Orville A. Vogel Papers, 1931-1988

Orville A. Vogel was born in Pilger, Nebraska on 19 May 1907. He received his BS and MS from University of Nebraska. In 1931 he came to the State College of Washington (later Washington State University) as a research agronomist with the USDA's Agricultural Research Service. And in 1939, he received his Ph.D. from WSC. Vogel worked as a research agronomist with the USDA, until 1966, and was also a Division of Agronomy Associate Agronomist at WSU. In 1960 he became a Professor of Agronomy, Collaborator, USDA, a position he held until his retirement in 1973.

Orville Vogel led WSU/USDA research teams that developed high-yield and semi-dwarf wheats, including Gaines and Nugaines, that helped revolutionize the food-production industry. His honors include: Fellow and member of Sigma Xi; USDA Achievement Award in 1962; the National Medal of Science in 1975; and WSU's Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1977.

Orville A. Vogel passed away in 1991.