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
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.
The Supreme Court’s ruling could affect pesticide warning claims well beyond Roundup. Richard Gupton with the Ag Retailers Association joins us to explain the importance of federal pesticide labeling standards and discuss the potential impact on the ag industry and supply chain.
As part of this effort, USDA will establish a new National Food Safety Center (NFSC) in Urbandale, Iowa, which will serve as the primary hub for FSIS administrative, technical, and support operations.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold explains how springtime brings seasonal changes to agricultural operations and, with them, renewed concerns about safety, allergies, and mental health this week on Rural Health Matters.
Mobile unit supports first responders with equipment and hands-on training

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Jael Cruikshank, the newly elected Western Region Vice President, shares her story on this week’s FFA Today.
Farm legal expert Roger McEowen reviews the history of the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule and outlines how shifting definitions across multiple administrations have created regulatory confusion for landowners.
Leslee Oden, president of the National Turkey Federation, and Jay Jandrain, CEO of Butterball, joined us in the studio on Monday to discuss the history, significance, and expectations surrounding this year’s presidential turkey pardon.
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) estimates that the move will save farmers and ranchers $2.5 billion each year. The group warns that new methods for calculating the adverse-effect wage rate would result in lower pay for foreign workers.
Higher rail tariffs and tighter Canadian supplies will keep oat transportation costs firm into 2026.
These “USDA Foods” are provided to USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) nutrition assistance programs, including food banks that operate The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and are a vital component of the nation’s food safety net.