelines Prioritizing Real Food and Beef

BILLINGS, Mont., Jan. 15, 2026 — Last week, a new federal nutrition plan was released emphasizing real, nutrient-dense foods and a move away from highly processed products.

In a joint op-ed published by Fox News, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. outlined a dietary approach encouraging Americans to prioritize whole foods, including increased consumption of protein, dairy and vegetables. The secretaries wrote that, in addition to the health focus, the plan is intended to realign the food system to support American farmers, ranchers and companies that produce real food.

As part of the rollout, HHS also unveiled an updated food pyramid that places beef at the top.

“R-CALF USA welcomes the shift toward putting real food back at the center of America’s nutrition policy,” said R-CALF USA President Dave Hyde. “Beef is America’s No. 1 protein source. Nutrient-dense, whole foods like American-raised beef provide high-quality protein and essential nutrients that support strong families, healthier communities, and a resilient food system.

“While this plan supports better health outcomes, it also strengthens the value of real food and domestic food production, reinforcing the role and importance of American cattle producers in the nation’s food security.”

–R-CALF USA