HELENA, MONT. (October 24, 2024) – On October 22, the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) previewed the content in their upcoming scientific report. This report  includes their recommendations on how the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) should develop the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans in the coming year. It will be sent to USDA and HHS sometime before December 9th.  

The report recommends out-of-touch dietary choices that are unrealistic for a majority of Americans. These changes include but are not limited to reducing the intake of meat, poultry, and eggs (MPE), while increasing the consumption of beans, peas, and lentils to compensate for the shortall in animal proteins. Beans, peas, and lentils were moved from the Vegetables category to the Protein category and red meat was highlighted as part of the continued heavy focus on reducing saturated fats. MSGA is very concerned about the implications of the above recommendations, and views them as harmful. 

The issue of Dietary Guidelines is not new to MSGA. MSGA has been advocating for increasing the recommended red meat consumption for some time. At the 2024 MSGA MidYear meeting, members brought forward and passed a comprehensive policy to allow MSGA to advocate for significant changes including removing the limit of red meat altogether from within the Dietary Guidelines. 

MSGA encourages its members to reach out to members of Congress while lawmakers are still campaigning prior to November 5th. To simplify the process, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has launched a landing page where. producers can read more about the issue and send a pre-drafted email to Senators and representatives. To share your concern with these recommendations visit: https://p2a.co/xLDfn7V

MSGA will remain engaged on this issue and will submit formal comments during the regulatory comment period which will likely open once the Dietary Guidelines are sent to USDA and HHS. 

The Montana Stockgrowers Association is a grassroots membership organization and is the trusted voice of cattle ranchers. With 140-years of history, MSGA advocates and ensures cattle ranching remains relevant, safe and a sustainable way of life for generations to come.

CONTACT:

Keni Reese

Director of Marketing & Communications

406-442-3420

[email protected] view more MSGA news, visit https://mtbeef.org/news/