This photograph, taken in 1962, carries the caption “John Overby Wheat Breeding Plots. Ralph Sorenson (left), Spink County Agent, John Overby (right) Spink County Farmer and Wheat Breeder.” John Overby (1881-1970) was a farmer, plant breeder and inventor. He is known for the creation of Marvel and Spinkota wheats. Ever since he was a young man, Overby was interested in working with plants. He was fascinated by the differences within varieties and the making of new kinds. At first, he worked with potatoes and corn with the idea of getting better crops for his farm. Around 1914, he began experimenting with wheat with the hope of getting better yields and test weights. In 1927, Overby sold his first wheat on the market. He named it Marvel. Marvel had good rust resistance, straw strength and a high protein content. In the early 1940s, Spinkota was the second wheat Overby released on the market. He continued working with wheat crosses until he died in 1970.