Finishing Strong: How to Use December to Position for Policy Impact
December often feels like a lull—short weeks, holiday travel, and a sense that the “real work” won’t pick up until January. But for organizations working in agriculture, conservation, and science, December is one of the most important months of the year.
Federal agencies, committees, and coalitions are laying the groundwork for what will be a high-intensity 2026 policy year—one shaped by major legislative deadlines, shifting political dynamics, and the urgency of an election year. Organizations that take advantage of December’s quieter pace will be far better positioned to influence the conversations that matter most.
This guide outlines how to reflect intentionally on 2025, what strategic planning should look like for agriculture- and science-focused organizations, and what you can do now to prepare for a fast-moving 2026.
Why December Matters Even More This Year
While December is always useful for planning, this year stands out.
1. 2025 brought significant shifts among agencies, Congress, and appropriators.
Relationships between Congress and federal agencies—especially USDA, EPA, and the science agencies—have been tense and unpredictable. Oversight priorities shifted. Timelines slipped. Agencies and programs operated under elevated uncertainty.
Understanding these dynamics is crucial for anticipating both constraints and opportunities in 2026.
2. The Farm Bill must be addressed in 2026.
With the current Farm Bill extended only through 2026, Congress will need to reopen negotiations next year. That means December is the perfect time to identify:
What programs your organization most needs to protect
Where there are openings for modernization or reform
Which coalitions you want to work with
Which policymakers are likely to lead the charge
Farm Bill conversations begin early—often well before the public hearings are announced. A December strategy session can ensure you’re prepared before those discussions accelerate.
3. Congress will begin FY27 appropriations in March.
Yes—you read that right. FY26 appropriations may not even be finalized yet, but appropriators begin planning for FY27 this spring.
For agriculture, conservation, and science stakeholders, that means now is the time to:
Identify top-line priorities for FY27
Gather data, stories, and justification materials
Schedule early meetings with member offices
Monitor signals from agency budget submissions
Organizations that prepare now won’t be scrambling in March.
4. 2026 is an election year.
Election-year dynamics shape everything:
Congress moves quickly early in the year
Floor time is limited
Hearings are condensed
Legislative vehicles become scarce by summer
Staff transitions begin early
Advocacy must be front-loaded into Q1 and Q2. December planning helps ensure you’re ready to hit the ground running before the election-year slowdown begins.
Step 1: Reflect on What Worked (and What Didn’t) in 2025
In a year with shifting Congressional priorities, agency transitions, continuing resolutions, and sudden swings in policy direction, reflective learning is more important than ever.
For agriculture, conservation, and science-focused organizations, ask:
Did we respond effectively to the rapid changes in FY25 and FY26 appropriations?
Which Hill offices were engaged and supportive—and which weren’t?
Where did our policy work align (or misalign) with broader coalitions?
Did we present our research, data, or impact stories in ways policymakers could act on?
What Farm Bill-related conversations did we participate in—and what did we miss?
This reflection shapes a stronger, more grounded 2026 strategy.
Quick exercise:
Have your team list three successful advocacy moments and three challenges from 2025. Patterns will emerge quickly.
Step 2: Identify 2–3 Policy Priorities for 2026
Given how packed 2026 will be, strategic narrowing is essential. Rather than chasing every opportunity, focus on the ones that align most directly with your mission and capacity.
For many of your clients, priorities may include:
Agriculture
Ensuring conservation programs remain robust in the 2026 Farm Bill
Defending research funding in NIFA, ARS, and ERS
Addressing farmer resilience and climate adaptation in federal programs
Protecting or expanding technical assistance capacity at USDA
Conservation
Promoting watershed protection, soil health investments, and habitat restoration
Navigating changes to the WOTUS definition and Clean Water Act implementation
Securing support for NRCS programs under increasing demand
Strengthening partnerships across state, tribal, and local conservation agencies
Science & Research
Protecting federal research budgets (NSF, USDA, NOAA, DOE) amid tightening appropriations
Communicating scientific findings to policymakers with clarity and consistency
Preparing for agency transitions and research priorities that shift during elections
Elevating the role of evidence and data in Farm Bill debates
Each of these areas will face both opportunities and constraints in 2026. Identifying your top two or three priorities allows you to invest your time where it matters most.
Step 3: Schedule Early Conversations with Partners and Policymakers
With the Farm Bill, appropriations, regulatory updates, and elections all converging, early coordination is critical.
Use December to reach out to:
Hill staff involved in agriculture, conservation, or science committees
USDA, EPA, and science agency staff
State and tribal partners
Key conservation and producer coalitions
Funders and philanthropic partners
Policy shops aligned with your 2026 priorities
These touchpoints help you:
Confirm alignment
Share early priorities
Understand others’ timelines
Spot opportunities for collaboration
Prepare for Q1 advocacy push
If you’re thinking “we’ll reconnect in February,” you’ll already be behind the curve.
Policy Readiness Isn’t About Doing More — It’s About Preparing Well
The organizations that thrive in election years are not the ones doing the most.
They’re the ones that:
Set clear priorities
Coordinate early
Understand shifting political landscapes
Prepare high-quality materials before deadlines hit
Build and sustain trusted relationships
December offers a rare moment of quiet—use it to strengthen your position before 2026 ramps up.
Start 2026 With Clarity and Confidence
We’re helping organizations in agriculture, conservation, and science set their 2026 advocacy agenda, prepare for the Farm Bill, and get ahead of the FY27 appropriations cycle.
Book a Policy Readiness Call before December 15 to enter 2026 aligned, prepared, and ready to influence the policies that matter most.