In 2018, the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering (BAE) began a new yearly program, the BAE Ag Engineering Showcase. This in-service training for Cooperative Extension Service Animal and Natural Resource agents was conceived as a way to introduce recently hired extension faculty in BAE and to highlight the department’s current engineering programs. Extension engineers in the department delivered lectures and applied activities on five different ag engineering topics. Twelve agents attended the first event, which was developed with the help of Interim Director of Cooperative Extension Gary Palmer and Madison County Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent Brandon Sears. The recurring event is meant to provide Cooperative Extension agents with increased understanding of complex engineering issues in food, energy, agricultural, biological, and environmental systems.

The curricula of the in-service training was chosen predominantly for its suitability for the livestock farmers/managers that ANR agents interact with. Sessions included UAVs and Practical Livestock Applications; Grain and Forage Storage; Using the Ag Weather Center’s New Tools to Manage Livestock; Heat Stress Management for Different Livestock Species; and On-farm Water Crossings. In addition to the five engineer-led training sessions, participants toured the Barnhart labs and facilities; attended presentations by graduate students, who spoke about their current ag engineering research projects; and finished the day with the tour of the Ag Engineering Design Lab.