WASHINGTON, (RFD-TV) — The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement is reshaping food policy in ways that bring both risks and opportunities for U.S. agriculture, according to new analysis from AgAmerica Lending.
Originating during Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s 2023 campaign and formalized with his confirmation as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HSS), and the founding of the MAHA Commission in 2025, the movement emphasizes nutrition over pharmaceuticals in addressing chronic disease, with ripple effects reaching farms and agribusiness.
Many in agriculture applaud the latest report from the commission, saying the findings show officials were listening to ag industry concerns over the previous report.
Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS), a founding member and chairman of the MAHA caucus, joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report with his thoughts on the Commission’s latest report and standout issues related to the farming sector.
In his interview with RFD-TV’s own Suzanne Alexander, Sen. Marshall discussed his thoughts on health soil, the use of pesticides and their role in the MAHA movement, and insights on Congress’ push to fund the government before the upcoming deadline on Sept. 30. Lastly, Marshall shared tips and insights for farmers headed into harvest with concerns over heavy financial strain and market access.
Tony’s Farm-Level Takeaway: MAHA’s growing impact on food policy will likely challenge conventional practices but open doors for producers aligned with regenerative, organic, or local markets. Farmers should prepare for shifting consumer preferences, regulatory changes, and new federal incentives tied to nutrition and health outcomes.
For producers, MAHA’s influence has already surfaced in consumer demand for food free of seed oils, artificial dyes, and high-fructose corn syrup. Ag groups warn that changes could cut corn prices by as much as 34 cents per bushel if HFCS use declines, with broader risks tied to tighter input regulations on pesticides, fertilizers, or GMOs.
At the same time, opportunities are emerging through “Food is Medicine” initiatives, streamlined organic certification, and new local markets for specialty crops, dairy, and regenerative practices. Expanded subsidies in the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” may help offset transition costs.
American Soybean Association President Caleb Ragland joins us to share his reaction to September’s WASDE and discuss the trade uncertainty between China and his industry.
September 12, 2025 02:13 PM
·
Harvested acres are estimated at 90.0 million, making this year’s corn crop one of the largest since the 1930s.
September 12, 2025 12:38 PM
·
The North Carolina Farm Bureau highlights the work being done on Sound Mind Farms, a farm producing hemp to make sustainable fabrics.
September 12, 2025 11:50 AM
·
Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID) joined us on Champions of Rural America to share his insights on upcoming changes to public land management and how they will benefit agriculture and the Western working class.
September 11, 2025 01:21 PM
·
RealAg Radio host Sean Haney joins us for a Canadian perspective on President Trump’s controversial tariff rollout, lower court rulings, and upcoming review by the U.S. Supreme Court.
September 10, 2025 03:10 PM
·
The Interior Department is proposing to repeal the Bureau of Land Management’s Public Lands Rule. This move would make huge strides to empower local decision-making and restore balance between conservation and protecting rural livelihoods tied to these public lands.
September 10, 2025 02:45 PM
·
The 2022 Census of Agriculture revealed a more than 30% decrease in U.S. dairy farms since 2017. The shrinking industry is now uniting to advocate for itself while also adopting technology to reduce operational strain.
September 10, 2025 12:55 PM
·
The September WASDE report comes out on Friday at Noon ET. As always, we’ll bring you those numbers right here on Market Day Report along with our expert
September 10, 2025 11:44 AM
·
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was once again on the national stage, front and center this week before the House Agriculture Committee.
September 10, 2025 11:10 AM
·