Science's Influence on Agricultural Practices and Policies

It all starts with a question... Can we stop farmland from blowing away? In the 1930s, devastating Dust Bowl storms buried entire farms and forced families to abandon their land. This environmental catastrophe sparked an urgent question: how can we stop our farmland from literally blowing away? USDA scientists partnered with researchers at Kansas State University and University of Nebraska to understand the relationship between farming practices and soil erosion. Through decades of federally funded research, universities like Iowa State and University of Wisconsin developed crop rotation systems and contour farming methods that dramatically reduced soil loss. Later, University of Kentucky and Ohio State pioneered no till farming techniques, a revolutionary approach that plants seeds directly into the soil without plowing or disturbing the earth. This preserves the natural soil structure, keeps protective crop residue on the surface, and dramatically reduces erosion while cutting fuel use and carbon emissions. Today, these conservation practices protect over 400 million acres of American farmland, ensuring food security while preserving our natural resources for future generations. The same research that emerged from the Dust Bowl crisis now helps farmers worldwide adapt to climate change and maintain productivity sustainably. From environmental disaster to agricultural innovation, this shows how science works. The path from crisis driven questions to transformative solutions demonstrates that supporting university research and federal science funding creates benefits that extend far beyond the original problem. What scientific challenges do you think deserve similar long term research investment today? https://lnkd.in/gpERS8Cf https://lnkd.in/gQARqWsY #Science #USDA

Our new Science article shows how climate-smart practices can help farmers lower the carbon intensity (CI) score of corn for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and beyond. Using a multi-model ensemble, we can now quantify the benefits of practices like no-till and cover crops on soil carbon and greenhouse gas emissions, ensuring long-term adopters are recognized. Delaying action while waiting for perfect solutions will be costly. We need evidence-based policies that evolve as knowledge advances. This science-based framework provides policymakers and industry with the tools to reward farmers, support rural prosperity, and drive broader agricultural transformation across food, feed, fiber, and fuel. Khanna, M., Basso, B., O’Hara, J., Zilberman, D., Hochman, G., 2025. Climate-smart biofuel policy as a pathway to decarbonize agriculture. Science 389, 687–689. https://lnkd.in/er_KvXbA #ClimateSmartPractices, #RegenerativeAgriculture, #SustainableAviationFuels, #CarbonIntensityScore https://lnkd.in/eEz4QKjG

Agriculture research plays a critical role in ensuring our national security, food security, environmental stewardship, and competitiveness in global markets. Unfortunately, the United States lags in investment in this crucial area, and policymakers don't seem to grasp the far-reaching consequences. Currently, the U.S. allocates roughly $3 billion to agriculture research annually, starkly contrasting China's nearly $10 billion. The discrepancy grows when data include forestry and fisheries (USDA-ARS). Since 2011, when China overtook the EU in ag research investments, its investment has been on a steady rise while the U.S. investment dwindles. This widening gap poses a grave threat to our nation’s future, demanding immediate attention and action. Agriculture research remains fundamental to maintaining a resilient, available food supply for domestic and global populations. With the global population projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, the demand for food will increase dramatically. With adequate research funding, we can stay caught up in developing the technologies and practices necessary to feed people and remain a powerful world voice in solving inherent food availability issues like distribution, corruption, and waste. Furthermore, our national security intrinsically links to food security. Not only does a stable, domestically sourced food supply reduce reliance on imports and mitigate the opportunity and impact of global disruptions, but it also maintains our power in world markets.   As climate change intensifies, agriculture research enables the development of new, sustainable farming practices to protect and replenish our natural resources. Research helps us to innovate in areas like soil health, water conservation, and carbon sequestration—critical factors in reducing agriculture’s environmental footprint. Increased funding ensures we can advance these efforts and preserve our environment for future generations. The global agricultural landscape grows increasingly competitive. If the U.S. matches or exceeds investments made by competing countries, we can maintain our leadership position in world markets. This could lead to a decline in our agricultural exports, impacting the economy and diminishing our influence in global trade. It’s time for policymakers and the public to recognize the strategic importance of agriculture research. By advocating for increased funding, we can secure our nation’s future, protect our environment, and maintain our competitiveness in the global marketplace. And heads up to our colleagues in energy--our future is your future. By investing in agriculture research at this important time, let’s ensure that American agriculture remains a pillar of strength for future generations. #AgricultureResearch #NationalSecurity #FoodSecurity #Sustainability #Innovation #GlobalCompetitiveness