CAST papers are the foundation of CAST’s science communication work. Developed by expert-led task forces, these peer-reviewed publications translate agricultural science into trusted insights that inform policy, guide public understanding, and fuel CAST programs, dialogues, and educational initiatives.

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CAST_Protein-in-the-Diet
Animal and Plant Sourced Proteins as Part of a Balanced Human Diet
https://doi.org/10.62300/1zd2tn81
Protein quality, not just quantity, is critical for meeting human dietary needs. This paper reviews animal‑, plant‑, and emerging protein sources in terms of amino acid composition, digestibility, nutritional adequacy, and environmental impact. It highlights life‑stage–specific protein requirements, limitations of single‑source proteins, and the role of complementary proteins in balanced diets. Global patterns of protein availability, future demand, and sustainability challenges are examined. The paper concludes that diverse dietary protein sources, rather than exclusive reliance on plant or animal proteins, are essential for supporting human health and resilient food systems.
Task Force Chairs
Mississippi State University
Authors
Texas A&M University
Virginia Tech
Texas A&M University
CAST_Precision Irrigation Management
Precision Irrigation Management
https://doi.org/10.62300/6b9hf011
This report examines the principles, technologies, and applications of precision irrigation across gravity, sprinkler, and microirrigation systems. It reviews variable rate irrigation, soil- and plant-based sensing, evapotranspiration monitoring, irrigation scheduling tools, and complementary technologies such as fertigation and data-driven decision support systems.
Task Force Chairs
Pennsylvania State University
Authors
University of Nevada, Reno
Texas A&M University
University of California, Davis
University of Idaho
United States Department of Agriculture
McGill University
McGill University
Kansas State University
McGill University
CAST_AI-in-Agriculture
AI in Agriculture: Opportunities, Challenges, and Recommendations
https://doi.org/10.62300/IAAG042514
This report examines the current and emerging applications of AI in agriculture, including crop and livestock monitoring, precision management, yield prediction, disease and pest detection, automation, and supply chain optimization. It explores the data sources, algorithms, and digital infrastructure that underpin AI-driven systems, as well as the role of AI in enhancing sustainability, productivity, and resilience under climate and resource constraints.
Task Force Chairs
Mississippi State University
Authors
Oklahoma State University
Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University
University of Kentucky
Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University
Syngenta (United States)
Texas A&M AgriLife Research
University of Florida
Texas A&M University
USFRA_CAST-FullReport
Potential for U.S. Agriculture to Be Greenhouse Gas Negative
https://doi.org/10.62300/tfraya48
This report explores the potential for U.S. agriculture to achieve greenhouse gas (GHG) neutrality or become GHG-negative by integrating current and emerging practices across crop and livestock systems. The analysis identifies five major opportunity areas: soil carbon management, nitrogen fertilizer management, animal production and manure handling, crop production efficiency, and on-farm energy use. The report emphasizes the need for on-farm demonstrations, technical support, and policy incentives to overcome economic and technological barriers.
Task Force Chairs
Authors
Kansas State University
Colorado State University
Kansas State University
Pennsylvania State University
Colorado State University
University of Wisconsin–Madison
World Wildlife Fund
World Wildlife Fund
World Wildlife Fund
University of California, Davis
Kansas State University
North Carolina State University
University of Arkansas at Fayetteville
Colorado State University
Colorado State University
Colorado State University
Michigan State University
Michigan State University
Agricultural Research Service
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
World Wildlife Fund
IP76-Soil-Health-scaled-1.jpg
Impacts of Soil Health Practices on Hydrologic Processes
https://doi.org/10.62300/QEOG5785
This paper synthesizes current research on the impacts of soil health practices—such as reduced tillage, cover cropping, and residue management—on hydrologic processes within agricultural and urban systems. These practices influence water infiltration, storage, and movement through the soil-water-atmosphere continuum, reducing runoff, erosion, and surface water contamination while potentially moderating flood risks.
Task Force Chairs
Texas A&M University
Authors
Iowa State University
National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment (retired)
United States Department of Agriculture
The Ohio State University
The Nature Conservancy
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
ALL FIFRA-ESA (16x9)
FIFRA, ESA, and Pesticide Consultation: Understanding and Addressing the Complexities
Task Force Chairs
Authors
No data was found
DOWNLOAD - Invasive Species (16x9)
Preventing the Next Plant Invasion: Opportunities and Challenges
Task Force Chairs
Authors
No data was found
Copy of Thank you - Gene Editing (16x9)
Applications, Benefits, and Challenges of Genome Edited Crops
Task Force Chairs
Authors
No data was found
FIFRA-ESA 6 (1920 x 1080 px)
State Regulatory Agencies as Conduit for Informing Local Conditions in Federal Pesticide Processes
Task Force Chairs
Authors
No data was found
FIFRA-ESA 5 (1920 x 1080 px)
FIFRA, ESA and Pesticide Consultation: Identifying and Overcoming the Complexities from a Growers Perspective
Task Force Chairs
Authors
No data was found
🔗 Publications Repository

This repository houses all official CAST papers, including final published versions, DOIs, and citation information. It serves as the permanent reference point for researchers, policymakers, educators, and media seeking trusted, citable agricultural science.

👥 Task Force Index

CAST papers are developed by interdisciplinary task forces composed of volunteer authors, chairs, reviewers, liaisons, and translators from academia, industry, and government. This index recognizes those contributors and highlights the breadth of expertise that supports CAST’s work.

✍️ Propose a Topic

CAST welcomes topic proposals that address timely, relevant issues in agriculture, food, and environmental systems. Proposed topics are reviewed in collaboration with CAST work groups and staff to assess scientific merit, relevance, and alignment with CAST’s mission.