Agricultural engineering is a field of specialized skills and knowledge relevant across dozens of sectors and industries. To succeed, agricultural engineers must understand crops and the land that yields them and the machinery and tools of the trade that make it all go.
Let’s learn more about what agricultural engineers do, what skills they need, the steps to becoming one, and more.
What Should I Know about this Field?
Agricultural engineers innovate to improve energy efficiency, streamline production processes, protect the environment, and ensure a sustainable food supply. To the uninformed, agricultural engineering might sound as straightforward as planting crops and raising livestock. But the truth about these seemingly basics concepts – and the field of agricultural engineering is a lot more complex
The need for a functioning, productive, and sustainable agriculture sector quite simply never stops, slows down, or lacks for new challenges to meet. Just consider the world and its growing population and the ever-increasing demand for better-performing agricultural processes.
Common Duties of an Agricultural Engineer
Agricultural Equipment & Machinery: From family farm to industrial-level processing, the business of agriculture calls for tractors, cultivators, harvesters, irrigation systems, and beyond. The size of the undertaking might vary, but the need for trained agricultural engineers to design and develop better equipment and machinery never does.
Improving the Process: Agricultural engineers research and implement new technologies and practices. Agricultural processes are always advancing to meet ever-changing needs.
Keeping Food Safe: Food safety standards and regulations there to protect consumers from foodborne illness. Agricultural engineers may develop and implement quality control systems to ensure that agricultural processes and equipment meet those same standards and regulations.
Design & Oversight: Agricultural engineers conceptualize, design, and manage the construction of agricultural buildings, including barns, greenhouses, and storage facilities, to meet specific operational needs.
Feasibility Studies: Agricultural engineers conduct in-depth feasibility studies to evaluate the economic viability, technical feasibility, and environmental impact of proposed agricultural projects and technologies.
What Skills Will I Need?
Though it varies, some typical training you’ll need to become an agricultural engineer includes knowledge in fields like:
Soil Science is a critical field that focuses on understanding the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil. It involves studying soil formation, classification, and management. Soil scientists investigate factors like soil texture, structure, pH, nutrient content, and water-holding capacity.
Plant Science is a broad field encompassing the study of plant growth, development, and reproduction. It involves understanding the physiological processes that govern plant life, including photosynthesis, respiration, and nutrient uptake. Additionally, plant scientists explore the genetic basis of plant traits, such as yield, disease resistance, and stress tolerance.
Integrated Pest Management involves a combination of strategies like crop rotation, selecting pest-resistant varieties, monitoring pest populations, using biological controls, and only applying chemical pesticides when absolutely necessary, often utilizing technology to precisely target pest areas and minimize environmental impact; they also design equipment and systems that facilitate these practices.
Animal Science is a diverse field that encompasses the study of domestic animals, including livestock, poultry, and companion animals. It involves understanding the biology, behavior, and management of animals.
Irrigation & Water Management is a critical aspect of agricultural engineering that involves the efficient use of water resources to maximize crop yields and minimize environmental impact. Agricultural engineers specializing in this field design, install, and operate irrigation systems. They also develop strategies for water conservation, water quality management, and sustainable water use.
Biotechnology has revolutionized agriculture, offering innovative solutions to global challenges like food security and environmental sustainability. Agricultural engineers with a strong foundation in biotechnology can contribute to a wide range of applications.
Renewable Energy is a field that offers sustainable alternatives to traditional fossil fuels for agricultural operations by way of solar, wind, and biomass power. By understanding these technologies and their applications, agricultural engineers can help farmers reduce their energy costs, minimize their environmental impact, and increase their overall sustainability.
What to Know about Agricultural Engineering
Work Environment: Agricultural engineers work mostly in offices, but may spend time traveling to work sites and other agricultural settings. Agricultural engineers typically work full time.
BA in Engineering: Agricultural engineers typically major in agricultural or biological engineering and obtain a bachelor’s degree. Some specialized fields, or advanced roles in plant pathology and biotechnology, often necessitate a master’s degree or higher, particularly for research or teaching positions.
The Pay: As of May 2024, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the median annual wage for agricultural engineers as $88,750.
Trending Upward: Government data projects the employment of agricultural engineers to grow 8.0% between 2023 and 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.
Getting Started
As the global population expands and the climate changes, agricultural engineers are at the forefront of addressing critical challenges in food production. By developing innovative solutions to increase crop yields, conserve resources, and mitigate environmental impact, they ensure a sustainable food supply for future generations.
Ready to roll up your sleeves and get started? Begin your journey with Professional Engineer continuing education courses from McKissock Learning. Gain specialized knowledge and skills through professional development CE courses. With McKissock, you get expert-authored courses with flexible learning options and cutting-edge content.
