Sam Markell is a professor and extension plant pathologist at North Dakota State University (NDSU). He was born in rural Minnesota and lived on a small farm until he was 10 before moving to Minneapolis. After graduating high school, he came to NDSU to play football and study engineering. He played football for four years but changed majors multiple times before falling in love with science. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in chemistry, followed by a master’s degree in plant pathology, before completing his PhD at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.

Markell lives in Fargo, N.D., with his wife. They have twin daughters attending NDSU and a son in high school.

Where did you work before NDSU?

I was a research specialist while I was a student at the University of Arkansas, but this was my first job after graduating with my PhD in 2007.

What got you interested in this area of work?

When I was in college I had multiple majors. I was in engineering, then history and social sciences education. I bounced around until I found an ecology class. I loved the systems approach, and from there, plant pathology was a natural step. The science side really got me interested, and science for a purpose is a big part of why I’m a plant pathologist.

Tell us a bit about what you’re working on at NDSU.

My work is seasonal. Winter is meeting season, where we travel to grower and industry events to share research results. We also focus on writing for publications and extension. In the spring, we plan research projects, deciding what to plant and where. Most of our work evaluates the tools farmers use to manage diseases, whether that’s genetics or new chemicals. Summer is a mix of field research and monitoring how those tools are performing, along with communication and travel. In the fall, we focus on data analysis, writing and we usually propose new research before the cycle repeats and we go back into meeting season.

A project we’re working on, “Determination of rust virulence in sunflower,” is co-funded by Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA). Rust can significantly reduce yield. We’ve seen losses as high as 80 per cent, although that’s rare. More commonly, losses of 10 to 30 per cent can occur. We manage rust through fungicides and scouting, and genetic resistance. Our hope is that farmers can plant a hybrid resistant to rust and not have to worry. However, the challenge is that the pathogen can evolve to overcome the genetic resistance, making the hybrid susceptible to the new pathogen “race.” This is similar to how antibiotic resistance occurs to human pathogens and diseases.

This project looks at the rust pathogen across the north-central U.S. Great Plains, which is the same population across Manitoba. We’re studying its variability to determine which resistance genes are useful against rust in our region. We’re also looking at how the pathogen populations are related in other regions of North America. The goal is to monitor changes and ensure our genetic resistance remains effective. The last survey was done in 2012, so this is long overdue.

What can you say about the value of farmers providing funding and support to your organization?

Farmers know the areas they need help. Funding is a direct way of telling scientists what’s important and what we need to deliver. It also means farmers influence the direction of the science. When farmers and researchers work closely together, both sides get better. Developing that relationship is critical. Farmer funding also helps leverage additional support by showing the government how important the work is to farmers.

How does that farmer funding and support directly benefit farmers?

Farmers are good at identifying projects that will bring value. By funding research, they help ensure the work delivers the results they need. Because I’m in extension, I’m also able to share those results through meetings, presentations and articles. That communication piece is important.

I’m always impressed with how engaged the farming community is. Every farmer is running a complex business, yet they take the time to stay informed and influence agriculture in different ways. I really admire and appreciate that.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

I play musical instruments, including mandolin, guitar and Irish bouzouki, which is like a large mandolin. I also work out. Sports have always been a big part of my life. We recently started curling in a league, which has been humbling getting crushed by high school kids, and I enjoy mountain biking when I can.

What is the best part about your job?

Communicating with farmers and researchers. It’s connecting with people where my work can make a difference. I enjoy presenting, writing and putting together extension articles and alerts.

What are you excited about for the future of agriculture?

There’s a significant generational shift happening in both farming and science. My graduate students bring different skill sets and new ways of communicating. They’re part of the social media generation and I think will do a better job getting messages out. Farmers are changing in similar ways. The next generation will adapt quickly as agriculture evolves. It’s exciting to see younger farmers asking new kinds of questions.

To learn more about Sam Markell, visit NDSU’s website.