Skip to main content
students with tractor

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 Events

See All Our Events

Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering News

See All Our News
The display board for the robot arm control team.

Engineering Expo winners announced

Please proviSenior engineering students put their year’s efforts on display at the Engineering Expo April 23 at the Raven Precision Agriculture Center. The winning entry was a drone battery swapping station entered by Justin Potts, Daniel Messerli, Mason Krause, Ethan Ellender and Cory Kleve. They built a modified drone and landing station that swaps drone batteries autonomously, allowing for a quick and self-sufficient swap. The portable station can be powered by wall power or a battery. Second place went to the team of Marcus Decker, Riley Spade and Adam and Alan Cowl, who redesigned the drivetrain for the off-road Baja vehicle for the Society of Automotive Engineers contest. Tying for third were a sprayer trainer stand (see photo and description below) and a wearable intravenous sleeve designed by Dalton Anderson, Nathan Lawrence, Connor Gress, Jonah Coffel. de a story summary.
Cierra Sazue presenting her research

Graduate Student Appreciation Week

Graduate students make up about 10% of the student population across 57 graduate programs and 29 graduate certificates offered at South Dakota State University. Each graduate student is immersed in research and scholarship with the support of their advisor and the Graduate School staff.

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.