Cultivating Global Genetics: Dr. Scott Armbrust’s Impact on Dairy Reproduction

From embryo transfer to international genetics, a National Dairy Shrine Pioneer reflects on people, cows, and progress

Dr. Scott Armbrust never set out to change the global dairy genetics landscape. But through decades of work in embryo transfer, mentorship, and international collaboration, his career helped accelerate genetic progress worldwide. In this National Dairy Shrine interview, Armbrust reflects on the cows, people, and partnerships that defined his legacy.

A Foundation Built on Cows and Curiosity

Dr. Scott Armbrust’s path into dairy reproduction began early, shaped by his upbringing on a registered Holstein farm in Nebraska and exposure to the people who defined the industry.

“I grew up in Nebraska on a pretty good registered farm,” Armbrust said. “My dad was quite involved in the registered Holstein business and a leader in Nebraska agriculture and dairy.”

Those early experiences included cattle shows, sales, and listening to industry leaders around the breakfast table.

“At our breakfast table we had Bill Weeks, Whitey Thompson. A lot of the industry people would come to Nebraska and I’d get to sit and listen,” he said.

That curiosity eventually led him toward veterinary medicine and a growing interest in dairy reproduction.

“I got an intense interest in dairy reproduction,” Armbrust said. “So one thing led to another and I ended up at Iowa State going to veterinary school.”

Building a Career in Embryo Transfer

After veterinary school, Armbrust moved to Wisconsin, where his work in embryo transfer took shape during a time of rapid technological change.

“We were the disruptive technology in the late seventies,” he said. “We worked through surgical transfer to non surgical transfer to developing freezing embryos.”

As embryo freezing improved, opportunities expanded beyond U.S. borders.

“As freezing developed, we started doing more international marketing,” Armbrust said.

Germany became a cornerstone of that global reach.

“Our largest market for 40 years has been Germany,” he said. “Little did I know that my DVM would be the passport to the world’s cattle industry.”

The Power of Partnerships and People

While Armbrust is known for elite cows and genetics, he consistently emphasizes that success came through collaboration.

“The key isn’t the cows, it’s the people you’re working with,” he said. “Good partners.”

That philosophy shaped how he built genetic programs around standout animals.

“If a good cow came along, we’d find the right young dairyman, the right partners,” Armbrust said. “I would do the ET and help with the marketing and they would take care of the top management.”

Those partnerships produced globally recognized cow families and long lasting industry relationships.

“When you see that bunch of embryos and then you see that bunch of calves, one of them is going to be special,” he said.

Mentorship and the Next Generation

Beyond genetics, Armbrust sees mentorship as one of his most meaningful contributions.

“We have to be mentor for the next generation,” he said. “It’s important.”

He credits his own mentors for shaping his career and believes opportunity is the key to keeping young veterinarians engaged in dairy.

“You have to give them the opportunity to follow their dream,” Armbrust said.

Seeing those efforts continue brings satisfaction.

“It’s very gratifying to see that they’re carrying on the next generation,” he said.

Recognition and Looking Ahead

In 2021, Armbrust was honored with the National Dairy Shrine Pioneer Award, an acknowledgment he views as shared.

“It was as much about recognition for the people that have supported me,” he said. “If my clients and my friends can be successful, then I can be successful.”

Today, his focus has shifted toward community involvement and supporting institutions that shaped his journey.

“It’s time for the next generation’s turn,” Armbrust said. “We’ve been very blessed by the people we worked with and the friends we’ve made.”

Across continents, technologies, and generations, Armbrust’s career reflects how long-term genetic progress is built through relationships, discipline, and a willingness to adapt as the industry evolves.

To hear the complete discussion with Dr. Scott Armbrust, stream now on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or watch the full conversation on YouTube.