For decades, low-moisture foods such as wheat, flour, nuts, and spices were regarded as “microbiologically safe” because of their low moisture content. This attribute has led to a general confidence that these products are low-risk foods (Jung & Harris, 2022). However, recent outbreaks and recalls, which were previously unexpected, tell a different story: low does not mean no.

Tassel wrapping, an unusual phenomenon reported across Midwestern corn fields this summer, occurs when leaves trap the developing tassel and delay pollen shed, disrupting pollination timing and potentially reducing yields.

A few months ago, I was invited to attend the 2025 Iowa State University Next Generation Institute: “Designing and Managing Sustainable Rural Livelihood Programs” in Kamuli, Uganda. I recently returned from the trip and have been reflecting on what I learned, the people I met, the things I saw, and the memories I made.

In a survey of nearly 10,000 adults conducted just before the 2024 election, 48% found that scientists should “focus on establishing sound scientific facts and stay out of policy debates.”

Agriculture is experiencing a seismic shift related to its underlying technologies, incorporating advancements from other industries while also leading the way in its own evolution.