Agricultural Engineer Expert Witnesses

Agricultural engineers are experts in the field of engineering and agriculture. They use science, technology, and their knowledge of farming practices to create efficient systems for growing and harvesting crops. Agricultural engineers may work for individual farmers or large agricultural companies to design machines, systems, or solutions that will improve production costs and yields. As an expert witness, agricultural engineers can evaluate a case related to farming practices or machinery used in agricultural processes. An agricultural engineer expert witness can provide an objective analysis of an issue related to a legal dispute over the operation of farm equipment or soil management techniques. The expert witness must be thoroughly familiar with the technical aspects involved in large-scale land management and crop production methods that could possibly influence a case decision. The engineer is often requested to assess a problem on behalf of either the plaintiff or defendants involved in litigation related to agriculture industry activities such as malfunctioning equipment, soil contamination, water rights issues, overuse of pesticides, etc. The expertise required by an agricultural engineer when providing testimony depends upon a variety of factors including familiarity with applicable jurisdiction laws regarding land use regulations; relevant safety protocols; understanding complexities associated with contour-farming practices; current research findings regarding agroecological principles—such as sustainable water management strategies; fertilizer application methods; irrigation system performance expectations—and other requirements specific to the type crops being grown in the area under evaluation by the consultant.