Madison in Dane County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Genetically Superior Crops
College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
Photographed By William J. Toman, June 24, 2010
1. Genetically Superior Crops Marker
University of Wisconsin geneticist R.A. Brink brought hybrid corn to Wisconsin, releasing the state's first hybrid for production in 1933. Eight years later ninety percent of Wisconsin corn was hybrid. Soon the yield per acre was tripled. Brink also developed a strain of alfalfa that could survive freezing weather. This strain, Vernal, soon became the leading variety in the nation. Throughout his career, Brink remained involved in basic research. His best-known efforts focused on transposable genetic elements, bits of DNA that move from one chromosomal site to another and add to genetic diversity.Erected 2001 by UW Foundation.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Education • Horticulture & Forestry • Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the University of Wisconsin series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1933.
Location. 43° 4.507′ N, 89° 24.741′ W. Marker is in Madison, Wisconsin, in Dane County. Marker is at the intersection of Linden Drive and
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Mass Production of Penicillin (a few steps from this marker); The Land Ethic (within shouting distance of this marker); First Reliable Test of Milk Quality (within shouting distance of this marker); Disease-Resistant Plants (within shouting distance of this marker); Vitamin D Production Ends Rickets (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Discovery of Vitamins A and B (about 500 feet away); Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (about 500 feet away); Eliminating Pellagra (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.
Also see . . . Royal Alexander Brink - Wikipedia. (Submitted on July 3, 2010, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.)
Photographed By William J. Toman, June 24, 2010
2. Genetically Superior Crops Marker
The D.C. Smith Greenhouse in the background.
Photographed By William J. Toman, June 25, 2010
3. Agricultural Hall
According to the UW web site, "Built in 1902, Agricultural Hall was designed as the administrative and research home of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. The building remains almost entirely unmodified and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985."
Photographed By William J. Toman, June 24, 2010
4. Auditorium and Library, Hall of Agriculture
The back entrance to Agricultural Hall.
Photographed By William J. Toman, June 24, 2010
5. Detail on Agricultural Hall
Symbol of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
Credits. This page was last revised on December 28, 2019. It was originally submitted on June 29, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 655 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 29, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 1, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
