By Andi Anderson
CAST, the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology, is partnering with the Diverse Corn Belt project to present an important webinar titled Diversifying the Corn Belt: Policy Pathways for a Resilient Agricultural Future.
The session will discuss a new policy brief that examines the structural and policy conditions influencing agricultural diversification across the U.S. Corn Belt.
The webinar will be held on April 16, 2026, from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (Timezone: America/Chicago), and participants can access the livestream through the provided link.
The Corn Belt, especially Illinois, Iowa, and Indiana, remains heavily focused on corn and soybean production, with nearly 94% of cropland dedicated to these two crops.
Research shows that greater diversification—such as extended crop rotations, perennial crops, agroforestry, grazed livestock, and horticultural crops—can help build farm resilience. These systems can also improve soil and water quality, reduce input costs, strengthen local food networks, and remain as productive as conventional systems.
The policy brief featured in the webinar is based on three years of participatory research. It includes insights from 178 stakeholders and 725 surveyed farmers.
The findings present 19 ranked policy opportunities across four important areas: federal crop insurance, Farm Bill conservation programs, post‑harvest market infrastructure, and institutional procurement policies.
These opportunities were evaluated by a team of researchers and agricultural professionals for their feasibility and ability to create meaningful, long‑term change.
The webinar will feature presentations from co‑first authors Lauren Asprooth of the University of Wisconsin‑Madison and Brennan Radulski of the University of Vermont.
They will explain key findings from the policy brief and answer questions from attendees, helping participants understand how diversification can support both environmental benefits and stable farm income.
This event is organized by CAST, an organization dedicated to communicating science‑based agricultural information. Participants who want to learn more about how policy can shape the future of the Corn Belt can visit CAST’s official website or contact the organizers for details.
The project aims to help farmers, policymakers, and community members explore strategies that strengthen agricultural resilience and create a more sustainable future.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-dszc
Categories: Indiana, Crops, Corn