Anchor River Ranch

Sushi rolls and rockfish tacos: How Petersburg put local food on the school lunch menu - KFSK School lunches are known more for soggy fries and pizza than salad and wild caught fish. But in Petersburg, students are eating fresh ingredients every day.

Claresholm Agriplex, Claresholm AB
Registration is open on cowhorse.ca

2 Rad things happening here!

Access to affordable land is one of the biggest hurdles facing farmers nationwide. In Alaska, this is magnified due to the limited quantity of land that is acceptable for agricultural production. Creating a workable leasing system for agriculture would lower barriers for new farmers, support existing farms in expanding, and help keep Alaska-grown food affordable.

Learn more in our guest blog by Emily Garrity of Twitter Creek Gardens

https://www.akfoodpolicycouncil.org/2026aglandleasingtcg/

Hey future farmers, ranchers, and young AG leaders! 🌱🐄

It’s (February 21–28), and we’re here at Anchor River Ranch in South Kenai absolutely buzzing to celebrate YOU — the next generation keeping Alaska agriculture alive and strong! Big shoutout for Ag Teacher Appreciation Day (today) — These incredible educators are out there changing lives every single day, planting seeds of curiosity and excitement in our future AG leaders!

As a young woman rancher, I know firsthand how tough (and rewarding) this life is. That’s why I make time every season to volunteer with our local FFA and other youth programs — mentoring students on their SAEs, hosting hands-on days where young folks dive into urban agriculture, commercial farming, fixing fence, tending livestock, and learning what real Alaskan ranching is all about. These kids are sharp, hardworking, and full of fresh ideas!

I also cooperate with Homer Soil & Water Conservation District and serve as the South Kenai delegate for the Young Farmers & Ranchers committee with the Alaska Farm Bureau. Alaska raises independent people who respect our lands and show up for each other when a neighbor needs help. YF&R takes that natural spirit of cooperation and turns it into real power at the table — on land access, loans, regulations, and policies that affect everyone in the state.

If you’ve ever thought “FFA or YFR isn’t really for me,” please hear this: we need YOU at the table. Your voice, your energy, your perspective — especially from the next generation of young producers — matters more than you know. The truth is, farmers across America are aging out fast, and here in Alaska, our food security depends on new ideas more than ever. That’s why keeping young and beginning producers supported and involved in making big decisions that affect the state is very important to me.

If you’re supporting local or National FFA Organization this week, tag a young AG person who inspires you or shoot me a message if you want to connect!

— Jessica Gittins

Anchor River Ranch | Homer Soil and Water conservation district cooperator | South Kenai Delegate, Alaska Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers

Anchor River Ranch

The 2025 Alaska Agriculture Conference and Grazing Lands Symposium is happening now at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Anchorage! We are excited to network with local Alaskans and local producers over the next few days! 🤠 🤘

#907

UPDATE: The position has been filled.

Don't forget to apply soon!

We're still accepting applications for a Soldotna-based seasonal natural resources tech to work with our invasive species program. To be considered for the position, send your resume, a cover letter, and contact info for three references to [email protected].

Visit our website for the full job description: www.homerswcd.org/employment.htm

UPDATE: The position has been filled.

Come work with us!

Our invasive species team is looking for a part-time, seasonal technician to be based in the Kenai/Soldotna area.

🌿 Start Date: ASAP
🌿 Duration: Part-time, seasonal, April through mid- to late-September 2025
🌿 Location: Central Kenai Peninsula (Kenai/Soldotna)
🌿 Pay: $22.00-25.00/hour depending on experience

The seasonal natural resources technician will assist with planning for and implementing terrestrial and aquatic invasive plant projects, provide support for Alaska’s Certified Weed-free Gravel Program, and may assist with other program priorities, such as public outreach. Most of the field work will be on the Central Peninsula, but the job will also require travel to field sites in other locations, such as Homer, Seward, and Cooper Landing.

Find the full job description and application details on our website:
https://www.homerswcd.org/employment.htm

The position will be open until filled, with qualified applicants invited to interview as applications are received. Have questions? Email [email protected].

We Love Vermi composting

What kind of composter do you want to be? Hot or cold? There are lots of ways to compost. Is hot compost the best? Not necessarily.

Come learn from compost queen Kyra Wagner what different kinds of compost have to offer your garden and find out the best form of composting for your garden and for your lifestyle.

This hands-on free class will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 26 at the Kachemak Bay Campus high tunnel as part of the Southcentral Growers Conference.

Kyra Wagner is an avid gardener and proponent and cheerleader of the local agricultural movement. She is currently the district manager of the Homer Soil & Water Conservation District.

Want to learn more about the Southcentral Growers Conference, a free 2-day event featuring presentations on everything from root cellars to agritourism? Go to https://www.kbcgrows.com/southcentral-growers-conference to register and learn more!

In the past six years, growers in Southcentral Alaska have experienced everything from droughts and heatwaves to months of cold, rainy weather that even fireweed couldn't thrive in. How do Southcentral growers pivot when conditions are less than ideal?
The Southcentral Growers Conference will hold a round-table discussion on Climate Change Strategies for Alaska farmers at 5:15 p.m. on Friday. April 25 at the Kachemak Bay Campus.
Homer farmers will share their experience with irrigation systems, growing under plastic, root cellars, climate batteries and other ideas for growing when the growing gets tough.
Find out more about the FREE inaugural Southcentral Growers Conference at https://www.kbcgrows.com/southcentral-growers-conference