SDState - Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering

08/29/2026

Jackrabbits, it’s our day! 🐰💙💛
On September 10, Jackrabbits around the world will come together for — a 24-hour celebration of the SDSU community and an opportunity to make an impact on the university we love.

Will you join us? 👀

08/28/2026

Laura Edwards, SDSU Extension State Climatologist, was named a national finalist in the NACAA Search for Excellence – Environmental Quality, Forestry & Natural Resources. She also participated in the NACAA Leadership Academy and shared her expertise through a national presentation.

👏 Congratulations, Laura, and all of our SDSU Extension experts recognized for excellence in outreach and programming!

Read more about Laura's success here: https://extension.sdstate.edu/news/sdsu-extension-experts-win-national-agricultural-association-awards?utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--f-HmjMlav6MKneBJ25lwOdPlaT0gCdpfs_au79S3p42nbf_hti_SrBVJC9y8FTZwJB1PbL16QltUQBa8Q6ZGsgtBELg3xzAMDkoaFWEl_HYABNBo&_hsmi=35529841&utm_content=35529841&utm_source=hs_email

08/26/2026

It has been an exciting summer of recognition for the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering community at South Dakota State University!

Kasiviswanathan Muthukumarappan, Klingbeil Endowed Department Head and Distinguished Professor of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at SDSU, received not one, but several prestigious honors in July 2026.

At the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) First Meeting in Chicago on July 11, Dr. Muthukumarappan was recognized as a 2026 IFT Fellow, one of the organization’s notable honors recognizing significant contributions to the food science profession. He was also honored with the 2026 IFT Section Outstanding Service Award for his contributions and service to the profession.

Just a few days later, on July 14, Dr. Muthukumarappan was recognized again—this time at the 2026 AIM ASABE Annual International Meeting in Indianapolis—where he received the 2026 Lalit and Aruna Verma Award for Excellence in Global Engagement, an ASABE Major Award recognizing excellence in international engagement and contributions.

The celebrations continued with Sushant Mehan, who was also recognized at the AIM ASABE Meeting in Indianapolis on July 12. Dr. Mehan received the Outstanding Associate Editors Award and was a winner of two Educational Aids Blue Ribbon Awards.

These accomplishments reflect the dedication, leadership, and impact of our faculty both nationally and internationally.

Congratulations once again to Dr. Muthukumarappan and Dr. Mehan on these well-deserved honors! We are proud to celebrate your achievements and the recognition you bring to SDSU and the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering community.

08/24/2026

2026 Peanut Proud Student Scholarship Recepient

Dr. Tejaswi Boyapati, alumnus of SDSU, ABE Department received the 2026 Peanut Proud Student Scholarship Award. The award provides a $2,000 academic scholarship and travel funding for a U.S. graduate student in the field of food microbiology - and specifically in the area of peanut butter food safety - to attend the IAFP Annual Meeting. Peanut Proud is a nonprofit industry organization based in Georgia.

Congratulations Dr. Tejaswi Boyapati!

08/24/2026

08/21/2026

Still Accepting Abstract Submissions! 💧

Are you an undergraduate or graduate student conducting water-related research? Share your work at the 2026 South Dakota Student Water Conference!

Students are invited to submit an abstract for the opportunity to present their research through an oral or poster presentation. In addition to showcasing your research, the conference offers professional development, networking opportunities with industry professionals, a career meet-and-greet, and awards for select presenters. Travel scholarships are also available.

📅 Conference: October 6, 2026
📍 Location: South Dakota State University

Scan the QR code on the flyer to submit your abstract and learn more.

08/20/2026

Precision Agriculture in Action!🚜

Twenty-six high school students from across the region traveled to South Dakota State University this summer for an immersive Precision Ag Camp hosted by SDSU's Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering in partnership with Titan Machinery.

Students explored cutting-edge agricultural technology through hands-on activities including:
✅ Driving a New Holland combine
✅ Testing automated tractor steering systems
✅ Operating a mini excavator in skills challenges
✅ Learning drone applications in agriculture
✅ Exploring field, soil, and yield mapping technologies

As agriculture continues to evolve through innovation and automation, these students gained firsthand experience with the tools and technology shaping tomorrow's industry. The fourth annual camp is tentatively set for mid-July 2027.

08/10/2026

🎉 Mark your calendars! One Day for STATE is Sept. 10 and the SDSU College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences is bringing back 24 Hours | 24 Experiences!

Make a donation to any unit or department within the college on Sept. 10 and you'll be entered to win a unique experience tied to that hour. Any gift amount counts!

✨ New this year: our early morning and early afternoon slots are combined, so donating during 1-1:59, 2-2:59, 3-3:59 or 4-4:59 (a.m. OR p.m.) gets you entered to win one of TWO experiences.

The donation link goes live at midnight and stays open until 11:59:59 p.m. Stay tuned for the link when it drops!

Learn more about all of the experiences here: https://www.sdstate.edu/agriculture-food-environmental-sciences/cafesblog/24-hours-24-experiences-sdsu-agriculture-food-0

07/30/2026

2026 Youth Engineering Camp

The program featured interactive demonstrations on advanced food processing techniques, highlighting 3D printing applications and providing students with valuable insights into the Food and Bioprocessing Laboratory. Participants also engaged in activities related to artificial intelligence and robotics, gaining hands-on experience with emerging technologies. They were introduced to both aerial sprayer drones and ground-based units, learning about their practical roles in agriculture, and took part in robot-based activities to strengthen their understanding.

Students explored key agricultural concepts such as irrigation, drainage, and aquaponics, enhancing their awareness of sustainable practices. Additionally, they were informed about various academic majors, student organizations, and competitive opportunities within the ABE, AST, and PRAG programs, including JATEC and the Quarter Scale Tractor Team, among others, which promote innovation, teamwork, and professional growth.

Thank you to everyone who took part in making this a great experience for all the student in attendance!

07/29/2026

The Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering proudly hosted its first-ever Summer Camp on June 23!

High school students from South Dakota and Minnesota explored agricultural engineering through tours of the SDSU Dairy Plant, the Food and Bioprocessing Lab in the Raven Precision Agriculture Center, and the Oak Lake Field Station. Thanks to our faculty, staff, and student volunteers for making this inaugural event a success and inspiring the next generation of agricultural engineers! 🌱🚜