Kansas Republican Senator Jerry Moran is calling foul over a U.S. Department of Agriculture newsletter that suggested employees of that department participate in “Meatless Mondays”.

The newsletter declared “The production of meat, especially beef (and dairy as well), has a large environmental impact. According to the U.N., animal agriculture is a major source of greenhouse gases and climate change. It also wastes resources.”

The newsletter went on with unsubstantiated claims, “many health concerns” associated with “excessive consumption” of meat. It noted that many people are just not ready to go all-vegetarian, and said forgoing meat one day a week “is a small change that could produce big results.”

Moran stated, “Never in my life would I have expected USDA to be opposed to farmers and ranchers. American farmers and ranchers deserve a USDA that will pursue supportive policies rather than seek their further harm. With extreme drought conditions plaguing much of the United States, the USDA should be more concerned about helping drought-stricken producers rather than demonizing an industry reeling from the lack of rain.”

The USDA’s newsletter, which was on their website has now been removed, claiming that program was included without proper clearance.