It is a part of engineering science that deals with agricultural production, processing and also combines the various disciplines of engineering like mechanical, civil, electrical, and chemical, plant and animal biology. Agricultural engineering uses scientific principles and technology to solve problems relating to sustainable agricultural production. They perform tasks such as planning, supervising and managing the building of dairy effluent schemes, irrigation, drainage, flood and water control systems, perform environmental impact assessments and interprets research results and implement relevant practices. Agricultural engineers in Ottawa need to work closely with farmers to have a clear understanding of the problems they face daily. This not only includes the supply of water, the irrigation and drainage of fields, and interaction of equipment with the soil but also modifying existing machinery. The agricultural engineers in Ottawa work in tandem with the mechanical as well as production engineers. While some agricultural engineers provide a service to the farmers by maintaining their equipments, they must be on call if any breakdown occurs. An agricultural engineer can analyze and develop substitutes for agricultural by-products and may also work to develop new or enhanced processes for drying products or for storing products over an extended period of time. They can design and manage systems for food products, as well.

Water, Water Everywhere … Part II

By:  Lee Ann Rush                                                     The topic is water; specifically, its availability to the public in light of Nestle CEO Peter Brabeck’s recent megalomaniacal assertion that people should only have access to water if they pay for it.  In a world where water shortages are reason for concern as demand begins to exceed supply, Brabeck’s plan..