Bradley Barrow

Bradley Barrow is a dedicated food systems expert based in Salida, Colorado, originally from Austin, Texas. Food has always been at the heart of her journey. Growing up, her grandfather owned and operated a chain of restaurants, and she spent time helping him on his small farm weekly. This early exposure to food production laid the foundation for a lifelong passion. During her college years, particularly while living abroad, her understanding of food’s unifying power across cultures deepened. It became clear to her that food was not just sustenance, but a universal connector of communities and cultures. 

This continued curiosity around food led her straight to the soil. Bradley worked on local farms in Austin as well as an off-grid farm in the rainforests of Costa Rica. These experiences solidified her decision to pursue graduate studies, where she earned a dual Master’s Degree in Food Studies and Business Administration. Throughout her academic journey, she gained a thorough understanding of food systems, and the complexities, challenges, and stories embedded in them. A defining aspect of her graduate work was her in-depth exploration of beekeeping. Guided by experienced mentors, she gained valuable hands-on experience that shaped her academic path and shifted her perspective on the interconnectedness between humans and the natural world. After earning her degrees, Bradley returned to Austin, where she worked with a local honey company, helping manage 300 bee colonies across the city. 

A few years later, the winds of change brought her to Salida, Colorado, where she currently serves as the Farm to Institution Agriculture and Data Coordinator at Nourish Colorado. In this role, she collaborates with school districts statewide to implement farm-to-school initiatives, partnering with farmers, food hubs, and institutional stakeholders to build and enhance more sustainable, resilient local and regional food systems. Bradley is also a proud member of the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union and thrilled to be a part of the 2025 RMFU Fellows Class, where she hopes to continue her work in shaping the future of food in her community and beyond.