Ag Matters Alaska

LaMarr Anderson talks about the projects at the Rebarchek Agricultural Park on the Alaska State Fair Grounds with host Ken Hoffman. The mission of the Rebarchek Agricultural Park is to preserve the history of agricultural culture in the Mat-Su Valley and Alaska, while promoting agriculture for today and the future.

The farm offers a limited number of 1/2-acre parcels of farmland for lease. Leases can be made by individuals or families interested in farming. They also provide parcels for educational programs and nonprofit organizations.

Bryce Wrigley from the Alaska Flour Company joins host Ken Hoffman to talk about his journey as a farmer and business owner in Alaska. Bryce and his family started farming in Delta Junction in 1983.

The Mosesian family, owners of Bell's Nursery, is the Alaska Farm Family of the Year. Mike Mosesian started Bell's Nursery in 1976.

Carol Kenley talks about the 4 generations of farming and gardening  by her family in Alaska. 

Host Ken Hoffman talks with Alaska Adventure Chef Kevin Moffit.

Ken Hoffman talks with Alex Wilson of Alaska Pacific University

Host Ken Hoffman is joined by Michelle Pages, President of the Kodiak Chapter of the Alaska Farm Bureau. Michelle wears many hats, including those of a 5th-generation farmer, wife, mother, rancher, chef, gym manager, and owner of a feed store. Listen to how Michelle fits all these jobs into her week.

Join host Ken Hoffman as he talks with Tarn Coffey on Ag Matters. 

You can follow Tarn's story on his YouTube channel: Alaska Corn by Coffey Farm.

Abby Austin, Executive Director, and Margaret Adsit, Lands Program Coordinator and Alaska Farmlink Director discuss the work and goal of Alaska Farmland Trust

Leah Corbin and Kelly Marciales from Spring Creek Farm join host Ken Hoffman on Ag Matters.

They discussed some of the programs run at the farm. The Tilth program helps farmers by purchasing seconds and "ugly vegetables," which are then distributed to local food banks or food programs. The Food Forest takes food that grows and is foraged on the trails and makes it easier to access. Contact Alex Wilson, Agriculture Education Coordinator, agwilson@alaskapacificuniversity.edu, for information about farm days and student tours.

Mike Jipping from Beach Tribe Soda Works joins host Ken Hoffman on Ag Matters.

Beach Tribe Soda Works started in 2017. Mike saw a need for a non- alcoholic beverage with less sugar and more adult flavors. The Original Jipping Ginger Beer is a Cold-Pressed Ginger, Lemon, Habanero, and Raw Honey drink. It was their first product and is still their most popular flavor. Beach Tribe Soda Works also creates juices that are only sold at the South Anchorge Farmers Market. The flavors change every week and season as they use the fruit, vegetables, and herbs that are...

Host Ken Hoffman talks with Paul Cook, owner of the Northern Lights Elk Ranch on Ag Matters 

Paul Cook bought the ranch 4 years ago. They have 125 acres for hunting, 11 pastures, for a total of 315 acres.  All hunts are guided, and you won't need a hunting license.  You are guaranteed an animal. 

They sell elk meat with the butchering done in the fall. They sell the meat in quarters. Order early as they run out every year. They use the antlers to make dog treats. Chicken and turkey are also available. 

To learn more, check...

Dave Thorn of Delicious Dave Catering joins host Ken Hoffman on Ag Matters to discuss his use of local foods. He tells us where we can find and buy local foods. Dave also explains why they are better, not only the taste and nutrition, but also economically. Delicious Dave is a catering and traveling chef based in Anchorage, Alaska. He specializes in using locally grown produce, seafood, and meat. 

Karianne Smith, new owner of Bushes Bunches joins host Ken Hoffman on Ag Matters on Big Cabbage Radio

Brothers Sean & Ammon Walker of First Colony Farms join host Ken Hoffman on Ag Matters 

Learn about the Reindeer Farm in Palmer, Alaska when Denise Hardy from the Reindeer Farm joins host Ken Hoffman on Ag Matters.

Jenny Vanderweele discusses Fresh Starts Farm which is sells flowers and flower baskets and more April 15-May 31 with host Ken Hoffman.  

Brandi Jo Nyberg, Executive Director and Market Manager of the Matanuska Community Farmers Market, talks about the market with  Ag Matters host Ken Hoffman.

Alaska Future Farmer of America (FFA) State Officers discuss the value of FFA with guest host Mike Chmielewski.

Christy Kolvoord, loan officer for the Agricultural Revolving Loan Fund, discusses the program with host Tandy Hogate

Jonas and Misti from Healing Acres Farm join host Tandy Hogate on Ag Matters.

Barb Beckage from the Alaska Rural Rehabilitation Corporation (ARRC) joins host Tandy Hogate on Ag Matters. The Alaska Rural Rehabilitation Corporation (ARRC) was incorporated in 1935 under the laws of the territory of Alaska. It was founded as a non-profit organization under the direction of the Department of Interior and the Federal Emergency Relief Administration to administer the colony of 202 families being relocated from the mid-west.

Ken talks about the lobbying in Juneau for food security,  the proposed Department of Agriculture, and legal obstacles to farmers get their food to consumers.

Tandy Hogate talks about her new magazine, Sustainable Alaska, with guest host MIke Chmielewski.

Scott and his family raise dairy cows in Interior Alaska. Their vat pasteurized, un-homogenized milk is available from Fairbanks to Anchorage.

Nick Stark of Stark Custom Services, an exempt mobile slaughter for non-USDA livestock, joins host Tandy Hogate.

Tom Moore from Calypso Farm and Ecology Center near Fairbanks joins host Tandy Hogate on Ag Matters.

Mike interviews Tandy Hogate on the Alaska Homestead Expo coming in April.

Sam Knapp talks about his farm, Offbeet Farm, and  his book, Beyond the Root Cellar, with  host Tandy Hogate

Guest host Mike Chmielewski interviews LaMarr Anderson and Jeff Smeek talk about the Rebarchek Farm at the Alaska State Fairgrounds.