Robert F. Kennedy Jr: “We need to support the farmers.”

If confirmed, President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says he wants to work with farmers and ranchers.

Robert F Kennedy Jr. spent more than four hours before a Senate panel and said farmers are a big part of his vision to “make America healthy again.”

“What we need to do is we need to support the farmers,” Kennedy said. “We need the farmers as partners if we’re going to make them work. I don’t want a single farmer to go out of business under our watch.”

Kennedy will appear before the Senate Health, Education, and Labor Committee today.

“If I’m privileged to be confirmed, I won’t regulate farms — that’s under USDA,” Kennedy stated. “But with all of my decisions, I want to partner with USDA and with the farm community, to make sure that we don’t lose more farmers in this country, but we also transition. We offer and incentivize transitions, regenerative agriculture, and no-till agriculture to be less chemically intensive. By the way, I’ve met with the chemical industry and the fertilizer and herbicide companies, and they want to do the same thing.”

Related Stories
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney joins us to discuss the latest developments surrounding the Trump/Xi summit, what the negotiations could mean for U.S. agriculture, and
trade enforcement concerns.
Current estimates indicate the federal government could be forced to return more than $150 billion to importers.
Farmers are closely watching upcoming U.S.-China trade talks as rising fertilizer and diesel costs continue to pressure exports, margins, and rural economies.
National Pork Producers Council President Rob Brenneman joins us to discuss Prop 12 provisions in the House’s Farm Bill as it heads to the Senate for debate.
Practical changes to retailer stocking standards promote more options all while reducing fraud and abuse in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Dr. Jeffrey Gold joins us on Rural Health Matters to discuss the early warning signs of arthritis, the challenges facing rural populations, and steps individuals can take to manage joint health.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Alan Bjerga with the National Milk Producers Federation joined us to review new policies and regulations supporting the dairy industry and what they mean for the year ahead.
Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.
From rising trade tensions in Europe to a pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs and shifting demand from China, global trade policy spearheaded by President Donald Trump continues to shape the outlook for U.S. agriculture—adding uncertainty as farmers navigate another volatile year.
The Surface Transportation Board rejects the proposed Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific merger, prompting concerns from agricultural shippers about rail consolidation, service reliability, and higher transportation costs.
Midland County Livestock Association President Brandon Mitchell reflects on another strong year for the event, including a premium sale that once again topped the million-dollar mark.