Agricultural Engineering on the Prairie: Illinois Style

ABE is recognized worldwide as one of the great agricultural and biological engineering departments. The department was formed in 1921 as the Department of Farm Mechanics. Since then, our faculty, staff, and students have made pioneering work and significant contributions. Areas of innovation include rural electrification, agricultural mechanization, farm structures, soil and water conservation, farm safety and health, processing, and many more. Our work makes agriculture more efficient, resilient, and sustainable, thus improving lives globally.

The department’s incredible accomplishments during the first 88 years of existence are documented in two history books, covering the period from 1921 to 1997, and from 1997 to 2009 respectively. The narratives in the books offer a remarkable record of achievements and contributions that underpin this great department.

ABE History Part 1 (pdf)

ABE History Part 2 (pdf)