## What is Agricultural Engineering?
Agricultural engineering is the branch of engineering that applies engineering principles to the design, development, and operation of agricultural systems. Agricultural engineers work to improve the efficiency and productivity of agricultural operations, while also protecting the environment.
## What are the Career Options for Agricultural Engineers?
Agricultural engineers have a wide range of career options, including:
* **Design and development of agricultural machinery and equipment.** Agricultural engineers design and develop new agricultural machinery and equipment to improve the efficiency and productivity of agricultural operations.
* **Management of agricultural systems.** Agricultural engineers manage agricultural systems to ensure that they are operating efficiently and sustainably.
* **Research and development of new agricultural technologies.** Agricultural engineers conduct research and development to develop new agricultural technologies that can improve the efficiency and productivity of agricultural operations.
* **Teaching and extension.** Agricultural engineers teach and extension in agricultural engineering at universities and colleges.
* **Consulting.** Agricultural engineers provide consulting services to farmers and other agricultural businesses.
## What are the Education and Training Requirements for Agricultural Engineers?
Agricultural engineers typically have a bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering or a related field. Some agricultural engineers also have a master’s degree or doctorate in agricultural engineering or a related field.
In addition to their formal education, agricultural engineers must also have a strong foundation in mathematics, science, and engineering. They must also be able to work independently and as part of a team.
## What are the Salary and Job Outlook for Agricultural Engineers?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for agricultural engineers was $82,300 in May 2020. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $53,740, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $134,630.
The job outlook for agricultural engineers is expected to be good over the next decade. The increasing demand for food and fiber is expected to drive demand for agricultural engineers.
## What are the Professional Organizations for Agricultural Engineers?
There are a number of professional organizations for agricultural engineers, including:
* **American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE)**
* **American Society of Agricultural Engineers (ASAE)**
* **Institute of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE)**
* **International Commission of Agricultural Engineering (CIGR)**
These organizations provide a number of benefits to their members, including:
* **Networking opportunities.** Professional organizations provide opportunities for agricultural engineers to network with other professionals in their field.
* **Continuing education.** Professional organizations offer continuing education courses and workshops to help agricultural engineers stay up-to-date on the latest trends in their field.
* **Advocacy.** Professional organizations advocate for the interests of agricultural engineers at the local, state, and national levels.
## Conclusion
Agricultural engineering is a rewarding career that offers a wide range of opportunities. Agricultural engineers have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the world by improving the efficiency and productivity of agricultural operations, while also protecting the environment.
