Students complete field and laboratory exercises in horizontal and vertical measurements, traversing, triangulation, spatial data analysis, and mapping. Students learn how to plan for flexibility necessary to avoid losses resulting from obsolescence. Students understand the principles of operation and the selection of equipment. Students gain practical experience in electrical wiring design and with selecting, using and controlling electrically operated equipment in farming operations. Through hands-on experience with sensors and other measurement instrumentation, students capture and analyze data critical to planning and design.
Students plan, make design considerations, and do cost estimation for agricultural structures.
Junior Standing Students study the fundamentals of design, operation, performance and maintenance of tractors and their internal combustion power units as used on farms. Students submit a written report of their activities and give an oral presentation to other students and faculty upon returning to campus. Students solve practical problems involving the cleaning, sorting, drying and handling of agricultural products. These concepts are then used to guide students through a study of the erosive forces of water and wind and the design of conservation practices to control them. Students learn to analyze planning and management alternatives for irrigation and drainage systems as well as assess the quality and quantity of water for agricultural uses.