Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Speaking to thousands of ranchers in Nashville this week, he declared that “the protein wars are over.”

Kennedy said during a “fireside chat” with Buck Wehrbein, president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), “Beef is back On the menu. “

The two discussed “the importance of meat protein,” according to a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release.

Kennedy praised ranchers as “vital partners in advancing the new economy.” Dietary Guidelines for Americans And restore a food pyramid based on real nutrition. “

The trade show attracts more than 9,400 attendees, including industry professionals and ranchers.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (left) talks protein, beef and federal dietary guidance with Nashville cattle ranchers. (@HHSGov via X)

Secretary thanks U.S. ranchers “for producing real, nutritious food, Stewarding our lands and sustaining rural communities,” according to the release.

Welbein said the cattlemen and cattlewomen in the room thanked Kennedy for “ensuring that beef remains central to the table of consumers across the country.”

The speech came one day after Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee welcomed Kennedy to the Volunteer State.

Click here to subscribe to our lifestyle newsletter

The two discussed recent efforts by the country to advance Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda, including banning Red 40 from school meals and limiting the purchase of candy and sugary drinks with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

According to organizers, the event attracted more than 9,400 attendees from the cattle and beef industry. (@HHSGov via X)

“Under the leadership of the President (Donald Trump Under Secretary Kennedy’s leadership, Tennessee is leading the way in creating innovative, responsible solutions that strengthen families and improve health, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “

Test yourself with our latest lifestyle quiz

“I appreciate this administration’s commitment to asking hard questions and challenging the status quo so every Tennessean can live a healthier life.”

Click here for more lifestyle stories

Fox News Digital reached out to NCBA. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declined to provide further comment.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend eating protein foods from a variety of animal sources, including red meat. (iStock)

The 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend eating “a variety of protein food Comes from animal sources including eggs, poultry, seafood and red meat. “

Click here to get the Fox News app

The guidelines also recommend getting protein from certain plant foods, “including beans, peas, lentils, legumes, nuts, seeds and soybeans.”

A rancher rounds up Black Angus cattle in McCook, Nebraska. (Ricky Cagliotti/The Washington Post/Getty Images)

The report recommends avoiding too much saturated fat and limiting it to less than 10 percent of total daily calories — and one doctor previously told Fox News Digital that balancing protein sources is crucial.

working on Poultry, fish and plant proteins “Helps lower saturated fat intake, supports healthy cholesterol levels, and still allows flexibility and enjoyment of daily meals,” says Dr. Craig Bussman, a cardiologist at Meridian Health Center in Hackensack, New Jersey.