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The good old days—they were terrible! —Norman Borlaug. A civilization will flourish only when it can produce food in excess of farmers’ needs —Author unknown. Man with a Hoe (1860-1862), J.F. Millet Courtesy Getty Images. J.B. Davidson First president. Raymond Olney
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The good old days—they were terrible! —Norman Borlaug A civilization will flourish only when it can produce food in excess of farmers’ needs —Author unknown
Man with a Hoe (1860-1862), J.F. Millet Courtesy Getty Images
J.B. Davidson First president Raymond Olney First paid staff member
ASABE Advancing the art and science of agricultural and biological engineering • A conduit for communicating information • among members • between peer organizations • to the public and policymakers Publications & Standards Professional Development Meetings &Conferences Outreach activities
Finding Solutions for Life on a Small Planet • World population by 2050 expected to hit 9 billion • Growing world population requires more food, water, energy, goods • Limited resources demand we do more with less, without degrading our natural world
Food production Do more with less, do it in a sustainable fashion, and do it safely • Precision agriculture • Aquaculture and other non-traditional paths • Waste management
Natural Resources Improving conservation by understanding the complex mechanics of soil and water • Crop water requirements • Wetlands protection • Water control structures: dams, reservoirs, floodways • Drainage • Erosion control • Pesticide and nutrient runoff • Water treatment systems
Energy Developing renewable energy sources, devising energy conservation strategies to reduce costs and protect the environment • Meeting the energy needs of agriculture AND the general population by using agricultural products and by-products • Biomass, methane, vegetable oils • Wind and solar energy
Safety, Health and Ergonomics Making agriculture safer, more efficient, and more economical • Compile and analyze health and injury data • Standardize equipment for component compatibility • Encourage safe use of machinery, equipment, and materials through better design and better communication
Biological Engineering Applying engineering practice to problems and opportunities presented by living things and the environment • Pest control • Remediation • Environmental protection