CAST — the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology — is proud to release its 2024–2025 Activities Report, a comprehensive look at two years marked by bold decisions, strategic investments, and measurable impact.
The report, themed Ready for the Future, documents five areas of organizational transformation:
- Relocation: CAST moved its headquarters from West Lincoln Way to the Iowa State University Research Park in 2024, placing the organization at the center of agricultural research and collaboration in Iowa.
- Brand and Digital Refresh: A modernized visual identity, redesigned website, upgraded membership platform, and new CRM system now support a more connected and accessible CAST for all members.
- SoAR Integration: On February 10, 2025, CAST completed the acquisition of the Supporters of Agricultural Research (SoAR) Foundation, absorbing SoAR’s advocacy work, publications, and national policy network.
- Scientific Publications: 13 peer-reviewed publications in 2024–2025 — covering topics from AI in agriculture and genome-edited crops to greenhouse gas negativity and precision irrigation — achieved a combined media reach of 9 million views and over 1,700 webinar attendees.
- Student Engagement: The 2024 Science Communication Scholarships recognized three graduate students at the CAST Annual Meeting in Tampa, FL. In 2025, the inaugural Student Innovation Conference in Starkville, MS introduced a poster and innovation competition awarding $1,750 in prizes.
CAST also honored three individuals for outstanding contributions to agricultural science: Ambassador Kenneth Quinn received the inaugural CAST Lifetime Achievement Award on October 22, 2025; Jack Bobo received the 2024 Borlaug CAST Communication Award; and David Ortega was named the 2025 Borlaug recipient.
Looking ahead, CAST is introducing CAST 3.0 — a framework built around three pillars: Inform, Convene, and Guide. New programs include the CAST Summit Series, CAST Hill Sessions, CAST Labs, and a suite of newsletters reaching members, students, policymakers, and the public. A Student Explorer Membership launching in 2026 will give full-time students at accredited institutions access to CAST programs.
Read the full 2024–2025 Activities Report to explore CAST’s milestones, programs, and vision for 2026 and beyond.
