CSA News | Science Societies

Corn ear abnormalities don’t just look ugly, they have lower yields. Abnormal corn ear types of recent concern include multiple ears on the same ear shank, short husks, and barbell ears. Image courtesy of Ortez et al. (2022a).

October 29, 2026

Corn gone wrong: When and why do abnormal ears develop?

Why do some corn ears turn out short, misshapen, or barren? Researchers are uncovering how extreme weather, limited sunlight, plant hormones, and management practices can disrupt ear development and reduce yields.

This article is part of our Down to Earth series, which breaks down and explains food, farming, and environmental sciences for readers of all backgrounds, including those without formal scientific training.

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Endy Lopes Kailer with the U.S. Capitol in the background.

October 28, 2026

From Brazil to Capitol Hill

A member’s journey in research and science advocacy

Every year, Society members and certified professionals travel to Washington, DC for Congressional Visits Day (CVD), a two-day long opportunity to engage with policymakers and advocate for agricultural research funding.
Endy Lopes Kailer, Ph.D. candidate in Agronomy at Kansas State University, was one of the 50+ participants at last year’s CVD, thanks in part to a CVD award she received from the Societies.
With award applications currently being accepted now through December 3 for the next CVD in March, Kailer shares her journey in research and science advocacy and offers tips for prospective award applicants.

October 22, 2026

2026 journal Outstanding Paper Awards

Each year, ASA, CSSA, and SSSA and its journals recognize outstanding journal papers with annual awards presented at CANVAS meeting. Following are this year’s winners.

Member Hub: The Conversation Is Happening: Are You In It?

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Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock/somchai20162516.

Can smartphone AI make farm equipment inspection more accessible?

October 26, 2026

Cattle grazing in a floodplain wetland in Santa Fe, Argentina. Wetlands used by livestock can receive veterinary pharmaceuticals such as ivermectin through cattle dung. Photo by M. Cecilia Berón (INALI CONICET-UNL).

Macrophyte life form influences accumulation of the antiparasitic drug ivermectin in wetlands

October 23, 2026

Aaron Lee M. Daigh, President, Soil Science Society of America

Reading the frontier: A year in our journals

October 23, 2026

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October 23, 2026

Reading the frontier: A year in our journals

A year of reading across SSSA journals revealed unexpected connections among diverse studies of soil processes, measurement, and scale. In this President’s column, Aaron Daigh explores common themes that surfaced and what they suggest about the future of soil science.

October 22, 2026

In memoriam: Gary Carl Steinhardt

Using a drone to scout a wheat crop can efficiently pinpoint trouble areas across large acreage and is an example of utilizing precision agriculture technologies. Photo courtesy of Brad Bernhard.

October 21, 2026

Farmers are already experimenting. Are researchers ready to join them?

Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock/Jacob Lund.

October 21, 2026

Maximize impact of your work and improve your presentation, photography skills

Still time to sign up for these CANVAS Academy workshops in Portland

Learn practical strategies for designing stronger presentations, creating more effective scientific imagery, and increasing the reach of your published work at CANVAS Academy in Portland.

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December

3

2026

Deadline to Apply for Congressional Visits Day Awards

Down to Earth

Our Down to Earth section publishes food, farming, and environmental concepts and research in language that is easy to understand by all, including those without formal scientific training. Visit us each week as we continue to add more sections and content.

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