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.
Expanded school access to whole milk provides modest but reliable demand support for U.S. dairy producers.
January 15, 2026 10:14 AM
·
University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold joined us to share practical health and safety guidance for managing respiratory and skin health during the winter season.
January 14, 2026 02:04 PM
·
Roger McEowen with the Washburn University School of Law joined us to provide legal analysis on key cases shaping the agricultural landscape heading into the year ahead.
January 14, 2026 01:49 PM
·
RFD News correspondent Frank McCaffrey reports from Texas on the ongoing water dispute and its implications for U.S. farmers.
January 14, 2026 12:17 PM
·
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney discusses the latest developments in the Supreme Court, trade tariffs, and the future of the USMCA under President Donald Trump.
January 14, 2026 11:54 AM
·
The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2026 agenda centers on labor stability, biosecurity, and economic resilience for family farms. Expanded DMC coverage improves risk protection for dairy operations facing tighter margins.
January 14, 2026 11:19 AM
·
A high-stakes legal case in a South Dakota federal court concerning misleading country-of-origin labeling (MCOOL), such as “Product of the USA,” on food products, will significantly impact U.S. agricultural policy for years to come.
January 14, 2026 09:00 AM
·
Agronomy experts explain why standing crop residue protects soil and reduces costs for crop growers, while shredding often yields little benefit at higher costs.
January 14, 2026 08:00 AM
·
Freight volatility increasingly determines export margins, making logistics costs as important as price in marketing decisions.
January 14, 2026 06:00 AM
·
