New Dietary Guidelines Elevate Protein and Dairy, Raise Concerns for Soy and Oilseed Groups
- Media Logic Radio
- 1 day ago
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By Mariah Squire | Updated on January 7, 2026
A new set of Dietary Guidelines for Americans were released Wednesday, and, according to the USDA, they deliver a clear message to citizens to “eat real food.”
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. released the long-awaited guidelines.
“Thanks to the bold leadership of President Trump, this edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans will reset federal nutrition policy, putting our families and children first as we move towards a healthier nation,” Rollins said. “At long last, we are realigning our food system to support American farmers, ranchers, and companies that grow and produce real food. Farmers and ranchers are at the forefront of the solution, and that means more protein, dairy, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and whole grains on American dinner tables.”
According to the USDA’s press release, the guidelines include the following guidance:
Prioritize protein at every meal.
Consume full-fat dairy with no added sugars.
Eat vegetables and fruits throughout the day, focusing on whole forms.
Incorporate healthy fats from whole foods such as meats, seafood, eggs, nuts, seeds, olives, and avocados.
Focus on whole grains, while sharply reducing refined carbohydrates.
Limit highly processed foods, added sugars, and artificial additives.
Eat the right amount for you, based on age, sex, size, and activity level.
Choose water and unsweetened beverages to support hydration.
Limit alcohol consumption for better overall health.
“These guidelines return us to the basics,” Kennedy said. “American households must prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods — protein, dairy, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and whole grains — and dramatically reduce highly processed foods. This is how we Make America Healthy Again.”
Agricultural groups responded to the guidelines, some with wholehearted support and others with mixed sentiment. Here’s a closer look.
American Soybean Association
The American Soybean Association (ASA) represents U.S. soybean farmers on domestic and international policy issues. ASA has 26 affiliate state associations representing 30 soybean-producing states and nearly 500,000 soybean farmers.
ASA issued a statement of mixed sentiment following the release of the guidelines.
“Soybean oil and soy protein play a critical role in the health and nutrition of Americans. U.S. soybean farmers are proud to grow a heart-healthy and high-protein crop that can feed the country and the world,” said ASA President and Ohio farmer Scott Metzger. “ASA appreciates that the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans acknowledge the importance of soy as part of a well-balanced diet, but we remain deeply concerned by the rhetoric and selectively cited studies regarding the health and safety of soybean oil in DGA supporting material. We look forward to continuing our work with the administration as we educate MAHA Commission leadership on the health benefits of soy-based foods and soybean oil.”
Meat Institute
The Meat Institute represents the full community of people and companies who make the majority of meat American families rely on every day.
In a statement Wednesday, the Meat Institute positively reacted to the guidelines.
“We are pleased the Dietary Guidelines recommend Americans prioritize protein and that families can get that protein from nutrient dense meat and poultry. Secretary Rollins and Secretary Kennedy’s leadership have simplified the Dietary Guidelines making it clear that meat is a protein powerhouse which plays a vital role in healthy diets,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “Robust scientific evidence demonstrates that meat is a rich source of high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and highly bioavailable minerals that support human health throughout the lifespan.”
“The Meat Institute and its members will work with policymakers and the administration to ensure consumers understand that both minimally processed and further processed meat and poultry products are an affordable, accessible, direct, and balanced dietary source of protein, essential amino acids, and more.”
National Cattleman’s Beef Association
The National Cattleman’s Beef Association (NCBA) has represented America’s cattle producers since 1898 and is the largest association of cattle producers in the United States.
NCBA issued a statement Wednesday welcoming the guidelines, including the following from two of the association’s leadership.
"As a mom, I understand the importance of eating nutritious wholesome protein, and as a rancher, I see the hard work that goes into providing the best possible food for our communities. The updated and simplified Dietary Guidelines will help more families like mine learn the facts about beef’s nutritional value and make the best decisions when they’re shopping for a nutrient-rich, whole, and delicious protein,” said Kim Brackett, an Idaho rancher and NCBA vice president. “Beef provides high amounts of protein plus nine other essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins, and gold-standard clinical studies have consistently shown that it is easy to incorporate beef into a balanced, heart-healthy diet. We appreciate Secretary Rollins and Secretary Kennedy underlining the role of beef as an important part of a healthy diet.”
“As Americans face the double burden of being overfed and undernourished, they are searching for reliable, affordable solutions to meet their nutritional needs and personal preferences. Thankfully, there are a wide range of beef options in the marketplace,” said Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Scientist Shalene McNeill, executive director of nutrition science for NCBA. “On a per-gram basis, beef offers more nutrient value that many other animal and plant options. Incorporating beef in the diet can help support the overall health and well-being for all Americans.”
National Milk Producers Federation
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) develops and carries out policies that advance dairy producers and the cooperatives they own. Its member cooperatives produce more than two-thirds of U.S. milk, making NMPF dairy’s voice on Capitol Hill and with government agencies.
Soon after the guidelines were released Tuesday, NMPF President and CEO Gregg Doud issued a statement.
“NMPF thanks HHS and USDA for recognizing dairy’s critical role in a healthy diet in the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans, as shown by its continued recommendation of three servings of dairy for Americans, its recognition of dairy’s benefits at all fat levels, and dairy’s prominence in diverse diets. We are proud to benefit American health in fundamental ways, and we welcome the potential these guidelines hold for expanding upon dairy’s critical role in the diet.
