Our food travels a long way from the seed to the table, and Agricultural Engineers are responsible for all of the steps involved in the production and delivery of agricultural output. They oversee a wide range of agricultural issues, including power supply, machinery efficiency, storage and processing facilities, and environmental protection. They work on farming, forestry, and food processing projects.

What do Agricultural Engineers do?

1. Design, fabricate, test, and improve farming equipment, machinery, and parts to make them more efficient or to perform new tasks.
2. Design and build infrastructure such as irrigation, drainage, and flood control systems, as well as water reservoirs and dams; design efficient and cost-effective farm buildings, food processing plants, warehouses, and livestock shelters.
3. Consider local codes, farming culture, and regional resources when designing and building.
4. Address farm issues such as pollution by designing appropriate solutions.
5. Design machinery and equipment to prepare fields, sow seeds, spray crops and harvest them, and transport agricultural products, with the goal of creating lighter, more durable versions that are safe for the soil.
6. Design, build, and maintain specialized forestry, horticulture, and farming vehicles, such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) that can be used on level ground in all weather conditions. Improve agricultural output handling, sorting, packing, and processing methodologies to reduce crop loss caused by field damage (::)
7. Temperature control in food and fibre warehouses is achieved through efficient heating, cooling, and ventilation.
8. Manage post-harvest logistics and handling.
9. Change environmental factors that have an impact on livestock and crop production, such as barn airflow or field runoff patterns.
10. Supervise construction and production; test equipment for safety and dependability.
11. Innovate in biofuels by using non-food resources such as agricultural waste and algae to replace fossil fuels in sustainable and cost-effective ways that do not jeopardise food supply.
12. Collect and analyse biological samples from the field and non-living media.
13. Provide advice on water quality and pollution control; plan and manage land reclamation projects; and manage carbon sequestration projects, which involve having soil, crops, and trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in order to reduce global warming.
14. Work with clients, contractors, consultants, and other engineers; communicate with horticulturists, agronomists, animal scientists, and geneticists.
15. Perform managerial tasks such as project scheduling and budgeting, as well as communicating project requirements to relevant parties.
16. In client meetings, prepare and present technical reports; explain technical concepts such as crop diversity and climate change adaptation to internal and external stakeholders such as farmers, landowners, and government organizations.

Standard Work Environment

When planning and managing projects, agricultural engineers work in an office setting, but they may also work in laboratories to test the quality of processing equipment or even in classrooms if they are employed in academia.

They also spend time at various work sites, both inside and outside. Agricultural Engineers typically travel to agricultural settings to ensure that equipment operates in accordance with manufacturer specifications and government regulations, as well as to oversee other farm projects. They may be required to work on-site when supervising projects such as livestock facility upgrades.

There are numerous opportunities to travel and work abroad, especially in developing countries, on a long-term assignment or for a few months on contract. There is an increase in population in areas where the land is less arable and requires significant effort to produce agricultural output while protecting the environment.

Work Schedule

Agricultural Engineers typically work full-time. Schedules may vary from time to time because of weather and other complications. While working on outdoor projects, Agricultural Engineers may work more hours to take advantage of good weather or fewer hours in bad weather. In addition, they may need to be available outside of regular working hours to address unexpected problems that come up in manufacturing operations and construction projects.

Employers

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Agricultural Engineers can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Agricultural Engineers are generally employed by:

• Large Agricultural Holdings
• Seed Manufacturers
• Architectural Firms
• Engineering Firms
• Government Agencies
• Food Manufacturing
• Food Distribution
• Agricultural Equipment Manufacturers
• Construction Equipment Manufacturers
• Mining Equipment Manufacturers
• Educational Institutions

Unions / Professional Organizations

Professional associations and organisations, such as the CIGR International Commission of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, are crucial for Agricultural Engineers interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

Workplace Challenges

• In some areas, employment opportunities are limited, professional and career development opportunities are limited, and service conditions are less than satisfactory.
• Degree programmes in agricultural engineering may be less popular than other programmes, resulting in a lower endowment of resources.
• Working long hours in the field during growing seasons or favourable weather conditions is physically demanding and exhausting.
• ensuring that nutrients and other inputs are applied optimally in a mixed crop system
• Addressing the need to nearly double food production in order to feed a growing population, which is expected to reach 9.5 billion by 2050.
• Finding solutions to complex environmental, energy, and climate change problems in order to move toward global sustainability; refining and redesigning farming equipment and machines in order to achieve precision farming and reduce air, water, and soil pollution
• Innovating risk assessment tools and technologies, such as bio and nanosensors for the data collection on food safety and traceability
• Adapting robotics and automation to agricultural needs, such as reducing weed control pesticide use