Robert F. Kennedy Jr. addresses farmers and ranchers in his confirmation hearing

Food policy is front and center today as the Senate Finance Committee holds the confirmation hearing for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the Federal Drug Administration (FDA).

Kennedy personally addressed American farmers and ranchers in his statements, emphasizing their vital role in shaping the nation’s culture, economy, and security.

“American farms are the bedrock of our culture, of our politics, of our national security,” Kennedy said. “I was a 4-H kid, and I spent my summer working on ranches. I want to work with our farmers. I want to work with our farmers and food producers. Remove burdensome regulations and unleash American ingenuity. I simply cannot succeed without a partnership with American farmers.”

Tomorrow, Kennedy will face the Senate Health, Education, and Labor Committee.

Related Stories
The goal is to start conversations and connect farmers with help when they need it.
The new county maps show farm program payments are widespread, but payment design still produces very different outcomes across regions and crops. AgriSompo’s Brooks York joins us to discuss the role of crop insurance in supporting mental health.
Just like cows, kids experience ups and downs—from small frustrations to unexpected moments—but there is still good in every day.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold joins us on Rural Health Matters to discuss rural mental health awareness, the importance of reducing stigma in agriculture, and resources available to farmers, ranchers, and rural families seeking support.
Meredith Petersen joined us to discuss the National Swine Health Strategy, how it was developed through industry collaboration, potential challenges ahead, and its expected benefits for pork producers.
K-State researchers advise producers to take action, highlighting that prevention is essential for controlling tick populations as cases spread West.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Katelyn joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to discuss her upcoming episode of Dirt Diaries: The FarmHER + RanchHER Podcast and share her ag journey.
California rancher and former NCBA President Kevin Kester joined House Republicans on Tuesday to tout provisions in the Big, Beautiful Bill that support family ranches.
The EPA proposal laid out two options: fully reallocate all exempted volumes to the 2026–2027 standards, or reallocate half.
The Fertilizer Research Act, reintroduced by Sens. Grassley, Ernst, and Baldwin, would direct the USDA to study and publish public reports on competition and pricing trends in the fertilizer market.
Allowing year-round sales of E15 nationally could deliver billions in economic gains, according to a new study from the Renewable Fuels Association and National Corn Growers Association.
U.S. aquaculture may gain competitive ground as harmful subsidies are phased out abroad, but producers should monitor shifts in import supply chains and trade enforcement closely.