Agricultural Systems Management

Two programs in Biological Agricultural Engineering are designed to prepare students for employment in Agricultural Industry: Biological Engineering and Agricultural Systems Management (ASM). The name "Agricultural Systems Management " was adopted as the name Agricultural Mechanization no longer reflected the type of jobs taken by our graduates. Agricultural Systems Management blends the applications of physics, technology and physical systems with an emphasis on business management.

The modern agricultural and food industry is dependant on many complex, automated and mechanical systems for successful operation. Whether it is a computer-controlled grain terminal on the Missouri River, a processing line at a food plant or an expensive combine used in production agriculture, the successful operation and management of these complex systems require people who understand the principles of physical systems including energy and power utilization, mechanical and electrical systems and computer systems. The Agricultural Systems Management faculty conducts research in and prepares students for this field. In essence, this program provides a link between the researcher, designer, engineer, manufacturer and the consumer. Students are hired as farm managers, machinery dealers, contractors, service managers and more.

List of Agricultural Systems Management Faculty

• Leon Schumacher - Program Leader: Industrial Processes, Electricity, Laboratory Management, Pesticide Application, Advanced Agricultural/Industrial Material Processes

• Steve Borgelt: Hydraulics, Materials Handling, Capstone Course

• Kent Shannon: Precision Agriculture, Machinery,

• Karen Funkenbusch: Agricultural Safey

• Allen Thompson: Surface Water Management, Irrigation

• Joe Zulovich: Structure Capstone Course