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Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering


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 Events

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Nov 14

PRECISION CONNECT 2024

Jan 10

Ag Teachers Conference

Jan 11

Ag Teachers Conference

Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering News

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An 8th grade student sits in a student-designed vehicle

Experiencing SDSU in Sioux Falls

From NASA rovers and jumping challenges to medieval weapons and a virtual reality exploration of the ocean, South Dakota State University Day at the Washington Pavilion gave students and visitors a taste of what SDSU has to offer. More than a dozen academic programs took over the Washington Pavilion in Sioux Falls Sept. 20-21 to showcase the many different opportunities at SDSU in a first-of-its-kind event.
Members of the team from Professional Ag Marketing in Luverne, Minnesota, joined leaders from the South Dakota State University College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences to celebrate the company’s significant gift to the Richard Wahlstrom Endowment Fund.

Professional Ag Marketing gift to SDSU promotes risk management education

Professional Ag Marketing of Luverne, Minnesota, has made a significant gift to the Richard Wahlstrom Endowment Fund at South Dakota State University to enhance students’ knowledge of risk management for grain and livestock producers.
Oak Lake

SDSU researchers assessing water values in new survey

Researchers in South Dakota State University's School of Design, in cooperation with SDSU Extension, are evaluating how South Dakota residents use and value the state's coveted water resources through a region-wide survey.