Who is Glenn Viehmeyer?

Stapleton Nebraska native Glenn Viehmeyer came to the North Platte Station in March 1943. He initiated research work in plant breeding projects that included ornamentals, fruits and vegetables. The objective was to produce such plants that would be adapted to the Great Plains. He and the Station became recognized for this work in many areas of this and other countries.

Glenn Viehmeyer was responsible instituting the Station's Mum Days, allowing the public to view the variety of chrysanthemums grown by the breeding program. Projects included 60 chrysanthemum cultivars that were produced and distributed by the nursery trade. Many other chrysanthemum breeders have used germplasm from this stock.

His work extended far beyond the confines of the horticultural research program. The first recorded efforts if weed control at the North Platte Station by use of chemicals was written by Glenn Viehmeyer. He reported effects of 2,4-D treatments on crop and ornamental plants in the Proceedings of North Central State Weed Control Conference in 1944.

It was Glenn Viehmeyer, self-taught agronomist, and later, Nebraska state senator who built the arboretum at the research center.