Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. thanked American cattle ranchers and declared that “beef is back on the menu.”
Kennedy headed to Nashville, Tenn., last week with his nationwide Take Back Your Health tour, telling thousands of ranchers gathered to hear him that the “war on protein is over.”
Today, @SecKennedy brought the Take Back Your Health Tour to CattleCon in Nashville, TN for a fireside chat with @BeefUSA President Buck Wehrbein. They discussed the emphasis on protein in the new Dietary Guidelines, the significance of the country’s cattle ranchers, and why… pic.twitter.com/paeuSKWRAx
— HHS (@HHSGov) February 5, 2026
Kennedy applauded the ranchers during a “fireside chat” with National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) president Buck Wehrbein, at an event, known as CattleCon, described as ” the nation’s largest cattle trade show, bringing together more than 9,400 attendees, including business leaders, subject matter experts, and industry advocates,” according to an HHS news release.
“I thank Buck Wehrbein and America’s cattle ranchers for producing real, nutrient-dense food, stewarding our land, and sustaining rural communities,” Kennedy said in a statement. “Ranchers are essential partners in advancing the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans and restoring a food pyramid grounded in real nutrition. The war on protein is over — and beef is back on the menu.”
Great speaking with Buck Wehrbein at @CattleCon 2026. Ranchers are essential partners in advancing the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans and restoring a food pyramid grounded in real nutrition. The war on protein is over — and beef is back on the menu. pic.twitter.com/U7L6STpOMq
— Secretary Kennedy (@SecKennedy) February 7, 2026
Wehrbein said it was an “honor” to meet with the HHS secretary and that “America’s cattlemen and women appreciate him making certain that beef remains at the center of the plate for the nation’s consumers.”
Lieutenant Governor Rand McNally, House Speaker Cameron Sexton, Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson, and House Majority Leader William Lamberth also spoke during the event, according to the press release.
Ahead of CattleCon, Governor Bill Lee welcomed Kennedy to the State Capitol “to celebrate a series of MAHA bills and executive actions,” according to the release. “These actions include banning Red 40 from school meals, strengthening fluoride transparency in public water systems, limiting student cell phone use in schools, and a SNAP waiver that restricts the purchase of sugary drinks and candy.”
This week, I met with @GovBillLee of Tennessee, a key partner in the MAHA movement. Tennessee is leading the way by banning Red 40 from school meals, strengthening fluoride transparency in public water systems, limiting student cell phone use in schools, and requesting a SNAP… pic.twitter.com/RuEznFsTeY
— Secretary Kennedy (@SecKennedy) February 6, 2026
“Under President Trump and Secretary Kennedy’s leadership, Tennessee is leading the way to create innovative, responsible solutions that strengthen families and improve health outcomes,” the governor said. “I’m grateful for this administration’s commitment to asking hard questions and challenging the status quo so that every Tennessean can live a healthier life.”
Honored to have @SecKennedy in TN & share how we’re delivering on @POTUS’ MAHA agenda:
—SNAP waiver approved by @USDA
—Funding whole milk in schools while banning harmful food additives
—Banning cell phones in classrooms pic.twitter.com/XHgACPTPZZ— Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) February 4, 2026
“Thank you, Governor Lee, for putting children first, standing up to special interests, and leading Tennessee toward a healthier future,” Kennedy said, according to the release. “By promoting real food, cutting student screen time during the school day, and prioritizing rural health care, Tennessee is setting a national standard. These bold reforms protect families, strengthen communities, and bring us closer to our shared mission to Make America Healthy Again.”
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Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida. Powers also contributes to BizPac Review.
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