As the 2025 CAST Annual Meeting & Student Innovation Conference approaches (October 27–29 in Starkville, Mississippi), past CAST President Alex Thomasson of Mississippi State University is calling on the CAST Board and student members to make plans now.

“The principle function of CAST’s annual meeting is to do CAST business,” Thomasson explains. “One of the big things we’ll be discussing this year is what the future of CAST looks like. We’ve got a relatively new team and we’ve made a lot of changes—this is a particularly important meeting to attend.”

Thomasson also points to the unique flavor of this year’s conference, including:

• A strong emphasis on ag tech—drones, robotics, and engineering technology

• Industry tours focused on Mississippi’s cotton and catfish production

• Farm visits highlighting advanced systems and innovation

• A larger student presence, opening doors for networking and collaboration

He encourages CAST Board Members and Student Members to experience not only the meeting but also Mississippi itself: “If you’ve never been to Starkville, you should come. You’ll really enjoy it—it’s a beautiful place, and the perfect time of year to be here.”

Watch his full remarks below.

2025 CAST Annual Meeting & Student Innovation Conference (October 27–29 in Starkville, Mississippi)

📍 Who can attend: CAST Board Members and CAST Student Members only
⚡ Hotel group rate deadline: September 12, 2025

👉 Register for the Annual Meeting and reserve your hotel here: https://cast-science.org/2025-cast-annual-meeting/