Mechanical Engineering in Agriculture

Food will always be a growing commodity (no pun intended). Jobs for these engineers are found on farms, in manufacturing plants, equipment design, food production, animal production facilities, laboratories, construction, government systems that protect soil and water, and in biofuels engineering—worldwide (for the traveler in you) and just for starters.

These engineers are part of the leadership that help conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment. These employees will provide engineering assistance to his or her team, field office personnel, and landowners with planning, developing, and constructing on-farm conservation practices and irrigation projects statewide.

How much do Agricultural Engineers Earn?

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics from 2011 show 2, 650 employed agricultural engineers, employment rising by 6.5%, the lowest annual wages at $44, 180 and the highest at $118, 330. The median pay in this group is $74, 630 per year.

Are there Associations for Agricultural Engineers?

The most visible association for agricultural engineers in the U.S. is the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE). Based in St. Joseph, Michigan, this international professional society is devoted to agricultural and biological engineering. The organization has about 9, 000 members in more than 100 countries. ASABE provides opportunities to share research findings through conferences, journals, and a magazine. It has developed professional standards of practice and given members opportunities to network.

In 2005, the name was modified to better reflect the profession. The increase in biological engineering has greatly affected today's global agriculture systems. For example, genetically modified organisms have introduced massive changes in food production, logistics and trade.