Olsen, Ralph A. (1901-1982)

Ralph A. Olsen was born June 13, 1901, in Ellsworth, Iowa, to Nels Peter and Julia (Sexe) Olsen. He graduated from Ellsworth School (1919) and received a B.S. (1923) in animal science from Iowa State College (University). While a student at Iowa State, he was involved with the Block and Bridle Club, the Men's Glee Club, and the Theta Delta Chi fraternity.

Upon graduation from Iowa State, he began farming near Ellsworth, Iowa, and became active in organizing cooperatives. Throughout his life, he was involved in agribusiness and a variety of farm organizations. Olsen served as secretary of the Ellsworth and Williams Co-op, president of the Boone Valley Co-op, president of SoyCot Sales Inc., and a board member of Farmland Foods. He also traveled extensively to study and promote agriculture, including visits to India and the USSR.

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