IAgrE was established in 1938 by visionary engineers and agriculturists, IAgrE is proud of its rich heritage.  With nearly 90 years of experience, we continue to support our members through a legacy of innovation, expertise, and commitment to the agricultural engineering profession.

1938 – IAgrE founded on 24 May 1938 by a small group of engineers and agriculturists

1941 – Establishment of the Institution’s journal

1943 – Regional activities commence with a branch in Scotland opened

1945 – Aims and objectives of the Institution printed in hard copy

1947 – Establishment of Department of Agriculture at King’s College, Newcastle

1958 – Over 150,000 copies of the Institution‘s Safety Code sold

1960 – Revised Memorandum and Articles of Association

1969 – New grades of Honorary Fellow and Fellow introduced

1969 – Became a registered charity

1972 – Douglas Bomford Trust begins

1974 – Offices moved from Rickmansworth to Silsoe Campus, Bedfordshire

1985 – IAgrE nominated and authorised body of Engineering Council

1988 – Golden Jubilee Celebrations including a jubilee conference

2004 – IAgrE authorised body of Society for the Environment

2010 – Offices relocated to Cranfield University on the Cranfield Campus

2013 - IAgrE Celebrates 75 years promoting professionalism in Agricultural Engineering

2018 - The Institution celebrates 80 years with a Landmark Conference and an Anniversary Awards Celebration at Wrest Park

The Silsoe Story

At our 80th Anniversary Awards Presentation, held at the historic Wrest Park in Silsoe — the former site of the Silsoe Research Institute and Silsoe College — we celebrated IAgrE’s legacy and its deep roots in agricultural engineering. Silsoe College, which merged with Cranfield University in December 2007 following the closure of the SRI in 2006, played a pivotal role in shaping many distinguished careers.

This page features a special presentation delivered at the event by two of our esteemed Honorary Fellows — Professor Dick Godwin FREng CEng CEnv HonFIAgrE and Professor Paul Miller FREng CEng CEnv HonFIAgrE — both Fellows of the Royal Academy of Engineering and alumni of Silsoe College.

The presentation has been recorded post-event using the original PowerPoint slides and is available as a six-part video series on our IAgrE Media YouTube channel. Watch it here.

Members Memories 

Our members’ memories form the heart of IAgrE’s rich history. From early career milestones to lifelong friendships forged through shared passion and purpose, these reflections capture the spirit of innovation, collaboration, and dedication that define our community.  

Whether recalling time spent at Silsoe College, field trials, or landmark events, each story contributes to a collective legacy that continues to inspire the next generation of professionals in agricultural engineering. Read our Members Memories here.