ASM: Agricultural Machine Systems

B.S. Agricultural Systems Management: Agricultural Machine Systems Option

   » College of Agricultural and Life Sciences


  • INTRODUCTION
  • WHAT IT TAKES
  • WHAT PEOPLE DO
  • GET INVOLVED
  • FACULTY
AG students

Learn the mechanics of machinery and develop the skills to design, build and maintain equipment. Contribute to safer and more efficient machine systems. We teach the tools of precision agriculture — such as Global Positioning Systems (GPS), sensors and geographic information systems (GIS).

Our graduates are employed in a wide variety of agribusiness companies.


You’ll get extensive in-class and hands-on experience with equipment, machinery and computer technology. Experiment with tools and equipment in the shop practices lab. Learn about wire connections, switches and motors in the electric power lab. Shape and work metal in the welding lab. Understand fluids — from water pressure to turbine engines — in the power and machinery lab. Use state-of-the-art design software in the computing lab.

In your senior year, you will draw on everything you’ve learned when your team tackles a real-world project. You might develop a new mechanical method for clearing straw and dust from an engine, design a joy stick that controls a combine, or investigate setting up a small on-farm biodiesel manufacturing operation.


Students are encouraged to complete an internship the summer between their junior and senior year.


AG students

Prepare for Success

This major is a good fit if you can see yourself:

  • Exploring the mechanics of machinery.
  • Taking a hands-on approach to solving problems.
  • Using your creativity to develop and test new ideas.

To prepare, you may want to:
  • Stay current with new machinery and technology.
  • Participate in 4-H activities, volunteer at a county fair or work for a farm.
  • Practice your leadership skills in student office.


Your First Year

Your first year, you will learn communication skills with course work in writing and public speaking. You will also take an introduction to agricultural systems management and physics.

More advanced courses cover topics such as small engines, agricultural machinery systems, electric power systems and engineering design.


AG Machine

What You Can Do

With this degree, you may become one of the following:

  • Machine manager: Supervise the machinery and equipment for a farm, ranch or food product manufacturer. Develop maintenance programs and ways to improve efficiencies of new or existing equipment.
  • Product design technician: Design and test machinery components and equipment for a machine manufacturer.
  • Industry representative: Work for a manufacturer of farm equipment or industrial machines. Match equipment to clients needs.
  • Safety supervisor: Teach employees how to use equipment to ensure their well-being. Develop precautions to prevent injuries.


Opportunities

Our graduates are highly sought by manufacturers, agribusiness firms and farm operations. Salaries start at $40,000.

You may also want to continue your education. Earn an advanced degree in agricultural economics, business or engineering.


AG Machinery

Current Research

Do research. Make hands-on discoveries. Earn money working with faculty on grant-funded research projects like these:

  • Agrability Project: Explore ways to assist people with disabilities employed in production agriculture.
  • Biodiesel Education Grant: Take part in one of many alternative-fuels research projects.
  • U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Grant: Help field test a new type of irrigation system.


Activities

American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers: Join the ASM branch, meet business leaders and potential employers, and work with a senior design team to build a ¼-scale tractor for the International Student Design Competition.
Student Idaho Cattle Association: Attend seminars and conventions and learn about issues facing the beef cattle industry.
Collegiate Future Farmers of America (FFA) and 4-H: Attend local, state and national events.


Hands-On Experience

Intern. Get practical experiences like these:

  • Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company: Analyze machine systems and make recommendations to increase efficiency.
  • Coors Brewing Company: Repair factory equipment.
  • Western States Equipment Company: Help manage the shop and the maintenance schedule.

Study abroad
. Deepen your understanding of your major — and the world — in countries like these:
  • India: Observe 1,000-year-old farming practices on terraced hillsides.
  • France: Learn about equipment used by small wine and cheese producers.
  • Taiwan: Reach speeds of 190 miles per hour on a bullet train.