UNIVERSITY PARK, PA — Penn State students interested in agricultural conservation will have a new opportunity to gain hands-on experience in fall 2025. The College of Agricultural Sciences’ Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering is launching “ABSM 497-002: Ag Structures: Conservation,” a course designed to equip students with the technical knowledge and skills to identify and plan conservation structures on farms.

Taught by Weiyun Hua, assistant teaching professor of agricultural and biological engineering, the course is supported by the Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training, which is administered by Penn State Extension. The course is aimed at addressing a growing need for professionals trained in agricultural conservation engineering.

“There is an urgent need to address soil erosion and water pollution while maintaining crop productivity,” Hua said. “This course will prepare the next generation with the knowledge and skills to plan conservation structures that protect and restore natural resources while also meeting farmers’ needs.”

Students will explore a variety of conservation-related structures, such as fences, stream crossings, roofed heavy-use areas, waste storage facilities, mortality composting facilities, livestock watering systems and agrochemical handling facilities.

The course will include field trips, hands-on learning and networking opportunities with industry professionals. Students will develop conservation plans using AutoCAD design drawings and 3D printing models to better understand the functionality of different structures.

Jennifer Fetter, water resources program leader for Penn State Extension and director of the center, noted that the course addresses a critical workforce gap.

“The biggest challenge in agricultural conservation is the lack of technical assistance capacity,” Fetter said. “There’s a long waitlist for engineering services in Pennsylvania—sometimes over a year—because there simply aren’t enough trained professionals to design and implement conservation structures on farms.”

Funding for Hua’s appointment and the course is provided through the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program, administered by the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission. The Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering provides significant academic support to accomplish the goals and objectives of the position.

Students can register in LionPATH or contact Hua at wvh5223@psu.edu for more details.