By Scout Nelson
Agriculture continues to change as farmers and food producers look for better ways to grow crops, raise livestock, and produce food. Agricultural and biosystems engineers play an important role in this progress by developing modern farm machinery, improving food processing methods, and finding more efficient ways to use natural resources.
North Dakota State University (NDSU) offers an Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABEN) degree that prepares students to address these challenges. The program combines engineering, biology, and sustainability to help students develop practical solutions for agriculture and related industries.
The ABEN program is one of the few programs of its kind in the United States. It offers students opportunities to explore different areas of agricultural engineering, including machinery development, agricultural processing, and other engineering applications.
According to Bryce Lohman, a senior in the program, agricultural and biosystems engineering helps improve food production and supports the needs of the growing global population.
“Ag and Biosystems engineering is very important. It feeds the world through agriculture, and so this degree helps us see how we can do that more efficiently, make more food for the world, make more feed for the livestock, do it cheaper, easier and find the best way to get things done in an agricultural sense,” said Lohman.
Agricultural Engineering Creates New Career Opportunities
Lohman chose to transfer to NDSU because of his interest in engineering and agriculture. Growing up around agricultural activities, he developed a strong interest in farm machinery and engineering solutions.
The university's reputation in these fields played an important role in his decision. Through the ABEN program, he gained the motivation and knowledge needed to understand his career interests and prepare for professional opportunities.
“This degree has gotten me excited about being an engineer, and NDSU has done a lot for me by motivating me and helping me to realize what I want with my career,” said Lohman, who is from Conrad, Montana.
His main area of interest is mechanical engineering, particularly farm machinery and hydraulic systems. During his studies, he has worked on several projects that help him understand engineering problems, develop solutions, and work with other students.
Hands-On Projects Improve Engineering Skills
Practical learning is an important part of the agricultural and biosystems engineering program. Students work on projects that allow them to apply classroom knowledge to real-world agricultural challenges.
One major project is Lohman's senior design assignment. He works with three other students on a project that continues for over two semesters.
The team is improving an apple-picking machine originally designed by previous ABEN students. The machine is intended for use in orchards, and the current team is developing an additional feature that allows it to spray pesticides.
This improvement combines agricultural machinery design with crop protection needs. It also gives students an opportunity to understand how engineering can support orchard operations and improve farm work.
The newly opened Richard Offerdahl '65 Engineering Complex provides the team with the facilities and equipment needed to develop and test the machine on campus.
“We have all the resources we need at NDSU and here in the Offerdahl Complex. We can do everything in-house, and we can get all that built and then tested and get to show it off at the end of the year,” Offerdahl said.
Working on such projects helps students develop technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork skills. It also gives them experience in designing, building, and testing equipment before entering the workforce.
Industry Internships Connect Students with Engineers
In addition to classroom learning and campus projects, industry internships provide valuable professional experience.
Lohman gained practical experience through an internship with Norwood Sales, a local agricultural machinery manufacturer. During the internship, he worked on farm machinery projects and applied engineering concepts learned through his university courses.
The opportunity also allowed him to interact with experienced engineers, understand industry practices, and learn how engineering knowledge is used in professional settings.
“It’s really cool to be in the industry and see what it's like, talk to other engineers and get their perspective,” Lohman said. “I actually got to use the stuff I learned in my classes.”
Such internships help students understand workplace expectations and develop the skills needed for engineering careers. They also allow students to explore different areas of the agricultural machinery industry.
Student Activities Develop Leadership Skills
University education also provides opportunities to develop communication, leadership, and teamwork skills outside the classroom.
Lohman participates in student organizations, including Engineering Ambassadors and the university's rugby club team. These activities help him build connections with other students and become more involved in campus life.
Participation in student groups allows future engineers to develop confidence, work with different people, and take responsibility for team activities. These skills are valuable in professional workplaces, where engineers often work together to complete projects and solve technical problems.
Agricultural Engineering Offers Diverse Career Paths
An agricultural and biosystems engineering degree can prepare students for several career opportunities. Graduates can work in agricultural machinery development, soil conservation, automation, engineering research, and other related fields.
Some career options include:
- Machinery technician
- Soil conservationist
- Agricultural engineer
- Patent examiner
- Automation engineer
The employment outlook for agricultural engineers is expected to grow by 7% through 2035, according to the information cited in the original university article.
“NDSU has prepared me for my future career by helping me to learn to use my resources, be a leader on my own and to be able to ask for help when I need it at the same time. Now I can be confident going into my job, knowing I'm on par with everyone else and that the other technical skills that I've learned here put me above that,” Lohman recommends.
Agricultural and biosystems engineering continues to offer opportunities for students interested in combining technology and agriculture. Through practical projects, industry experience and technical education, students can prepare to develop solutions that support food production, improve farm operations, and address future agricultural needs.
Photo Credit: north-dakota-state-university
Categories: North Dakota, Education