Spencer Barriball

Spencer came to Salina from Northwestern Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture from the University of Minnesota. Three years after completing his degree, he worked as a research technician for the UM Horticulture department under the Potato Breeding and Genetics program. There, he managed potato variety trials across Minnesota and North Dakota and helped to oversee the potato germplasm improvement projects, which introduced him to the essential relationships between applied research and farmers. Through this work, he saw a significant variation of farming systems, all looking to balance environmental resources and provide quality food for their markets. Combining these experiences with his current work has allowed him to see the bigger picture of creating a new food system while providing those who grow it with solid information and research about the crops being developed. It is vital to the mission of The Land Institute to build relationships with growers so that agricultural research can be adopted.