Training the Agritech Leaders of Tomorrow
An integral part of CAST’s mission is to educate the next generation of agritech researchers and innovators, and technology adopters. We believe the benefits offered by new technologies will be sustained by engaged, enthusiastic and well-prepared students.
Our cluster of working farms offer students purposeful experiences ranging from handling actual soils, plants and animals to coding, device development and testing and implementation of data-driven management practices. Students create, experiment and experience the development, delivery and evaluation of technologies for the climate-smart, sustainable Farm of the Future.
Educational experiences include:
- Cornell’s digital agriculture minor
- Special workshops and classes highlighting the work at CAST and offering hands-on experiential learning
- Summer on-site internships at CAST
Digital Agriculture Minor
Digital agriculture (DA) embraces a range of technology and applications, from sensors that monitor crop drought tolerance to wearable monitoring devices for cattle. Cornell’s DA undergraduate minor offers students a chance to explore the future of farming by learning about the latest technology and innovations.
Launched in fall 2022, the DA minor was designed by members of the Cornell Institute for Digital Agriculture (CIDA) and leverages the infrastructure and network of CAST stakeholders. Students enrolled in this minor work with CAST members and participate in hands-on experiences at CAST’s cluster of working farms.
In-person and remote learning
We offer a mix of classes, workshops and hands-on, in-person and virtual learning experiences for both Cornell students and students from other educational institutions. They take place throughout the year on Cornell’s campus in Ithaca, New York, and on CAST's cluster of farms.
CAST for the Farm of the Future research is supported by the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative grant no. 2023-77038-38865 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture.