In a significant address to thousands of cattle ranchers in Nashville, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasized the importance of beef consumption and declared that the so-called 'war on protein' is over. During a discussion with Buck Wehrbein, the president of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, Kennedy praised ranchers as 'essential partners' in promoting the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which he claims now prioritize real nutrition over previous dietary restrictions against meat consumption.

Kennedy's speech resonated with the audience of over 9,400 attendees, including industry professionals and ranchers, highlighting the essential role of meat protein in American diets and its positive implications for health. In his remarks, he expressed gratitude to America's cattle ranchers for their contributions to food production, land stewardship, and the sustainability of rural communities. This address signifies a potential shift in dietary policy and public perception towards meat, especially beef, amid ongoing discussions about nutrition and health.

The speech also underscores the growing concerns among ranchers and the beef industry regarding past dietary trends that deemphasized meat in favor of other protein sources. By rallying support for beef and acknowledging the critical role of cattle ranchers, Kennedy appears to be aligning with industry stakeholders and hinting at future policy directions that could reinforce the status of beef in American diets, reversing trends that have affected the meat industry's perceptions in recent years.