“As also shown in the scientific report that preceded today’s guidelines, reducing or eliminating dairy from the diet leads to undernourishment in key nutrients for millions of Americans. These guidelines encourage consumption of dairy nutrients critical to human health. Meanwhile, not all fats are created equal, and because the guidelines acknowledge this, dairy’s benefits are better reflected in this iteration of the guidelines.
“Now that the guidelines are out, the federal government will begin applying them across federal programs. We look forward to working with the entire nutrition community to ensure that dairy is best used to generate positive health outcomes for families across America.”
National Oilseed Processors Association
Organized in 1930, the National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA), is a national trade association representing the nation’s soybean, canola, flaxseed, safflower seed, and sunflower seed-crushing industries.
The group issued a statement on the guidelines Tuesday.
“NOPA appreciates the Dietary Guidelines’ approach to prioritizing added fats with essential fatty acids.
Vegetable oils, or ‘seed oils’ as they’re sometimes referred to, are a significant provider of essential fatty acids and remain a safe and cost-effective source of dietary fats in the American diet, as they are globally. Their inclusion reflects the scientific consensus that these oils are a safe and nutritious part of healthy eating patterns without needlessly increasing food prices or limiting consumer choice.
“However, some appendices rely on a narrow evidence base with limited citations, which is concerning given the administration’s rhetoric questioning the safety of certain vegetable oils despite an established scientific consensus.
“Beyond the direct nutritional role, the oilseed value chain also supports the production of affordable meat, dairy, and eggs. The protein ingredients (meal) produced from oilseeds are a key component of livestock diets, allowing farmers and ranchers to deliver cost-effective meat, milk, and eggs to American families. Without strong demand for vegetable oils, these protein ingredients become less available, limiting production and increasing costs across the food system. Grown by American farmers, these oilseeds and the full range of products that come from them help strengthen a resilient farm to table supply chain that delivers nutritious and affordable options to households nationwide.”
National Pork Producers Council
National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) is the global voice for the U.S. pork industry, protecting the
livelihoods of America’s 60,000+ pork producers who abide by ethical principles in caring for their animals, in protecting the environment and public health and in providing safe, wholesome, nutritious pork products to consumers worldwide.
In a statement titled “U.S. pork producers pleased new Dietary Guidelines put pork front and center on plate,” NPPC applauded the HHS and USDA for the guidelines.
“America’s pork producers appreciate the 2025 Dietary Guidelines putting pork front and center on the plate. They took note of producer concerns and rightly gave pork and other high-protein, nutrient-dense, and delicious meats their due when it comes to Americans' health and dietary habits,” said Rob Brenneman, NPPC president-elect and pork producer from Washington, Iowa.
“Quintessentially American foods like pork chops and Easter hams can remain a staple of American households, and the guidelines go so far as to recommend parents introduce nutrient-dense foods including meat early and continue focusing on ‘nutrient-dense foods such as protein foods’ throughout childhood,” the statement said.
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Texas Department of Agriculture
Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has been led by Commissioner Sid Miller since 2014.
Miller issued a statement following the release of the guidelines Wednesday.
“President Trump has delivered a bold, long-overdue course correction for America’s health — and none of this would be happening without his decisive leadership. As a longtime friend and unwavering ally of President Trump, I’ve stood with him from day one because he fights for rural America like no one else.
"Real food is not a trend. It’s common sense. For decades, Washington bureaucrats and special interests shoved ultra-processed junk down America’s throat while ignoring the farmers and ranchers who actually feed this nation. The result: exploding healthcare costs and worsening health for millions.
"Today’s historic reset finally puts real, American-grown food back at the center — where it belongs. Beef, dairy, poultry, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains raised by our producers are the bedrock of strong families, strong communities, and a strong nation.
"Texas has led the way for years with local food promotion, farm-to-school programs, and nutrition initiatives that support producers and deliver quality meals to kids and families. Let’s be clear: We were MAHA before MAHA was cool.
"I’m proud to call USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. personal friends, and I applaud their courage — alongside President Trump — in smashing the status quo. This new direction will drive better school meals, stronger nutrition assistance, and real demand for products grown right here by American farmers and ranchers.
When we back real food, we back American agriculture, rural economies, and the long-term health of our nation. President Trump is making America healthy again — and I’m all in.”
USA Pulses
The leading voice for American-grown dry peas, lentils, chickpeas, and dry beans, USA Pulses is an innovative group of organizations bringing people together to deliver the highest quality, nutrient-dense, regenerative, and affordable foods on the planet.
USA Pulses issued a statement welcoming the guidelines.
“The new dietary guidelines clearly affirm the essential role of beans, peas, lentils, and chickpeas in improving the diets of American families,” said Tim McGreevy, CEO of USA Pulses. “Pulses are nutritional powerhouses that serve double duty as both a protein and vegetable source. The new guidelines’ emphasis on increasing protein and nutrients like fiber makes beans, peas, lentils, and chickpeas the perfect choice for families looking to improve their health.”
“We commend USDA and HHS for recognizing the nutritional strengths of pulses and we look forward to working with them to ensure these American-grown foods make it onto more plates,” McGreevy added.
“Increasing consumption of pulse crops will help American farmers and processors across the U.S. at a time when they need strong markets,” said Paul Kanning, board chair of USA Pulses and a pulse farmer in Montana.
“By growing and eating more American-grown beans, peas, lentils, and chickpeas, the U.S. can transform public health, boost rural economies, and secure a more resilient future with affordable, wholesome foods that have nourished generations.”
Editor’s note: Some of the previous statements have been edited and/or condensed by Successful Farming for style and clarity.
ARTICLE: SUCCESSFUL FARMING, JANUARY 7, 2026
