About the Department

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History of FABE at OSU

The Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering (FABE) for many years was known as the Department of Agricultural Engineering.  In fact, our building still holds this name. 

Ives Hall was the first home to the department and at the time was the largest agricultural engineering building in the country.  Ives Hall, named after the Chair, Frederick Ives become the first American Society of Agricultural Engineers (ASAE) Historic Landmark in 1926. Mary Parks Ives, Professor Ives' spouse, was the first woman to become a member in ASAE. She designed tools for America’s homemakers.

In 1935, the department helped put “rubber on the roads.” With partnerships from industry FABE was instrumental in designing the first rubber tires for tractors, thus mobilizing American agriculture. In 1961, the Slow Moving Vehicle Emblem was developed which became an ASAE standard in 1964, was adopted by the National Motor Vehicle Code in 1968, became an American National Standard, and was adopted in the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Standards in 1971.

FABE / ASABE Historic Landmarks (Video)