Animal Agriculture Alliance is doubling down on its efforts to promote the role of animal proteins in a balanced lifestyle.
The organization recently launched a refreshed version of its “Meat Matters” guide. This is a resource to counter campaigns like “Meatless Mondays” that have gained traction in universities and K-12 schools.
Communications Director Emily Ellis explains that removing meat from menus can lead to unintended nutritional gaps.
“Cutting out an entire food group is not typically recommended because there are a lot of nutrients that you’re also cutting out with that,” she says, adding that meat, poultry, and dairy are essential for meeting nutrient requirements.
Beyond nutrition, the organization is focusing on the legislative front, where animal rights groups are advocating for alternative meat products in public institutions. To combat this, the alliance is investing in students through its College Aggies program. The program recently awarded $17,000 in scholarships to students advocating for farming on campus.
As the alliance looks toward its 2026 Stakeholders Summit in Kansas City, the message to producers is clear: engagement is no longer optional.
“The animal ag community is so small that it really takes every single one of us to do our part, to engage,” Ellis says.
She encourages farmers to speak directly with consumers to bridge the gap between the farm and the table.
