Nominations Open for the 2026 CAST Lifetime Achievement Award
Nominate a leader in agricultural science, communication, or policy. The CAST Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals whose career-long contributions have advanced agricultural science and its role in shaping food, agriculture, and environmental policy. Nominations close July 31, 2026.
Applications Now Open for the 2026 CAST Science Communication Scholarship
Recognize excellence in agricultural science communication. The 2026 CAST Science Communication Scholarship awards $1,000 to one undergraduate or graduate student who best translates complex agricultural topics into clear, accurate, and impactful messages. Applications close July 31, 2026.
Dr. David Ortega Featured on The Produce Moms Podcast
Dr. David Ortega, Professor and Noel W. Stuckman Chair in Food Economics and Policy at Michigan State University, was just featured on The Produce Moms podcast — one of the produce industry’s most-followed shows — breaking down the economics behind today’s grocery bills.
CAST’s Strategic Advisory Council Delivers Institutional Direction in Washington
CAST’s Strategic Advisory Council completed its first in-person meeting in Washington, D.C. this week — and the conversation was exactly what American agriculture needs right now.
CAST Releases New Publication on Invasive Plants and Wildfire on May 6
CAST will release Integrated Management of Fire-Adapted Invasive Plants That Change Wildfire Regimes live during a free public webinar on May 6 — the paper drops during the session.
CAST to Host Free Webinar on Mental Health and Economic Viability in Agricultural Communities
May 12 event features Penn State rural sociologist Florence Becot.
A Vision for Agriculture: Innovation Rooted in Trust
In this Voices of Agriculture, Melissa Merlau Johnson of Corteva Agriscience argues that scientists must move beyond facts alone — and start building trust through human connection.
CAST and SIVB to Host Free Webinar on AI in In Vitro Research
CAST and the Society for In Vitro Biology (SIVB) are co-hosting a free public webinar on how artificial intelligence and bioinformatics are transforming in vitro biology research — from plant tissue culture to arthropod neuroscience.
CAST Opens Nominations for 2026 Borlaug CAST Communication Award
CAST is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Borlaug CAST Communication Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement in communicating agricultural, environmental, and food science to policymakers, the media, and the public.
A More Diverse Corn Belt Is Within Reach
The Corn Belt’s corn–soy dominance has delivered productivity, but it has also left farmers, rural communities, and food systems increasingly vulnerable. Drawing on insights from farmers and agricultural stakeholders across Illinois, Iowa, and Indiana, this article explores how diversified cropping systems—supported by smarter policy and stronger markets—can build a more resilient, profitable, and sustainable future for the region.
