Michael Spiess
Agricultural Engineering Technology
Agricultural Education

Office:  Plumas 213 Campus Zip:  310 Phone:  (530) 898-4554 FAX:    (530) 898-5845	E-mail Address mspiess@csuchico.edu Michael Spiess' web page
Personal Information Mike has an A.A. in Natural Resources from Delta College, a B.S. in Agriculture (Ag Mechanics) from CSU, Chico, a M.S. in Plant Science (emphasis in irrigation) from Fresno State, and a doctorate from U.C. Davis & CSUF. He is a former vocational agriculture teacher and spent 13 years designing and supporting agricultural accounting software. Previously he taught in the Plant Science Department and served as general manager of  the Agricultural Information Technology Network (ATI-Net) which is part of the California Agricultural Technology Institute (CATI)  at Fresno State.  He also owns a consulting business specializing in Internet solutions for businesses and education. In his free time, he enjoys flying small airplanes, fly fishing, backpacking, caving, and softball. He has served on the Boards of the Sierra Foothill Conservancy and University Hope and has continuing interests with land trusts and affordable housing organizations.

Courses Taught

• AGET 120 - Introduction to Agricultural Mechanics
• AGET 150 - Agricultural Machine Systems
• AGET 360 - Irrigation
• AGRI 421 - Curriculum and Methods for Teaching Agricultural Mechanics
• AGET 340 - GPS/GIS/Precision Agriculture

Research and Professional Interests

Mike's research interests in web based instruction, teacher retention, and agricultural curriculum.  He has grants in progress dealing with California agricultural education (CalAgEd.org, California Department of Education), water conservation (Bureau of Reclamation),  geographic information systems (Bureau of Reclamation/ARI), remote sensing of invasive species (ARI/ Glen County RCD) ,and farm worker safety (ARI).   He has developed a tabulations program for career development events and judging contests used throughout California, and by Arizona, Canadian 4h, and others.

Service to the College, University, and Community

Mike is involved in FFA Career Development Events at colleges and universities throughout California.  He serves as assistant superintendent of the National FFA Ag Mechanics CDE and as the poster chair for the American Association for Agricultural Education. 

Mike has served on the Boards and as Treasurer of the Sierra Foothill Conservancy and  the Northern California Regional Land Trust.   He continues to be involved in land trust activities.  He serves as assistant scout master to Troop 316 (in Paradise).