Design Real-World Solutions for Sustainable Agriculture – Enroll in ABSM 325

Mar 27, 2026

Gain hands-on experience designing agricultural conservation structures through field visits, AutoCAD projects, and real-world problem solving while building skills to protect soil, water, and farm productivity.

Discover how engineering and agriculture come together to solve real environmental challenges.

ABSM 325: Conservation-Related Agricultural Structures (3 credits) is a hands-on course designed for students interested in sustainability, engineering, and natural resource protection.

Go beyond the classroom to explore how conservation structures improve farm operations while protecting soil and water. Learn how to plan and design structures like stream crossings, waste storage systems, and livestock watering systems—all aimed at reducing environmental impact while supporting farmers.

Course experiences:

Use AutoCAD to design farm conservation structures
Address soil erosion, runoff, and water quality challenges
Apply best management practices (BMPs) in agricultural systems
Conduct field topography survey using laser level and measuring wheel
Visit real-world conservation sites
Solve challenges in agricultural systems
Network with engineers and industry professionals

Source : psu.edu

Video: Think Bigger, Invest Smarter | On The Brink: Season 3, Episode 6

How much skin do independent seed companies have in the game? About $1.7 billion in infrastructure across SeCan’s membership, says General Manager Jeff Reid.

That investment helps get improved varieties into Canadian farmers’ hands. But how can smaller businesses invest more in the breeding behind those varieties without the individual financial resources of the big multinational players?

Jeff’s answer is to invest smarter, together. He joins On The Brink to explain how farmers and independent seed companies can combine resources, build on Canada’s existing breeding programs and support a trusted system for testing and registering new varieties. The goal is better choices for farmers, backed by data they can trust.