USDA and HHS Redesign Food Pyramid, Emphasizing Animal Protein Amid Rising Beef Demand
The U.S. Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS) have released a redesigned food pyramid that emphasizes animal protein, particularly beef, dairy, and tallow. This shift comes as the national dietary landscape is influenced by the increasing use of GLP-1 medications, which promote weight loss and a preference for higher protein foods. Despite rising beef prices and environmental concerns, domestic demand for beef continues to grow, surpassing domestic production and leading to increased imports. The USDA's Chief Economist, Justin Benavidez, notes that the cattle industry is in a contraction phase, characterized by high prices and low herd numbers, with climatic factors potentially impeding herd expansion. 
