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Olsen is Recipient of 2010 Science with Practice Award from ISU College of Veterinary Medicine

November 10, 2010 — Tracy Ann Raef

Dr. Daryl Olsen was honored with the 2010 Science with Practice Award from Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. The award, presented at the 18th Annual Swine Diseases Conference in Ames, Iowa, on November 4-5, recognizes exemplary integration of science and the art of veterinary practice to benefit swine productivity and welfare.

In presenting the award to Dr. Olsen, Jim McKean, DVM, conference chair and ISU extension swine veterinarian, said: "Since his graduation Daryl has demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit that mixes new technologies and refines existing ones to formulate business structures that increase client competitiveness. He has been instrumental in leadership of a multi-state pork production company that has grown to the tenth largest in the United States, and continues to infuse technology and the art of veterinary practice in making those operations competitive."

Dr. Olsen is a swine practitioner at the Audubon-Manning Veterinary Clinic (AMVC) in Audubon, Iowa. Since 1982 he has provided innovative services to clients in southwest Iowa. His clinic operates out of three locations: Audubon, Manning and Coon Rapids. It is one of the largest clinics in Iowa, employing 9 veterinarians and a staff of 20 employees. The clinic has developed a national swine production management company that is ranked by Successful Farming magazine in top 10 in the United States in numbers of sows under management. The production management company is headquartered in Audubon with 35 employees. It has 25 locations in 5 states, employing close to 300 people.

"Receiving my veterinary degree from Iowa State provided opportunities and benefits beyond my wildest dreams," Dr. Olsen said. "Being recognized by the ISU food supply veterinarians is an awesome honor and is greatly appreciated." As he accepted the award, Dr. Olsen added, "I want to especially recognize my partners and the entire staff at AMVC. They are the keys to the success of our company."

During his career, Dr. Olsen has been committed to serving the veterinary profession and the swine industry. Leading by example, Dr. Olsen has been a strong advocate for programs that encourage talented students into the veterinary profession. For the past several years, AMVC has been the primary supporter of the college's Swine Production Immersive Knowledge Experience, where students spend the summer learning about swine production at the farm level. This successful program has been instrumental in recruiting students into careers in swine production and medicine.

Dr. Olsen has been an active member of the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV), serving as its president in 2007. He was the association's representative on the board of the directors of the Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization from 2003 to 2009. In 2008, he served on the AASV program planning committee for its annual meeting. Dr. Olsen has been a strong advocate and supporter of the AASV's fundraising activities.

Dr. Olsen has been a national and international consultant and advisor on economically devastating swine diseases including Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome, porcine circovirus and other production diseases. He is a frequent guest lecturer at national, regional and local veterinary and producer meetings.

Dr. Olsen is also a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association.

Dr. Olsen was born and raised on a livestock and grain farm in southeastern South Dakota. In 1978, he graduated from South Dakota State University with a bachelor's degree in microbiology. He graduated from Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine in 1982. He is a 2009 graduate of the University of Illinois Executive Veterinary Program in Swine Health Management.

Dr. Olsen and his wife, Nancy, have two daughters, Erika and Dena.

The name of the award, Science with Practice, is from the language of the university seal, which emphasizes infusing science into the practice of all university disciplines.

Tracy Ann Raef, Communications Specialist, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University