From Seed to Study: A JJC Alum's Impact on Agricultural Education and Research
In this episode of the JJC Alumni Podcast, host Jen Davis welcomes Julie Barr, an alum and Land Lab manager at JJC. Known affectionately as 'Farmer Julie,' she shares the story of her unique path into agriculture, starting from her rural upbringing in LaSalle, Peru, Illinois. Despite not having a farming background, Julie found her passion for agriculture through experiences with her best friend's cattle farm and her involvement in FFA during high school. She discusses her educational journey from IVCC to the University of Illinois, and finally to JJC, where influential mentors like Bill Johnson helped her carve a successful career in the agricultural industry. Julie gives listeners an inside look at the diverse responsibilities she manages on the campus Land Lab, the importance of hands-on experience, and the unique opportunities JJC provides for students in the agriculture and horticulture program.
The episode highlights Julie's enthusiasm for teaching and mentoring the next generation of agricultural professionals and offers valuable advice for aspiring farmers and students. Her passion for her work is evident as she talks about the exciting projects and research initiatives happening on the Land Lab, and the collaborative spirit within the department. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about dedication, growth, and the beautiful unpredictability of farm life.
Creators and Guests
Host
Jen Davis
Jen Davis currently serves as the Director of Institutional Advancement and Alumni Relations at Joliet Junior College. A former English instructor, she has spent more than two decades in higher education, supporting students at various stages of their academic and professional journeys. In her leadership role, Jen oversees initiatives that strengthen connections between JJC and its alumni, fostering engagement and building lasting relationships. Her responsibilities include strategic planning for alumni outreach, organizing small and large-scale events, managing annual giving campaigns, and collaborating across departments to create meaningful opportunities for alumni involvement.
Producer
Amanda Quinn
Amanda Quinn serves as the Executive Director of the Joliet Junior College Foundation and Executive Director of Institutional Advancement, a role she assumed in January 2026. Throughout her career at JJC, she has held several key positions including Grant Writer, Annual Giving and Alumni Relations Manager, and Director of Institutional Advancement, giving her a deep understanding of the college’s philanthropic priorities and partnerships. With more than 15 years of experience in fundraising, communications, and marketing, Amanda leads philanthropic engagement strategies that advance student success. Her strategic vision, strong donor relationships, and commitment to JJC’s mission continue to drive the college’s growth and impact.
Guest
Julie Barr
Though she did not grow up on a farm, Julie Barr has always had an interest and appreciation for the ag industry, which directed her to enroll in the Agriculture Department at JJC (2011 graduate). Winding through squiggly college pathways and working on a hog and grain farm for nine plus years, the dust settled four and a half years ago when she became the J.F. Richards Land Laboratory & Agronomy Plots Manager at JJC. As the manager, she is in charge of planning, planting, maintaining, and harvesting the farm fields at Main Campus and Weitendorf Agriculture Education Center, which are broken down into small plots to execute a variety of studies and trials. She assists the agriculture professors with setting up weekly labs in the plots, organizes an annual Field Day, and writes an annual season report describing the arrangement and results of each study. Julie is also in charge of performing the maintenance on all the equipment, such as tractors, implements, combine harvester, etc.
