Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pushes for more beef to boost American health and protein intake
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has called for a major increase in beef production and consumption across America. Speaking at the Cattle Industry Convention, he argued that higher protein intake—especially from red meat—could help combat chronic diseases. The proposal comes as health experts warn about the risks of excessive saturated fat found in many animal products.
The push for more beef also arrives amid rising demand. Since 2021, U.S. beef consumption has grown by roughly 20%, reaching about 8.825 billion pounds last year. Factors like higher disposable income, protein-focused diets, and expanded food delivery services have driven the trend.
Kennedy urged farmers to rebuild cattle herds, which have shrunk by around 50% since the 1970s. He believes boosting red meat consumption could tackle widespread health issues. However, Todd Fritsch of Giddings Livestock auction house pointed out that unpredictable weather and limited grazing land make rapid herd expansion difficult.
Meanwhile, local producers have already seen a surge in interest. Alex McKenzie, owner of Bear Creek Farms near Nashville, reported growing demand for his beef since the COVID-19 pandemic. Health-conscious buyers, he noted, increasingly prefer locally farmed meat over products from large corporations.
Across the Atlantic, Ben Harman, chair of the U.K.'s National Beef Association, welcomed a new trade deal with the U.S. for beef imports. Yet details remain unclear, particularly around hormone-treated meat—a common practice in America but banned in Britain since the 1980s.
The latest dietary guidelines suggest increasing protein intake by about 50%, including both animal and plant sources. But health scientists continue to caution that too much saturated fat, prevalent in many meat products, can pose serious health risks.
Kennedy's plan to expand beef production faces both opportunities and hurdles. Farmers must navigate environmental challenges, while consumers weigh health concerns against dietary recommendations. The trade deal with the U.K. could open new markets, but disagreements over farming practices may complicate exports.
For now, demand for beef remains strong, with local producers benefiting from shifting buyer preferences. Yet the long-term impact on public health and farming sustainability is still uncertain.
