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A new textbook is being developed for upper-level undergraduates in the Agricultural Systems Management curriculum. The emphasis is on the solution of common problems in ASM using software which is presented in the text. Much of the software is made up of templates for common spreadsheet applications available under Microsoft Windows.

We feel that these topics will make the ASM curriculum stronger and more attractive to students and to their potential employers. Also, the strength of the ASM curriculum is important to the departments offering it. Student numbers are usually larger in departments offering both the ABE and the ASM degrees. Topics covered include machinery selection, costs and timeliness, simulation of field operations, use of crop models, decision systems, project scheduling, precision agriculture, reliability, managing human capital, and waiting line applications.