December may feel quiet, but for agriculture, conservation, and science organizations, it’s one of the most strategic months of the year. With the Farm Bill on deck for 2026, FY27 appropriations beginning in early spring, and an election year ahead, December is the ideal moment to reflect on 2025, clarify your priorities, and position your team for policy impact in the new year.

The Environmental Protection Agency has released a new proposed rule redefining “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) in response to the Supreme Court’s Sackett v. EPA decision. The rule would narrow federal jurisdiction over wetlands and waterways, shifting greater responsibility to states and Tribes while reshaping permitting, restoration, and land-management decisions nationwide. This high-level overview explains what the proposal does, how it applies the Sackett test, and how individuals and organizations can submit meaningful public comments before January 5, 2026.

The shutdown ended after 43 days when the House and Senate approved a bipartisan deal that President Trump signed into law. The package fully funds the FY26 Agriculture–FDA budget and extends the Farm Bill through 2026 — with major implications for research, conservation programs, and USDA operations. Here’s what’s included and what comes next.

Bridging science and policy doesn’t require becoming a policy expert — just sharing clear, credible research with the people shaping decisions. Here’s how scientists can make their work more impactful through simple, nonpartisan engagement.

You don’t need a lobbying budget to have a voice in policy. Nonprofits and scientific organizations can inform decision-makers through education, relationship-building, and clear communication. This guide explains how to stay compliant, confident, and connected—no lobbying required.

When federal science agencies lose staff, communities lose more than jobs—they lose data, expertise, and the capacity to care for land and water wisely. This article breaks down the 2025 federal Reduction-in-Force (RIF) plans affecting the USDA, USGS, and EPA, outlining what’s proposed, what’s paused by court injunctions, and what these cuts mean for conservation, agriculture, and the future of evidence-based decision-making.

Farmers across the country are feeling the squeeze as seed and fertilizer costs continue to climb. In last week’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing—aptly titled “Pressure Cooker: Competition Issues in the Seed and Fertilizer Industries”—lawmakers from both parties called for greater transparency and fair competition in agricultural input markets.

From independent seed companies to major industry leaders, witnesses described how market consolidation, tariffs, and regulatory hurdles are driving up costs and limiting farmer choice. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) led bipartisan discussions on how to lower prices, strengthen enforcement, and restore innovation to America’s agricultural sector.

With the USDA and DOJ now investigating pricing practices and new legislation like the Fertilizer Research Act on the horizon, the message is clear: the future of farming depends on competition that works for producers, not just corporations.

At RKO Consulting Group, we see hearings like this as a reminder that systemic change starts with collaboration—between science, policy, and the people on the ground making our food system work.

The ongoing government shutdown is now the longest in U.S. history—halting critical agricultural services, research funding, and scientific progress nationwide. This article breaks down how the shutdown affects farmers, researchers, and federal agencies, what’s at stake for the Farm Bill and FY2026 funding, and what to expect in the weeks ahead.

Sustainable agriculture projects thrive on big ideas — but bringing those ideas to life requires coordination, accountability, and follow-through. That’s where project managers come in. From tracking grant deliverables to aligning multi-partner teams, effective project management bridges the gap between strategy and implementation. Learn how this often-overlooked role helps visionary leaders stay focused on impact, not inboxes — and why the demand for project management in sustainability is growing faster than ever.