How did a guy with a degree in dairy genetics end up working for the P.E.I. Potato Board? Ryan Barrett, after a job working in communications with Jersey Canada, found himself back on the island being hired by the P.E.I. Potato Board for his extension background. Over the years, his role morphed into its current form as the Board’s research and agronomist specialist. For Ryan, it has always been about doing work for farmers and connecting with them.

In the 20th episode, and season 1 finale of The Extensionists, co-hosts Jay Whetter and Toban Dyck sit down with Ryan to discuss why he didn’t become a veterinarian and how he is still involved in the dairy industry despite working with the Potato Board. He shares how important potatoes are to P.E.I. and discusses his research and extension work with the industry.

Ryan talks about how he balances having researchers and fellow growers speak at grower meetings, and if he uses comedy in his extension work. Listen to learn more about the world of potatoes and life in P.E.I.

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The Extensionists - Conversations with Great Thinkers in Agriculture is a Burr Forest Group production with new episodes airing every other week on Tuesdays. Hosts Toban Dyck and Jay Whetter have in-depth conversations with industry experts, researchers, innovators, and farmers about the latest developments in agriculture and their implications. With a focus on making complex agricultural topics accessible and engaging, The Extensionists bridges the gap between research and farming by connecting the agricultural community to great ideas and thinkers.

The Extensionists is produced and edited by Abby Wall, coordinated by Ashley Robinson, and directed by Ryan Santschi.