Agricultural engineering is the engineering discipline that applies engineering science and technology to agricultural production and processing. Agricultural engineering combines the disciplines of mechanical, civil, electrical and chemical engineering principles with a knowledge of agricultural principles. Agricultural engineers may perform tasks as planning, supervising and managing the building of dairy effluent schemes, irrigation, drainage, flood and water control systems, performing environmental impact assessments, agricultural product processing and interpret research results and implement relevant practices. A large percentage of agricultural engineers work in academia or for government agencies such as the United States Department of Agriculture or state agricultural extension services. Some are consultants, employed by private engineering firms, while others work in industry, for manufacturers of agricultural machinery, equipment, processing technology, and structures for housing livestock and storing crops. Agricultural engineers work in production, sales, management, research and development, or applied science.
Agricultural business managers oversee the business operations of a farm by providing leadership and organization during the production process. From contacting creditors to selecting seeds for the planting season and buying new farming equipment, it is their responsibility to ensure that the production and distribution of produce, grain or livestock abides by government and environmental regulations at the best rate of profit. They may have a number of duties, including selecting and supervising workers, planning a budget, organizing routine maintenance, keeping records and communicating with potential product buyers. Agricultural business managers usually specialize in crops, horticulture or livestock, and these workers may oversee more than one facility.
Most agricultural business managers are employed full time and work long hours during the planting and harvesting seasons. They may conduct administrative tasks in an office and spend the rest of their time directing activities on the farm. Managers who work for large operations may travel to handle business with farmers or farm supervisors.
On a typical day an agricultural engineer's tasks might include:
Developing ways to conserve soil and water
Improving the processing of agricultural products
Designing comfortable housing for animals, taking into account their well-being and the need for productivity
Collaborating with clients, contractors and colleagues
Skills required
Educational Requirements
Many agricultural business managers begin their training with hands-on experience either by growing up on a farm or by working as a farmhand. Today, the demand for agricultural business managers with knowledge of business administration, accounting, finance and farming technology has risen with the need to apply modern business concepts to farming operations. For this reason, many aspiring agricultural business managers obtain a bachelor's degree in an area such as agriculture, farm management or agricultural economics. Relevant courses may include environmental law, biotechnology, agricultural markets, U.S. agricultural policies, computer science and business management. Those who work at livestock or dairy facilities may choose to pursue programs in veterinary or dairy science. Students who have not had practical training may be able to participate in government-sponsored internships or apprenticeships under experienced farmers.
Certification Requirements
Agricultural business managers can earn an optional certification, which may increase their job prospects. The American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA) offers the Accredited Farm Manager designation, which requires completion of a sample farm management plan, ASFMRA-sponsored management courses and a certification exam. Candidates must have a bachelor's degree and four years of farm or ranch management experience to be eligible.
Required Skills
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) stated that agricultural business managers needed the following traits:
Excellent business skills, including knowledge of accounting and bookkeeping, in order to manage financial records and client transactions
Superb communication
Employee management and decision-making skills
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
There were approximately 2,700 agricultural engineers employed in 2010. Approximately 17% worked for the federal government. Others worked for agricultural, construction and mining machinery manufacturers and for food manufacturers. Agricultural engineers work in laboratories, offices and on agricultural sites.
Jobs in this field are typically full timeusually 40 hours per week with some additional hours as well. Engineers are considered exempt employees and are not paid for working overtime. Since their work often involves being outdoors, the weather can affect their schedules. They work longer hours when the weather is good because they won't have that opportunity when it is inclement.
Placements and Prospects
India is among the largest producers of vegetables and fruits in the world and has an equally strong floriculture base. Today India’s agriculture has become globalised and the idea of integrating Indian agriculture with the world economy is getting support. India has enormous potential as an exporter of agricultural commodities ranging from mushrooms to flowers, spices, cereals, oilseeds and vegetables. The spurt in government support for export of agri-products has evoked considerable interest among the large business houses which have worked out agreements for technology transfer, marketing tie-ups, and management and trading contacts with leading foreign counterparts. Horticulture with its offshoot floriculture has become a focus of export activity. India’s exports of roses, carnations, gladioli, chrysanthemums, jasmine and other tropical plants and flowers are touching new heights.
In the field of fruits and vegetables too, India has tremendous export potential. With the commercialization of agriculture and horticulture there are varied opportunities for salaried jobs as well as entrepreneurship. While salaried jobs with various government and private concerns provide a regular income, entrepreneurship can generate handsome profits.
Landscapers and horticulturists are hired by hotels, health farms, and holiday resorts to beautify their surroundings. Florists and nurseries are doing lucrative business especially in the metropolitan cities. Suburban farmhouses have become important suppliers for the domestic market.
Currently, the demand for AE’s is at an all time high. Leading agricultural firms, government services, and consulting agencies seek after graduates in AE. An AE degree will open doors around the world in large corporations and small businesses, including careers in water quality, food processing, environmental systems, structural design, erosion control, materials handling, agricultural power and equipment design and more.
Graduates in this well-respected program are employed for the purpose of
Designing and managing food production systems
Protecting surface and ground water quality
Designing natural resource management systems
Developing and managing bioprocessing systems
Designing off-road vehicles and agricultural equipment
Designing animal production facilities and environmental control systems
Earnings
According to the BLS, the overall employment of farmers, ranchers and agricultural managers was predicted to decrease 8% from 2010-2020; however, the consolidation of privately-owned farms into larger operations should result in an increased demand for the expertise of agricultural business managers. The median annual salary for people in this field was $69,300 in 2012, as reported by the BLS.
Recruiting Companies
Cargill-Maharashtra
CMT Prod Company, Nashik
Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidypeeth – Maharashtra
CMT Prod Company, Nashik
M.I.T.R.A
Vertellus Specialties Inc
Aarna IT Solutions Private Limited Aarna IT Solutions Private Limited
Tetra Pak
Morpheus Human Consulting Pvt Ltd
ESSEX
KENT
BASIX Academy for Building Lifelong Employability
MarketsandMarkets
Kerala Public Service commission
How do I get there?
Option 1:
Entry is possible without a third level qualification which means jobs are open to graduates from all disciplines, but relevant qualifications are becoming increasingly more in demand by employers. In addition, most employers ask for some previous experience within the Agriculture Field.
To be a Agriculture engineer you should have:
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Excellent technical knowledge
Good team working skills
The ability to priorities and plan effectively
A high level of computer literacy, particularly computer-aided design
Good commercial awareness
The ability to work under pressure and to deadlines
Good problem-solving skills and a creative approach for new ideas
Postgraduate study
ME in Agriculture Engineering
Specific entry requirements
Previous relevant work experience is often a requirement.
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