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Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering

Engineering. Precision. Technology. Driving the Future of Agriculture.

 


Welcome to the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, where we strive to impact the future of agriculture through engineering, precision and technology. The ABE Department focuses on identifying and improving the world's food production systems and available natural resources for an enhanced agricultural future.


Explore Our Department

We prepare our students to positively affect and lead the future of agriculture. Our undergraduate students can major in three programs - agricultural and biosystems engineering (ABE), precision agriculture (PRAG) and agricultural systems technology (AST) - all of which prepare students for a broad range of careers across the agricultural industry. Our graduate students can pursue degrees in agricultural and biosystems engineering (M.S.), science in engineering (M.Eng.), agricultural, biosystems and mechanical engineering (Ph.D.) and biological sciences with a specialization in agricultural and biosystems engineering (Ph.D.).

We also provide the public and industry with the resources necessary to build healthy communities. Cutting-edge research in our department spans topics that range from food safety and biodiesel fuel to biofilms and biosensors. Our Extension engineers and specialists provide information regarding water management and resources, environmental quality, climatology and youth education outreach. The Mesonet at SDState, South Dakota's live weather network, provides accurate weather updates every five minutes to increase agricultural efficiency and the Water Resources Institute provides leadership on evolving water concerns and problems faced by South Dakota citizens.

Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering News

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SDSU faculty recognized for excellence

The annual South Dakota State University Celebration of Faculty Excellence recognized 30 faculty members, researchers and scientists Tuesday. The event honors faculty members in the university's colleges for outstanding research, teaching and service.
Maggie Hoff uses a magnet to grab magnetic-activated carbon.

Jackrabbit in the Spotlight — Maggie Hoff

Student researcher Magdalene “Maggie” Hoff is more comfortable working in the Food Processing and Extrusion Wet lab in Raven Precision Agriculture Center than in the center of the Capitol Rotunda, but that is where she will be Feb. 29, with other students giving research poster presentations in Pierre.

Second class of Future Innovators announced

Selections for the second class of Future Innovators of America Fellowships have been announced by the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering. Recipients are awarded $5,000 with $4,500 as a stipend and $500 to cover the cost of lab supplies or travel to disseminate the results of their project.