DR. JOHN OLSON ALMQUIST WOLF PRIZE

The Wolf Foundation Prize, granted to Dr. John Olson Almquist in 1981, is an international award presented to scientists who have made achievements in the interest of mankind. The Wolf Prize has recently been equated to a “Nobel Prize in Agriculture.” This prize signifies Almquist’s influential research on artificial insemination at Penn State University. His early work on the addition of antibiotics to bull semen increased food production and dairy cattle breeding efficiency worldwide, saving the U.S. $31 million annually. Almquist laid the foundation for modern artificial insemination practices still used in agriculture today. I chose this piece because I was drawn to Almquist’s pioneering spirit and the profound implications of his research. His groundbreaking work not only revolutionized the dairy industry but also showcased the incredible impact that Penn State alumni can have on the world. John Olson Almquist left behind a legacy that continues to inspire and educate.

by Ryan Munnelly, Animal Science, Class of 2024

Gary Peterson
Department of Public Information and Relations News
John Olson Almquist Papers, 1921-1983
University Park, Pennsylvania, 1981
Eberly Family Special Collections Library