Getting rice to chill in the wake of a warming planet
As temperature and precipitation patterns shift with a changing climate, growers may explore new territories that may leave rice, in particular, vulnerable to cold sensitivity. Our cover story this month explores how advances in rice genetics are helping scientists develop more resilient crops capable of thriving in increasingly unpredictable conditions.
House Agriculture Committee releases farm bill text
On February 13, House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson released text for the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2026. Sometimes referred to as "Farm Bill 2.0" or the "skinny" farm bill, this bill addresses policy issues that were not included in last summer's One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
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Backyard STEM: Leveraging state-wide reach of 4-H to teach environmental and soil science
Backyard STEM is a curriculum development and educator training program focused on bringing environmental science to Tennessee youth through 4-H programs. Read about how it equips 4-H educators with hands-on, low-cost, and adaptable STEM lessons that reach thousands of young people across the state.
USDA–Department of War announce coordination on national security
Last week, Secretary Rollins and Secretary Hegseth signed an MOU formalizing coordination between USDA and the Department of War (DOW) to implement the National Farm Security Action Plan.
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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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Cast your vote March 2–April 2: ASA, CSSA, and SSSA elections
Your voice matters in our Societies, and now is the time to make it heard. Embrace the opportunity to influence the future of our Society leadership by participating in the upcoming elections for president-elect, board of directors, division/section chairs-elect, and community vice leader.
Root-zone enrichment targets in the southeastern United States
A scientist with the USDA-ARS in Raleigh, NC compiled a unique set of calculations on total and root-zone enrichment stocks of soil organic carbon, nitrogen, and soil-test biological activity across a diversity of land uses, management, and soil types throughout North Carolina and surrounding states. Target soil health values were developed in three broad soil textural groups. This database of 1470 observations serves as a reference for evaluating the 0- to 12-inch depth characteristics of soil carbon, nitrogen, and biological activity.
Partial government shutdown ends, House farm bill mark-up forthcoming
After just five days, the partial government shutdown ended on Tuesday when the House approved a funding package that included five of the remaining six government funding bills and short-term funding for the Department of Homeland Security. House Agriculture Chairman GT Thompson (R-PA) has pointed to February 23 as the expected farm bill mark-up date in the House Agriculture Committee.
Connections: A conversation with Society presidents
Listen to the latest podcast episode
As part of our brand new "Connections" series, ASA, CSSA, and SSSA CEO Jim Cudahy will be hosting a monthly bonus episode of our Field, Lab, Earth podcast to showcase different parts of our membership community. In this first episode, Jim has a chat with the three Society presidents, discussing current challenges and opportunities for the Societies, including ways that members can get the most out of our programs.
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