(Updated April 1, 2020)
March 17, 2020
See our most recent article about online learning resources.

CAST’s mission focuses on providing balanced, credible science-based information about food and agriculture. With the current COVID-19 situation, we will use this space to provide regular updates on news, announcements, and pertinent educational resource material related to agriculture, science, our members, and CAST activities.

News and Sources

• Check out the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website for current information.
• University of Kansas researchers suggest learning more about social practices, such as the connection between attachment and food, could help inform best health practices during the coronavirus pandemic.
• An NC State University food specialist reminds people why you should only use water to wash produce—even in the midst of a pandemic. (Soap can make you sick if ingested, but you should still use it to wash your hands.)
• NPR shares the science behind a 14-day quarantine after being exposed to COVID-19.
• A projection model from the University of Washington predicts the demand for hospital services will peak mid-April and subside in August.
• U.S. deaths caused by the coronavirus are estimated to fall between 100,000 and 240,000 this year.

Many are referring to the constantly updated Coronavirus COVID-19 Interactive Map (see above) from the Johns Hopkins University and Medicine Resource Center. 

Member Organization News
CAST benefits from its association with many organizations, companies, universities, and individuals. We will use these resources to update this blog post with useful information. A few of the many examples:

Universities around the country are working to find innovative ways to keep research and extension programs rolling.

The University of Kentucky (along with many of the 18 universities in CAST’s Education Program) is maintaining a site filled with news alerts and educational materials.

Jayson Lusk of Purdue University looks at the impacts of coronavirus on food markets. Lusk is one of ten influential Borlaug CAST Communication Award winners who work hard to communicate about science and agriculture.

The USDA, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, and others are working to keep slaughterhouses open—and meat available during the virus outbreak.

The companies that feed America and provide basic staples are bracing for labor shortages during the coronavirus pandemic.

CAST Event Updates
CAST has been adjusting its methods of communication during the pandemic. Instead of rollout gatherings in Washington, D.C., the organization will use webinars to disseminate new publications.

On April 7 at 12 p.m., CAST will host a webinar highlighting our new paper, Impact of Recruitment and Retention of Food Animal Veterinarians on the U.S. Food Supply.

Check this blog for regular updates and a list of resources (from CAST and its members) regarding education in this time of online connections. CAST also is communicating through its social media outlets and its regular Friday Notes newsletter.