Irwin has published numerous academic articles on the subject and has been called upon to provide testimony before the US Congress, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development,[4] and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, as well as publishing op-ed articles in the New York Times[5] and the Washington Times.

Irwin has developed agricultural extension programs that have helped farmers throughout the world make informed production, marketing, and financial decisions.

Scott H. Irwin was blamed, along with Craig Pirrong, by journalist David Kocieniewski for not disclosing ties with the financial industry.

David Kocieniewski adds "Mr. Irwin declined to provide a list of his clients, and the university said its disclosure requirements did not compel him to do so".

[12] Irwin is a member of the Agricultural & Applied Economics Association (AAEA) and was named a Fellow in 2013.