Oscar W. Luetkemeier

Born 1920
Superintendent, Purdue Agronomy Farm
Developed renowned outdoor research/education center

Field Research a Boon to Agriculture

Field performance is agriculture’s ultimate test, and that was the domain of Agronomy Legend Oscar “Ozzie” Luetkemeier, named superintendent of the new Agronomy Farm in 1949 when Purdue acquired the Mable Avenue Stock Farm.

Initial work to transform the 374 acres into an internationally recognized research station included designing field and drainage layouts, placing field markers, constructing roads and buildings, finding and developing water sources and establishing operating procedures.

In his 37 years, Luetkemeier oversaw breeders’ multiplication of some 90 varieties of soybeans, wheat, oats, barley and crambe. He also conducted other research, published widely and welcomed as many as 50 U.S. and 15 international groups for tours every year. The farm size grew under his tenure, with additional acreage acquisitions.

Luetkemeier also served on the Agricultural Alumni Association, Indiana Crop Improvement Association and Indiana Forage Council boards, and he organized U.S. field research station superintendents in the American Society of Agronomy.

 

Education
1942                B.S., Purdue University, agronomy
1949                M.S., Purdue University, agronomy

Purdue Years
1949 – 1986

Career Highlights
1978                Purdue Agricultural Alumni Association Certificate of Distinction
1983                Frederick L. Hovde Award for Excellence in Educational Service
                         to Rural People of Indiana