Land Core Newsletter - December 2025
Image from Studio Hill Farm.
Dear friends and colleagues,
Like many of you, our plates are full as we wrap up year-end work and dive into strategic planning for 2026. It's a time to look back and reflect on this year's challenges, progress, and wins. Overall, Land Core is encouraged by the growing recognition that soil health practices not only reduce financial and crop yield risk but also support better health for American farmers and families.
We're also tracking opportunities to continue advancing soil health, including a possible January farm bill markup, while monitoring recent USDA actions that bring both promise and uncertainty for farmers facing unstable markets, high costs, and volatile weather.
Read on for federal policy updates, including the announcement of USDA’s new Regenerative Pilot Program, major progress on our risk modeling research, opportunities to engage through public comment, and how to support our work this holiday season by investing in soil health.
Wishing you happy holidays filled with rest, reflection, delicious food, and moments of gratitude for the farmers and the land that make those meals possible.
Warmly,
The Land Core Team
A Gift That Grows
Looking for a meaningful gift this holiday season? Instead of another item that ends up in the closet, consider donating to Land Core in a family member's or loved one's name. It's a gift that truly gives back, supporting the farmers who steward our land, the soil that grows our food, and the communities that depend on both.
Land Core is the only organization exclusively focused on advancing federal policy and financial incentives for soil health, bridging political divides, and creating real economic value for farmers. Whether you give $25 or $250, or sign up for a small monthly donation, your support makes a tangible difference.
This holiday season, give a gift that nourishes the land that sustains us all and support Land Core in honor of someone you love.
Policy Updates
Image from USDA's Flickr.
January Farm Bill Markup
The end of 2025 will mark the third consecutive year without an updated farm bill, leaving farmers increasingly vulnerable and uncertain amid high input costs, shifting weather, and tariff impacts. Farm bill negotiations are expected to resume in January after Congress returns, with House Agriculture Chair G.T. Thompson aiming for a markup ahead of the January 30th funding deadline.
As a reminder, many food and agriculture policies typically included in the farm bill were covered to some extent through other funding mechanisms this year, but not all programs have been renewed. Despite attempts to address this, piecemeal funding approaches do not substitute a comprehensive farm bill with appropriately adjusted priorities and funding amounts that allow for full staffing for the agencies that support our farmers.
$12 Billion in Farmer Aid Announced
On December 8, the Trump Administration announced $12 billion in one-time aid payments to American farmers impacted by trade disruptions and high input costs, with up to $11 billion allocated through the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program for row crop producers and $1 billion reserved for specialty crops and sugar. Eligible farmers (who ensure their 2025 acreage reporting is accurate by December 19, 2025) can expect payments by February 28, 2026. The bridge payments are designed to support producers until enhanced safety net provisions from the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) take effect in October 2026. These safety net provisions include a 10-21% increase in reference prices for major commodity crops like soy, corn, and wheat.
Share Your Thoughts!
Image from USDA's Flickr.
The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) is accepting public comments until January 27, 2026, on a rule expanding access to risk protection, implementing changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB), and streamlining several crop insurance policies. You can review the changes and share your thoughts by submitting a public comment here.
If you’re interested in collaborating on comments or have experiences to share about how federal crop insurance rules have impacted your ability to build resilience on your operation, we'd love to hear from you - reach out to Land Core at staff@landcore.org.
Rooted in Health
Image from USDA's Flickr.
USDA recently launched a $700 million Regenerative Pilot Program aimed at helping farmers adopt land management practices that improve soil health and reduce production costs. Announced by Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, HHS Secretary RFK Jr., and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, the program aims to fund “regenerative agriculture” projects as part of the MAHA agenda. Funding for the pilot will be drawn from the existing Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP - $400 million) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP - $300 million), rather than allocating new funds.
The voluntary NRCS-led program addresses ongoing soil health/erosion, water contamination, and agricultural land productivity concerns. According to USDA data, 25% of crop acres are experiencing water-driven erosion, and 16% face wind-driven erosion. This program is an important recognition of the integral role that topsoil plays in national food security and American agriculture.
The program aims to streamline conservation efforts through a single application and to assist farmers with whole-farm planning that tackles soil, water, and land resilience. Interested farmers can apply through their local NRCS Service Center, with applications now open for FY2026. Companies interested in providing matching funds for conservation programs are also encouraged to get in touch. Read more in the USDA’s official press release here.
Did you know?
Congress originally created what is now the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in response to the Dust Bowl of the 1930s to help farmers and land stewards conserve American soil and water resources. At that time, it was called the Soil Conservation Service (SCS), but in 1994, the name was changed, and the scope was expanded to cover all the issues it does today.
New Risk Model Findings Released
We are thrilled to finally share a summary of some of the most recent yield risk findings from our soil health risk modeling research.
This research across five midwestern states provides promising insights into how diversified crop rotations, which build soil health, reduce agricultural risk in the majority of fields. Read the summary of these findings and learn more here.
We will also be releasing a follow-up blog post on the most recent revenue risk findings – stay tuned.
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In related news, we're also excited to announce that Dr. Gina Pizzo recently defended her dissertation entitled "Harnessing the Power of Applied Statistics to Contribute to Scientific Knowledge Production" at Michigan State University, which is largely focused on the issues directly related to the Land Core Risk Model. We extend our congratulations to Dr. Pizzo and our deep gratitude to the entire risk modeling team for their contributions to these findings.
