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Kifle G. Grebremedhin
Gebremedhin, Kifle G.
Inducted: 2001
Cornell University – Ithaca, New York
Gebremedhin has made major contributions to diaphragm design and the development of computerized methods of structural analysis for post-frame engineers.
Few educators have done more research targeted directly at metal-clad, post-frame construction. His full-size post-frame building tests have validated diaphragm design used by engineers throughout the industry. He also developed software packages for the analysis and design of two- and three-dimensional structural systems. He is active in many committees of the American Society of Agricultural Engineers and co-authored two chapters in the Society’s 1992 book Post-Frame Building Design.
Gebremedhin earned Masters and Ph.D. degrees in agricultural engineering from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and is currently a professor in the Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department and the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Cornell University.
Henry Getz
Getz, Henry
Inducted: 1993
Morton Buildings, Inc – Morton, Illinois
Henry Getz, president of Morton Buildings, Inc., assembled the first materials package for a farm machine storage shed using a framework of wood laminated arches and a corrugated metal skin in 1950 for Interlocking Fence Co., a business formed in 1902 to market woven wire fence, gates, and other equipment to farmers. In 1955 the company added pole buildings using round poles pressure-treated with creosote and intended to provide low-cost shelter over a short life span. By 1964 the company’s name became Morton Buildings, its galvanized skin painted, and many attractive overhangs, wainscots, and cupolas added to provide a finishing touch. Today Morton Buildings has sales and construction offices in 32 states and offers pre-engineered buildings for the commercial, industrial, and institutional markets as well as agricultural.
Robert E. Graves
Graves, Robert E.
Inducted: 2000
Pennsylvania State University – University Park, Pennsylvania
Robert Graves, P.E., Ph D, is a professor of agricultural engineering in the Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department at Penn State University. He is recognized internationally for his work in dairy
Production systems and manure handling.
At Penn State he is responsible for developing educational programs and materials on farm buildings, manure handling, and composting. A native of New York State, he holds degrees from Cornell University and the University of Massachusetts. He came to Penn State in 1982 from Massachusetts, where he was manager and part owner of a 350-cow milking and 500-acre crop farm.
Between 1972 and 1977 he was an assistant professor and extension agricultural engineer at the University of Wisconsin. While in Wisconsin he began the Farm Builders and Equipment Suppliers conference that has evolved into the present Wisconsin Frame Builders Conference and organization.
Prof. Graves has observed and worked with farmers in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. He is involved in regional, national, and international agricultural engineering activities and has authored more than 200 articles, bulletins, and hand books. He has served on various committees of the American Society of Agricultural Engineers, including the SE-03 Standards, SE-403 Dairy Housing, and SE-415 Research Facilities Engineers groups.
He has received numerous honors. In 1993 he was awarded the Henry Giese Structures and Environment Award from ASAE, and in 1994 he was honored by the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association with their Extension Award.
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