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Dear friends and colleagues,
As we move deeper into fall, under the shadow of the government shutdown, the landscape of federal policy is shifting with substantial challenges for American producers. Now into its third week, funding for programs critical to soil health remains on hold.
Dear friends and colleagues,
Throughout the summer, Congress continued to introduce (and reintroduce) a variety of agricultural legislation with both direct and indirect implications for soil health. While tensions between political parties grew following the signing of President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill into law on July 4, 2025, bipartisan efforts to advance soil health-focused legislation remained ongoing.
Land Core previously identified four key policy recommendations in response to the Make Our Children Healthy Again: Assessment released on May 22, 2025. We noted that any public policy to address the chronic disease crisis and increasing nutrition insecurity should consider the soil from which food is grown.
Dear friends & colleagues, With a surprisingly busy summer behind us and harvest season well underway, the shifting weather serves as a natural reminder that we've entered the final quarter of 2025. Since our last newsletter, our team has been actively engaged in advancing soil health initiatives across the political spectrum. During August meetings on Capitol Hill, we attended a MAHA-inspired event on the Future of Farming at The Heritage Foundation, co-hosted with American Regeneration, underscoring the widespread political appeal of soil health and food systems that center human health.
Dear friends & colleagues,
Summer is a powerful reminder of the vitality and abundance that soil health brings to our landscapes and communities. During this time, the Land Core team has had the privilege of visiting partner farms that exemplify the transformative power of working with nature.
From the thriving, vertically-integrated systems of White Oak Pastures to the verdant fields of Matt Rales and Abigail Fuller’s new ranch in Ashland Oregon, our travels have taken us to the heart of soil health practices in action this month. These pioneering land stewards are more than just farmers, they are leading voices in a growing soil centered movement.
The connection between soil health and human health plays a pivotal, but often overlooked role in a wide variety of systemic health problems. A robust and growing body of evidence shows that biologically active, nutrient-rich soils yield more nutrient-dense foods, optimally supporting human health and development, while simultaneously building resilient food production systems. Any public policy to address the chronic disease crisis and increasing nutrition insecurity should consider the soil from which food is grown.
The reconciliation bill, which includes major changes to spending, taxation and the national deficit, also makes major adjustments to agriculture policy and programs, with the Congressional Budget Office estimating an additional $66 billion increase in farm program spending over 10 years.
Soil health, storytelling, and summer inspiration from the Land Core team
Looking to add to your summer reading (and watching) list? Here’s what’s been catching our attention lately—from a documentary you can watch with your family, to recent research on nitrogen use efficiency.
The 119th Congress has continued to introduce (and re-introduce) a range of agricultural legislation with both direct and indirect implications for soil health. While the overall pace of bill introductions has moderated slightly, there is evidence of growing momentum around shared priorities such as strengthening the resilience of farming communities and expanding economic opportunities for farmers through the expansion of precision agriculture and conservation practices.
Dear friends and colleagues,
June is upon us, and with it, the height of the growing season. It’s also the season of the garden, a time when those of us not working the land professionally may still find our hands in the soil, coaxing seedlings to life, navigating the quiet persistence of weeds, and confronting inevitable pests. In these small acts, we encounter, however briefly, a glimpse of the daily complexities farmers manage on a vastly different scale.
While a home garden may offer personal fulfillment or a few nourishing meals, it is important to remember that our farmers face the challenges you might have at home (along with so many others)… and across thousands of acres, with far higher stakes. They feed our communities, anchor rural economies, and steward the vast landscapes on which we all depend. That’s why Land Core remains steadfast in advancing soil health policy creating durable value not only for farmers, but for businesses, communities, and the ecosystems they inhabit.
Dear friends and colleagues,
The team at Land Core has been actively monitoring legislative developments from the 119th Congress, with reconciliation and its impact on critical agricultural programs at the forefront. While a variety of proposals have emerged, the path forward still remains complex. Nevertheless, we remain hopeful that some progress will be made to support soil health priorities.
Internally, we are continuing our outreach to congressional members interested in advancing soil health practices to help farmers build farm resilience and access greater economic opportunities in the process.
At Land Core, we understand that healthy soil is more than an agricultural asset—it’s also a public health imperative. While our work has long emphasized the critical role of soil in building resilience and agricultural viability for our producers, we are equally clear that it plays a foundational role in supporting the health of our communities.
It’s been a very busy year thus far, with our team adding many new bills and several pieces of reintroduced legislation from the previous Congress. This indicates not only continued support for soil health but a commitment to carry over and continue the groundwork laid in preparation for the overdue Farm Bill.
Explore the archive of our bill tracker alerts, which provide regular updates on soil health legislation in Congress.
Dear friends and colleagues,
Happy Spring!
Last month was a busy one. In addition to speaking engagements and conferences, Executive Director Aria Mclauchlan also traveled to Washington to meet with legislative offices, working to advance key Land Core priorities for the year. While news from DC can sometimes feel overwhelming, there are still consistent opportunities to champion soil health by highlighting the economic benefits for farmers, producers, and taxpayers alike.
As in-person and online activities ramp up for the year, we’re excited to be re-engaging with colleagues, policymakers, and coalitions to share the developments of our policy work as well as the Risk Model Project.
Co-founders Aria McLaughlin and Harley Cross sit down with Page Mitchum for “Regenerating America: How Policy Shapes Our Plates”.
The year is back in full swing here for the Land Core team as we set our sights on new opportunities within the current administration to advance soil health practices, programs, and policies. We’ve been closely following cabinet nomination hearings and recent confirmations, preparing outreach to new appointees and stakeholders who share our mission of creating value for farmers, businesses, and communities.
It’s with pride and gratitude that we look back and take stock on another momentous year for soil health. Although political deadlock in 2024 pushed the Farm Bill out another year, there is no denying that on the issue of soil health, we saw an exceptional year of growth, including unprecedented bipartisan support for federal policies, as well as increased adoption of soil health practices on farms and ranches across the country.