Social Highlights
We’re Hiring: Policy Manager
Land Core is continuing our search for a talented, pragmatic, and dedicated Policy Manager as we build additional capacity for our policy priorities, government affairs, and educational initiatives. This role will lead outreach to relevant agencies and Congressional offices, help build coalition support for soil health-focused initiatives, and expand Land Core’s capacity to leverage current and emerging legislative and agency opportunities to strengthen soil health.
Please note that this full-time role requires frequent in-person meetings with partners and policymakers in Washington, D.C., in addition to remote work. More details here.
We are actively reviewing strong candidates and welcome additional referrals from our network.
Bill Tracker Updates
Keep an eye out for our Winter 2025 Federal Soil Health Bill Tracker Alert coming later this week! While the government shutdown in October significantly slowed the introduction and passage of all bills, we’re excited to report significant wins for regenerative agriculture and soil health. Make sure you are signed up for our quarterly alerts here.
Upcoming Events
January 6-9, 2026 – National No-Tillage Conference (St. Louis, MO)
Join the 34th annual National No-Tillage Conference for four days of practical learning from leading no-till farmers, agronomists, and researchers. The conference features general sessions, expert-led no-till classrooms, and collaborative roundtables covering innovative strategies for profitable no-till operations. Learn more and register here.
January 9-10, 2025 – NOFA-NY’s Winter Conference (Purchase, NY)
Meet hundreds of farmers, food system professionals, educators, and advocates committed to advancing organic and regenerative agriculture. This event provides networking opportunities and educational programming focused on building better food and farming systems through organic principles and sustainable practices. Learn more here.
January 20-21, 2026 – No-Till On The Plains Winter Conference (Wichita, KS)
Celebrate three decades of no-till education and innovation at this milestone conference. Join farmers, researchers, and soil health advocates for two days of practical learning, networking, and knowledge sharing focused on no-till and regenerative agriculture practices. Attendees will gain insights into proven no-till strategies, cover cropping, and soil health management. Learn more and register here.
January 21-24, 2026 – 46th Annual EcoFarm Conference (Pacific Grove, CA)
This conference features more than 50 skill-building workshops, keynote presentations, pre-conference events, farm tours, seed swaps, tastings, and Spanish-language programming. Active farmers and ranchers can apply for discounted registration. EcoFarm advances ecological and just farming and food systems through education, advocacy, and community building. Learn more and register here.
January 23-24, 2026 – Roots of Renewal Conference (Montrose, CO)
Formerly the Western Colorado Soil Health, Food & Farm Forum, this conference brings together farmers, ranchers, and agricultural professionals to explore soil health, regenerative agriculture, and sustainable food systems on Colorado's Western Slope. Attendees will access regionally-specific information on livestock and crop production, water management, innovative marketing strategies, and specialty crop cultivation. Learn more and register here.
What We're Reading
Image from USDA's Flickr.
Food will be more affordable — if we double funds for agriculture research now
A new study reveals that global spending growth on agricultural research and development slowed significantly between 2015 and 2021, and notes that the decrease in public and private investment is partly to blame for high food prices. The study also highlights that agricultural R&D typically takes decades to yield benefits, meaning current underinvestment will further contribute to higher food prices, increased environmental damage, and reduced capacity to meet food demand through 2050.
By Philip G. Pardey, Connie Chan-Kang, Gert-Jan Stads, Yuan Chai, Julian M. Alston, Jan Greyling & Hernán Muñoz, Nature, December 9, 2025
US dietary guidelines delayed until early 2026
The release of the updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans has been postponed until early 2026, with HHS citing the recent government shutdown as the cause for delay. The new guidelines, which shape school lunches and nutrition standards nationwide, are expected to address saturated fat, ultra-processed foods, and modified recommendations for dairy consumption.
By Sriparna Roy, Reuters, December 6, 2025
Landmark glyphosate paper retracted in random reckoning for a scientific relic
A widely cited paper published in 2000 asserting glyphosate's safety has been retracted by Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology due to ethical concerns about Monsanto's undisclosed contributions to the paper, despite it being referenced by organizations, including the EPA, for two decades. The retraction, which was prompted by researchers studying corporate ghostwriting, comes as the EPA conducts a review of glyphosate and the Trump administration supports Bayer's appeal to curtail over 67,000 Roundup-related cancer lawsuits.
By Jennifer Marston, Ag Funder News, December 4, 2025
FDA Expands Use of Advanced AI for Safety Reviews and Inspections
The FDA announced it is rolling out AI across the agency to assist with complex tasks like food safety reviews, inspections, and compliance, even as it emphasizes that final regulatory decisions will remain in human hands. The move comes amid staffing cuts, expanding responsibilities under the MAHA agenda, and current debates on marking food additives as “Generally Recognized as Safe” and overriding FDA safety reviews.
By Lisa Held, Civil Eats, December 4, 2025
Better land, soil and water management key to feeding 10 billion people, FAO warns
The FAO’s 2025 State of the World's Land and Water Resources report reveals that over 1.6 billion hectares of land, more than 10% of the world's land area, has been degraded by unsustainable practices, with more than 60% of degradation occurring on agricultural lands. The report examines untapped potential to enhance sustainable agricultural production while addressing the urgent challenges of land degradation, water scarcity, and climate change that threaten global food security.
By FAO, December 1, 2025
Kellanova and Walmart Launch Regenerative Rice Initiative
Kellanova has joined Walmart and Indigo Ag's four-year partnership to advance regenerative agriculture among Arkansas rice farmers. The collaboration, which operates through the Source by Indigo program, provides farmers with higher premiums for every pound of rice produced using regenerative practices, including improved water management, optimized fertilizer application, and crop rotation.
By Georgia Collins, Food and Drink Digital, November 26, 2025