The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) successfully concluded its 2025 Annual Meeting and Student Innovation Conference, hosted by Mississippi State University from October 27–29, 2025, in Starkville, MS. The event brought together agricultural leaders, researchers, and students from across the nation to collaborate, exchange ideas, and celebrate innovation in agricultural science.
The program opened Monday evening with a welcome dinner at The Mill at Mississippi State University, featuring remarks from Dr. Keith Coble, Vice President for the Division of Agriculture, Forestry, and Veterinary Medicine, and Dr. Darrell Sparks, Associate Dean in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The keynote presentation was delivered by Kit Franklin of Harper Adams University (UK), Senior Engagement Fellow in Engineering and Co-Founder of the Hands Free Hectare Project. A lively panel followed, featuring Dr. Wes Schilling, Dr. Tom Allen, and Dr. O. P. McCubbins, moderated by Dr. Holli Seitz.
Over the next two days, participants explored Mississippi State’s cutting-edge research through a series of campus and industry tours, including visits to the Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems, the R. R. Foil Plant Science Research Center, the Agricultural Autonomy Institute, Bogue Chitto Gin Inc., and Superior Catfish. These hands-on experiences showcased the latest advancements in agricultural engineering, automation, and food production—core themes of this year’s meeting.
In addition to field experiences, CAST members and leaders engaged in in-depth discussions about the organization’s strategic direction, membership initiatives, communication priorities, and upcoming programs. These sessions reinforced CAST’s commitment to serving as a trusted voice for agricultural science and to advancing Science That Feeds Tomorrow.
The event concluded with the ceremonial passing of the gavel from Brandon Neuschafer (Arnold & Porter), 2024–2026 CAST Board of Directors President, to P. V. Vara Prasad (Kansas State University), marking the start of a new chapter in CAST leadership and collaboration.
🌱 Student Innovation Conference Highlights
Held alongside the Annual Meeting, the CAST Student Innovation Conference celebrated the creativity and leadership of the next generation of agricultural scientists. Students participated in research presentations, innovation showcases, and educational tours highlighting Mississippi State’s pioneering work in automation, drone applications, and precision farming systems.
A highlight of the event was the Student Innovation Poster Competition, which recognized excellence in scientific communication and awarded a total of $1,750 in prizes to top presenters:
2025 Poster Competition Winners
🥇 Smruthi Mahapatra, PhD Student, Mississippi State University — $1,000
🥈 Prathiksha Raghava, Master’s Student, Mississippi State University — $500
🥉 Mary Bakare, PhD Student, Mississippi State University (draw) — $250
🥉 Ruchita Bhattarai, Master’s Student, Mississippi State University (draw) — $250
These outstanding students exemplify the innovation, collaboration, and scientific rigor that define CAST’s vision for the future.
CAST extends its sincere appreciation to all who made the event possible—especially our conference sponsors: BASF, Bayer Crop Science, Corteva Agriscience, Syngenta, the Agricultural Autonomy Institute, the Division of Agriculture, Forestry, and Veterinary Medicine, the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Experiment Station, and the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at Mississippi State University.
A special thank-you to Mississippi State University and Dr. Alex Thomasson, Professor, Department Head, and William B. and Sherry Berry Endowed Chair of Agricultural & Biological Engineering at Mississippi State University, for their exceptional leadership, partnership, and hospitality in hosting this year’s events.
Together, we continue advancing Science That Feeds Tomorrow.
