By Scout Nelson
Modern agriculture continues to change as farms adopt advanced technology to improve efficiency, productivity, and environmental protection. Universities across the United States are responding by creating new agriculture degree programs that prepare students for technology-focused farming careers.
At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, faculty members and researchers work on solving challenges involving water management, drought, and fertilizer contamination while also preparing students for the future of agriculture. The university offers an agricultural systems technology major that combines engineering, data science, management, and agricultural training.
The program focuses on precision agriculture, which uses technology such as satellite imagery, sensors, drones, and autonomous equipment to improve farming decisions. Students learn how to analyze information about soil health, crop growth, irrigation, and water use. The program also teaches hydraulics, electrical systems, and entrepreneurship.
Derek Heeren, a professor at Nebraska Lincoln, explained the importance of using data in agriculture. He said, “There’s growing numbers of data available, but it’s hard to make use of all that data.” He added that much of the work involves “collecting data, logging data, analyzing data.”
Students also gain practical experience through internships and campus laboratories. They work in robotics and agricultural intelligence labs and participate in projects involving autonomous tractors and drone technology. The Nebraska Tractor Test Lab also gives students experience testing tractor performance for manufacturers across the country.
Agriculture labor shortages continue creating demand for skilled workers. Reports show that thousands of food production jobs are expected to open each year between 2025 and 2030. However, universities are not graduating enough students to fill these positions.
Joe Luck, interim department chair at Nebraska Lincoln, explained that student demand remains strong even though enrollment in the major dropped after the COVID 19 pandemic. Universities are also working to show students and parents that agriculture careers remain valuable in a technology driven economy.
Professors believe artificial intelligence will support future agriculture jobs rather than replace workers. Universities continue expanding these programs to help students prepare for modern farming careers while improving long-term agricultural sustainability.
Photo Credit: istock-psisa
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Education