What is Agricultural Systems Management?

Agricultural Systems Management prepares individuals to organize and manage environmentally sound technology-based businesses. The emphasis is on planning and directing an industry or business project with responsibility for results. National and international job opportunities include:

• manufacturing and processing operations
• advice and trouble-shooting help on technical equipment (or projects)
• planning buildings and equipment to fit and work together, working with the handling and flow of materials such as grain, feeds, chemicals, vegetables, fruits, etc. and products made from them using technical training in selling or demonstrating products and equipment
• teaching people about product use and value
• managing and operating a farm or agri-business
• applying technology for precision agriculture

Agricultural Systems Management is based on an understanding of how equipment and buildings are used with plants and animals and their products. These processes require an understanding of biological sciences to produce and maintain top product quality. Computer skills are taught and used throughout the curriculum. Computers are used to collect and analyze data, and then using that information, to control machines and processes. Other uses involve planning layouts of equipment and buildings, creating graphics for reports, etc. While traditional computer programming is not taught, ASM students graduate with more computer application experience than other students in Agriculture.

Agricultural Systems Management students also take a series of courses in communications, business management and biological sciences, in addition to their specialty courses based in the Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department. The program provides an in-depth technical knowledge for selecting and applying advanced technologies in the food system. Graduates are prepared to solve a wide variety of business and technical problems in a job field that continues to grow.