Why volunteer? Five ways service strengthens your career and community
Volunteering with the Societies does more than support the scientific community—it builds your network, strengthens leadership and practical skills, and opens doors to mentorship and influence. Through five member-driven insights, our May 2026 issue cover story shows how service can accelerate your career while helping shape the future of agronomy, crop, and soil sciences.
House approves farm bill
On April 30, the House approved the farm bill, the “Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026,” by a vote of 224–200. The House’s successful vote is a major step forward in the farm bill process and marks the farthest a farm bill has made it in Congress since the most recent reauthorization in 2018. Learn more.
Recent articles
Weekly Policy News Updates from Washington, DC
Nearly every week, we're updating you on the latest policy developments from Washington, DC and how it affects you.
Recent articles
Call for papers: Phenomic prediction in plant breeding
Submission deadline: Nov. 1, 2027
The Plant Phenome Journal is looking for submissions to a special section on phenomic prediction in plant breeding. Learn more.
Science policy updates with Michael Torrey and Julie McClure
Listen to the latest 'Connections' podcast
In this "Connections" podcast episode, Michael Torrey and Julie McClure of Torrey Advisory Group join Society CEO Jim Cudahy to discuss the impacts of the current administration on the Societies’ sciences, the farm bill, and how our members can be involved.
You can help put soil on the agenda of Congress
The Congressional Soils Caucus is a way for members of Congress to learn about the critical role soil plays in bolstering our nation's security and health. This group, inactive since 2022, has recently been restarted. Learn how you can help to jump-start this educational bridge for members of Congress.
Borlaug Field Award: Nominations due June 1, 2026
The Dr. Norman E. Borlaug Award for Field Research and Application, called the Borlaug Field Award, recognizes exceptional, science-based achievement in international agriculture and food systems by a researcher or extensionist under the age of 40. The deadline for nominations is June 1, 2026.
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.
We want to hear from you
Do you have an article you'd like to submit or feedback for the magazine team? Let us know!
