Insights

Conservation Technical Assistance is a critical but often overlooked part of U.S. agricultural policy. As new programs require more comprehensive conservation planning, the need for trained professionals is growing.

Soil health is now central to sustainability strategies across agriculture, food companies, and conservation organizations. But turning soil science into real-world outcomes requires thoughtful program design, credible metrics, and coordination between science, policy, and farm management.

The House Agriculture Committee recently advanced a new farm bill that includes several updates to conservation programs. While the bill introduces new soil health opportunities, it also adjusts funding levels for major programs like EQIP.

Planning for government funding in 2026 starts now. This guide walks agriculture and conservation organizations through state budgets, federal grants, and funding timelines—so public funding becomes a strategic asset, not a last-minute scramble.

States are entering 2026 with tighter budgets, shifting federal responsibilities, and rising pressures on agriculture, energy, and natural resources. This post breaks down the key legislative trends likely to shape decisions in these areas—from land access and risk management to energy reliability and conservation funding. These insights help mission-driven organizations anticipate what’s ahead and position their work effectively in the year to come.

Strategic planning isn’t just a process—it’s an act of stewardship. When mission-driven organizations blend empathy for their people with evidence-based decision-making, strategy becomes a powerful tool for clarity, alignment, and real impact. In this post, I share how RKO Consulting Group guides nonprofits and purpose-driven teams through a collaborative, human-centered planning process that turns big ideas into lived, measurable action. Discover why strategy matters now more than ever—and how a grounded, evidence-informed approach can help your organization move from aspiration to implementation with confidence.

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.