Beef Back on Top

By Kaley Carwin

Published: Feb. 13, 2026

UNITED STATES — For years, ranchers have known that beef is what’s for dinner.

Now, new federal guidelines agree. In a report released by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., HHS recommends that Americans prioritize increased consumption of protein and whole foods.

These updated guidelines flip the traditional food pyramid, supporting American farmers and ranchers while placing renewed emphasis on health and well-being. They demonstrate this administration’s commitment to both America’s ranching community and American families.

“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.”

The new policy emphasizes the importance of choosing minimally processed foods as part of a healthy diet.

According to Harvard’s School of Public Health, nutrients can be destroyed or removed during food processing. While manufacturers can add back some lost nutrients, it is impossible to recreate food in its original form.

Preparing whole foods may take more time than opening a can or heating a frozen meal in the microwave, but the benefits are significant: fresher flavors, increased nutrient content, and fewer additives that offer no nutritional value.

A serving of beef contains approximately 25 grams of protein and delivers 10 essential nutrients, including iron, zinc, and B vitamins. With under 10 grams of fat and less than 95 milligrams of cholesterol, beef is a nutrient-dense, heart-healthy option. Just one serving provides nearly half of an individual’s daily protein needs.

Encouraging families to shop for beef, whole fruits and vegetables, and other minimally processed foods also creates more opportunities for ranchers to sell directly to consumers, strengthening rural economies.

“While this plan supports better health outcomes, it also reinforces the value of real food and domestic food production,” Hyde said. “By elevating beef and other whole foods, we are strengthening American agriculture, protecting food security, and investing in the long-term health of our nation.”