The CAST Annual Meeting brings together leaders in agricultural science, science communication, and innovation for a dynamic three-day event hosted by Mississippi State University, a proud CAST organizational member. During this gathering, CAST Student Members, CAST Board of Directors, and Board of Representatives will engage in keynote presentations, panel discussions, and educational tours (Please note: all are welcome at every event except the closed Board of Directors planning session on Wednesday) that showcase the latest in agricultural research and advancements. This is an opportunity for CAST members to connect, share ideas, and help shape the future of our organization and the agricultural sciences community.
The Student Innovation Conference, taking place during the Annual Meeting, is designed to inspire and empower the next generation of agricultural leaders. Students will have the chance to present their research, network with experts, and participate in special tours focused on innovation and science communication in agriculture.
Stay connected and join us in Starkville for a memorable experience at the intersection of agricultural science and innovation.
*Registration is open to CAST Student Members, CAST Board of Directors, and CAST Board of Representatives. All registered participants are welcome at every event except the closed Board of Directors session on Wednesday morning.
The CAST Annual Meeting & Student Innovation Conference brings together leaders in agricultural science, technology, and communication for three days of collaboration and inspiration. Your contribution helps us provide meals, awards, transportation, and opportunities for students to shine.
Every dollar makes a difference. Join us in building a stronger future for agricultural science.
General Support – Any Amount
Your open gift keeps the Annual Meeting possible by covering food, awards, transportation, and student activities.
“Your open gift keeps the Annual Meeting possible.”
Impact Tiers
Meeting Supporter – $50
Help cover meals, supplies, and logistics.
Recognition: donor wall + digital thank-you.
Student Innovation Backer – $150
Provide resources for student activities at the Poster Session and Innovation Conference.
Recognition: featured in CAST’s student spotlight.
Tour Booster – $300
Support transportation for campus and industry innovation tours.
Recognition: name/logo on tour itineraries and slides.
Award Champion – Best Poster Student Innovation Awards
3rd Place Award Champion – $250
Recognize a student whose research demonstrates promise and innovation.
Recognition: announced during ceremony + listed in printed program.
2nd Place Award Champion – $500
Celebrate excellence in science communication by sponsoring the second-place award.
Recognition: announced during ceremony + listed in printed program.
1st Place Award Champion – $1,000
Make a lasting impact by funding the top honor for student innovation.
Recognition: announced on stage, listed in printed program, and highlighted in CAST communications.
Dinner Host – $1,000
Support the CAST Dinner, featuring student posters and the awards ceremony.
Recognition: acknowledged in the program booklet and on dinner signage.
Future Builder – $2,500+
Provide broad sponsorship covering meals, awards, tours, and student engagement.
Recognition: featured prominently on CAST’s website, in the event program, and across CAST social media.
The CAST Student Innovation Conference is an opportunity for CAST Student members to showcase original research, connect with leaders in agricultural science, and gain valuable experience presenting to an engaged and knowledgeable audience. Held alongside the 2025 CAST Annual Meeting at Mississippi State University in Starkville, MS, this event empowers the next generation of agricultural innovators.
Present a Research Poster – All CAST Student members participating are required to present a poster, offering a platform to share their work with CAST Board Members, Representatives, and peers.
Compete for the CAST Student Innovation Scholarship – A $1,000 scholarship awarded to the CAST Student member with the best poster, as voted by CAST Board Members.
Network and Learn – Build connections with experts from academia, industry, and policy while exploring the latest advancements in agricultural science.
While all agricultural topics are welcome, the 2025 conference will spotlight research that demonstrates innovation in:
Agricultural technology and machinery
Artificial intelligence in agriculture
Drone applications in agriculture
Autonomous machines and precision farming systems
Access to all student conference sessions and workshops
Meals during the event (as outlined in the program)
Complimentary transportation between registered hotels and conference venues
The student poster session will take place during the CAST Dinner on Tuesday, October 28, from 6:00–8:30 PM, when the CAST Student Innovation Scholarship winner will be announced.
For more information, please email communications@cast-science.org.
Be part of three inspiring days of discussion, networking, and hands-on learning as we explore how ag technology, automation, and drones are shaping the future of agriculture. Secure your spot today and connect with leaders, innovators, and students from across the agricultural science community.
*Registration is open to CAST Student Members, CAST Board of Directors, and CAST Board of Representatives. All registered participants are welcome at every event except the closed Board of Directors session on Wednesday morning.
Monday, October 27, 2025
| Time | Session |
| 6:15–8:30 PM. | Dinner for CAST Staff, Board of Directors, Board of Representatives, and Student Members Speaker
Panel Discussion with Mississippi State Experts
|
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
| Time | Session |
| 8:30–10:00 AM | CAST Joint Business Meeting (Board of Directors + Board of Representatives) |
| 10:00 AM –12:30 PM | Campus Tours (all attendees)
Industry Tours |
| 12:00–1:00 PM | Lunch on the Go |
| 1:30–5:30 PM | Off-Campus Industry Tours (cotton gin, catfish processing plant) |
| 6:00–8:30 PM | CAST Dinner, Student Posters, and Scholarship Awards |
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
| Time | Session |
| 8:30–11:30 AM | CAST Board of Directors Meeting – 2026 Planning (closed session, Directors only) |
| 12:00 PM | Closing Lunch (CAST Staff and Board Members) |
HOST
SPONSOR
CAST has secured discounted hotel rates in Starkville, MS, for meeting participants. Be sure to reserve your room by Friday, September 12, 2025, to guarantee the group rate. After this date, rooms will be released to the general public at standard rates.
Courtyard Marriott – $165/night
Hampton Inn & Suites – $160/night
Russell Inn & Suites – $130/night
How to Book:
There are six airports within 2.5 hours of MSU and Starkville:
