WE CAN GROW IT

Producers' Conference

Dave Bakes Up Goods with Barley Flour

Vegetable Broth at 40 Below

Red potatoes I got this a.m. from our neighbor. Try to do a change up for breakfast with these! Delicous!

Beginning Farmers Online Courses

Agriculture Conference Scheduled

10 Steps to Starting a Community Garden

Request for Proposals for Native Agriculture & Food Systems Initiative Grants - Alaska Business Monthly - December 2011 - Anchorage, AK

Alaskans, Learn from Cornell Small Farms Programs

UAF Greenhouse Dedication at -40oF

Hooping it up in Homer

Mat-Su Farm Tours - Arctic Organics

How to Get the Most Fruit Poduction from your Black Raspberries - Gurney...

South Anchorage Farmer's Market vegetable tour

EatlocalNW: Alaska Corn

HAYEA Field Trip--Sustainable Farming in Homer, Alaska

Sustainable Building and Community Design: lectures from Sept 29th, 2011

Juneau Community Gardens

Peak of the Season Local Food Fest 2010

Rosie Creek Farms

Mat-Su Farm Tours: Vanderweele Farm

Mat-Su Farm Tours: Country Garden Farms

Mat-Su Farm Tours: AD Farm

Mat-Su Farm Tours: Kenley's Alaskan Vegetables

Passionate about Agriculture

Chugiak Student Learns Cooking with Local Produce

Rabbit Creek Students Celebrate National Food Day

Food Security Discussion for Alaskans

Dr. Ikerd Talk REAL Farms of America

SNRAS Science & News: Food Day to arrive Oct. 24

How to Make a Fridge Root Cellar

2011 Giant Cabbage

Rosie Creek Farm Parking it Again

Up a Creek Farm Sells Mixed Bag

Tasting tradition - Anchorage Press: News

Organic Cover Crops

The Joy of Harvest in SC Alaska

Tomato "Chutney" Type = DONE

Green Tomato Sweet Pickle Relish-CHECK

SNRAS Science & News: Growers' school offered by distance delivery

Fried Green Tomatoes and Chow Chow Relish

Homestead Series How To Can Zucchini Relish

Enjoying the Harvest

Potato Garden Harvest Done

Public Forum for the Fresh from Alaska Food Co-op- September 28

Bear Creek Winery Looking for Berries and Rhubarb

FSA Reminds Folks to Submit RTCP for Transportation Reimbursement

Borman's U Pick Near Delta Junction

Calypso Farm CSA Offered Share Options

Garden Harvest Time in Interior

Time to Build a Root Cellar?

Fairbanks Restaurants Using More Locally Grown Food

Siberian Crabapple from Dr. Dearborn

We DID it! "I H-Ear YOU!"

Recommended Vegetable List for Interior

Chicken Butchering Done

August Brings Frost

Frost advisory issued for parts of Tanana Valley tonight

Entry Day at the Deltana Fair

A Garden in Delta Junction

Tanana Valley Farmers' Market

July 21 Brings a Day of Work and Sunshine

To Trellis or Not to Trellis, That is the Question

The Alaska Food Challenge

Unheated Greenhouse Production in June

Interior Rural Gardens

Seed Tape

Juneau Community Garden

Greenhouse Plants are In

May Greenhouse and Garden Prep

Are Your Potatoes Planted?

Delta Greenhouse and Garden Classes

Raspberries, Strawberries and Greenhouse Success

Mother Earth News is Happy to Share So Much

Sunset Magazine Offers Backyard Project Photos

The Alaska Shared Gardens Initiative

Happy Alaska Agriculture Day 2011

Alaskan Products Needed for All Alaskan Dinner

Greenhouse Ends Reinforced

Membership Open at ACAA

State Directory Listing of Departments of Agriculture

Jeff Lowenfels says it is time to start lettuce and cabbage seeds now

Farm to Table Event April 23 in Anchorage

SARE and ACAA Meetings this Week in Fairbanks

Happy Saint Patrick's Day

Support a Department of Agriculture for Alaska-99% other states couldn't all be wrong

Department Of Agriculture And Food

Alaska Agricultural Bills in the House and Senate

Got Goat Milk?

Barley Replaces Wheat Flour

Napa Valley and Tanana/Matanuska Valley

Dillingham Teaches the Basics of Gardening

March Conferences and Events

Risse Greenhouse is Ready in the Interior

Delta Farm Forum Update

Happy Valentines Day

Internships and Volunteers

February Conferences and Meetings

So You Want to Find a Food Internship

Master or Not - Come Join the Conference

Chickens Surviving the Winter

JEFF LOWENFELS says it is "time to start lettuce, cabbage seeds now. There is no denying some things are staples in the Alaska garden. You think about a garden in Alaska, and you see these crops. Specifically, I am referring to cabbage, kale, broccoli and cauliflower. Now is the time to start them if you are going to grow your own from seed."

Michelle Obama to write gardening book

Food Security is Up to all of Us

Ruby Peck Hollembaek Check out the recipes for barley-had some carrot cake at the Delta Farm Forum made by Kathryn Idzorek, Food Research Technician CES that was out of this world!

There were recipes for barley noodles, barley banana bread, barley pancakes, barley cornbread, barley tart crust, barley brownies and barley honey crackers. Buy some hulless barley now.

I'll call for contacts and post it. 1 serving of barley = 90% daily fiber requirement.

Way to go SNRAS researchers, UAF staff and Jodie, Jeff and Rae.

Pass it on people. If you know of a gardener who has these skills, begin the process now of contacting someone in your community, school, fairgrounds, public library land, City Hall yard, etc. to learn how to plot a garden and decide what vegetables to plant, seed starting, transplanting, tuber planning, lighting/heat improvement, and composting basics.

Dig up that lawn, use that wasted space, set up an irrigation system and be the example for your village, town, city or neighborhood.

Great successful venture.

FARM FORUM AGENDA

Welcome Speaker

Deputy Commissioner Ed Fogels – Department of Natural Resources

Ft. Greely Bio Fuels Proposal

Break

Lab-Tested Disease-Free Seed Potato Exports

EPA Fuel Storage Regulations

Jeff Johnson – Owner - Fairbanks Producer

The Flavor of Barley Flour

Break

Salcha-Delta Soil and Water Conservation District

TBA

2012-02-10T07:03:00.001-09:00

2012 PRODUCE GROWERS CONFERENCE

February 21–22, 2012

Palmer Community Center (The Depot)

610 S. Valley Way, Palmer, AK 99645

Tuesday, February 21

8:00 – 8:30 am Registration and check-in

8:30 – 9:30 am Potato Update from the

Plant Material Center, Bill

Campbell

9:30 – 10:30 am Tulare World Ag Expo Review,

Steve Brown & Jeff Smeenk

10:30 – 10:45 am Break

10:45 – 11:45 am Weeds and Potatoes,

Pam Hutchinson

12:00 – 1:30 pm Alaska Food Bank Lunch

and Reception

1:30 – 2:30 pm Marketing Update, Amy Pettit

2:30 – 3:30 pm Tale of Pesticide Resistance,

Ronda Hirnyck & Pam

Hutchinson

3:30 – 3:45 pm Break

3:45 – 4:30 pm The Quest to Increase

Fruits and Vegetables: the

Alaska Farmers Market

Food Stamp Pilot Project,

Diane Peck

4:30 – 5:00 pm Alaska Farm Service

Agency Update,

Danny Consenstein

Wednesday, February 22

8:00 – 8:30 am Registration and check-in

8:30 – 9:30 am Pesticide Labeling, Ronda

9:30 – 10:15 am Herbicide Control of Weeds and

Carryover,

Steven Seefeldt

10:15 – 10:30 am Break

10:30 – 11:45 am Rhodiola Crops in Alaska,

Kwesi Ampong-Nyarko

12:00 – 1:00 pm Lunch

1:00 – 3:00 pm Rhodiola Growers Meeting

(move to the Alaska Farmland Trust conference room

next to library), Dr. Petra Illig

PLEASE NOTE:

Speaker agenda is subject to change without notice.

Our 2012 Speakers

Kwesi Ampong-Nyarko – Research Scientist,

Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development

Steve Brown – District Agriculture/ Horticulture Agent, 0DW 6X &RSSHU 5LYHU District

Bill Campbell – Potato Disease Control Specialist, Division of Ag/Plant Materials Center

Danny Consenstein – State Executive Director,

USDA Alaska Farm Service Agency

Ronda Hirnyck – Pesticide Program Coordinator, University of Idaho

Pam Hutchinson – Associate Professor, Weed Science, University of Idaho

Diane Peck – Community & Evaluation Specialist, Alaska DHSS

Amy Pettit – Development Specialist, Division of Agriculture

Fred Schlutt – Vice Provost for Extension & Outreach, Director of Cooperative Extension Service

Jeff Smeenk – State Extension Horticulture Specialist
Steven Seefeldt

'via Blog this'

2012-02-02T16:19:00.001-09:00

2012-01-20T20:40:00.000-09:00

When you want something good to warm you up, make vegetable broth and add what ya got.
7 quarts of water, 1 onion (quartered, skin & all), 1 red, green, orange or yellow pepper (cut in half), 1 garlic (cut in half, skin and all), celery core, carrots and whatever other vegetables you might have. Salt to taste.

Cover and slow boil 5 - 6 hours. Remove vegetables and add egg noodle drops (1/2 flour - mix 1 egg, salt to taste, mix and drop with fork to boiling water. 20 minutes and enjoy.

2012-01-16T08:38:00.000-09:00

2012-01-12T08:03:00.002-09:00

Spring 2012 Online Courses for Beginning Farmers Open for Registration!

Winter is a great time for planning for your small farm future or taking courses to make your existing farm business even more successful. This Spring we'll be offering 4 online courses - including a new Machinery and Equipment course - to help you continue your farming education.

As always, our courses are taught by experienced Cooperative Extension educators, farmers, and other specialists. Courses run 5-8 weeks, cost $175, and include both real-time meetings (online webinars) and on-your-own time reading and activities. We do not offer any academic credit, but those who successfully complete a course will receive a certificate and are also eligible for Farm Service Agency (FSA) borrower training credit, which can improve your eligibility to receive a low-interest FSA loan.

We have four greatspring 2012 online courses that will help you build your farm business:

· BF 102: Markets and Profits - Exploring the Feasibility of Your Farming Ideas
Have an idea for a farm enterprise but not sure if it’s feasible? This course will get you started exploring the potential markets and profitability of your ideas. Starts January 19, 2012.

· BF 103: Taking Care of Business - Understanding the Business, Regulatory, and Tax Implications of Your Farm
(designed to follow BF 101) This is an intro-level course for aspiring or beginning farmers living and/or farming in NYS and seeking to learn about the commercial, legal and tax implications of farming. Starts March 2, 2012.

· BF 105: Machinery and Equipment - Evaluating What's Right for Your Operation
Many a farm operation has been sunk by "shiny equipment syndrome"; in other words, purchasing too much brand new equipment. On the other end of the scale, many new farmers have burned out their bodies by not adequately powering their farms with machinery. This course will help you strike a happy balance, evaluating what equipment you really need for your scale of operation, whether to buy or make other arrangements, and how to keep your equipment running smoothly if you do purchase it. Starts March 5, 2012.

· BF 122: Berry Production - Getting Started with Growing and Marketing
If you're exploring the idea of adding berries and bramble fruits to your farm, this course will help you consider all the aspects of this decision, from varieties and site selection all the way through profit potential and marketing. Starts February 28, 2012

To learn more about each course, please visit http://nebeginningfarmers.org/online-courses. From this site you can visit our Annual Course Calendar, learn more about our Instructors, see answers to Frequently Asked Questions, read details for each course, and even visit a sample online course.

2012-01-10T07:50:00.000-09:00

Agriculture conference scheduled for March in Fairbanks

by Taylor Maida / Cooperative Extension

Jan 09, 2012 | 1920 views | 0 | 1 | |

FAIRBANKS — The eighth annual Sustainable Agriculture Conference is scheduled for March 14 and 15, at the Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge. Two preconference workshops will kick off the event on March 13. Anyone interested in farming, eating local, and cultivating mushrooms and other foods is welcome to attend all three days.

In past years, preconference workshops have drawn more than 100 participants, with attendance nearing 200 at the two-day conference. Folks travel from communities all across Alaska.

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner - Agriculture conference scheduled for March in Fairbanks:

'via Blog this'

2011-12-08T05:43:00.001-09:00

10 STEPS TO STARTING A COMMUNITY GARDEN*
American Community Gardening Association
The following steps are adapted from the American Community Garden Association's guidelines
for launching a successful community garden in your neighborhood.

1. ORGANIZE A MEETING OF INTERESTED PEOPLE
Determine whether a garden is really needed and wanted, what kind it should be (vegetable, flower, both,
organic?), whom it will involve and who benefits. Invite neighbors, tenants, community organizations,
gardening and horticultural societies, building superintendents (if it is at an apartment building)—in other
words, anyone who is likely to be interested.

2. FORM A PLANNING COMMITTEE
This group can be comprised of people who feel committed to the creation of the garden and have the time to
devote to it, at least at this initial stage. Choose well-organized persons as garden coordinators Form
committees to tackle specific tasks: funding and partnerships, youth activities, construction and communication.

3. IDENTIFY ALL YOUR RESOURCES
Do a community asset assessment. What skills and resources already exist in the community that can aid in the
garden’s creation? Contact local municipal planners about possible sites, as well as horticultural societies and
other local sources of information and assistance. Look within your community for people with experience in
landscaping and gardening. In Toronto contact the Toronto Community Garden Network.

4. APPROACH A SPONSOR
Some gardens "self-support" through membership dues, but for many, a sponsor is essential for donations of
tools, seeds or money. Churches, schools, private businesses or parks and recreation departments are all
possible supporters. One garden raised money by selling "square inches" at $5 each to hundreds of sponsors.

5. CHOOSE A SITE
Consider the amount of daily sunshine (vegetables need at least six hours a day), availability of water, and soil
testing for possible pollutants. Find out who owns the land. Can the gardeners get a lease agreement for at least three years? Will public liability insurance be necessary?

6. PREPARE AND DEVELOP THE SITE
In most cases, the land will need considerable preparation for planting. Organize volunteer work crews to clean it, gather materials and decide on the design and plot arrangement.

7. ORGANIZE THE GARDEN
Members must decide how many plots are available and how they will be assigned. Allow space for storing
tools, making compost and don’t forget the pathways between plots! Plant flowers or shrubs around the
garden's edges to promote good will with non-gardening neighbors, passersby and municipal authorities.

8. PLAN FOR CHILDREN
Consider creating a special garden just for kids--including them is essential. Children are not as interested in the size of the harvest but rather in the process of gardening. A separate area set aside for them allows them to explore the garden at their own speed.

9. DETERMINE RULES AND PUT THEM IN WRITING
The gardeners themselves devise the best ground rules. We are more willing to comply with rules that we have had a hand in creating. Ground rules help gardeners to know what is expected of them. Think of it as a code of behavior. Some examples of issues that are best dealt with by agreed upon rules are: dues, how will the money be used? . How are plots assigned? Will gardeners share tools, meet regularly, handle basic maintenance?

10. HELP MEMBERS KEEP IN TOUCH WITH EACH OTHER
Good communication ensures a strong community garden with active participation by all. Some ways to do this are: form a telephone tree, create an email list; install a rainproof bulletin board in the garden; have regular
celebrations. Community gardens are all about creating and strengthening communities.

http://communitygarden.org/docs/10stepsstart.pdf

2011-12-04T10:36:00.001-09:00

Request for Proposals for Native Agriculture & Food Systems Initiative Grants - Alaska Business Monthly - December 2011 - Anchorage, AK

Request for Proposals for Native Agriculture & Food Systems Initiative Grants - Alaska Business Mont

www.akbizmag.com

First Nations Development Institute (First Nations) is now accepting proposals for the Native American food security grant project under its Native Agriculture & Food Systems Initiative (NAFSI).

2011-11-26T07:57:00.000-09:00

Small Farms November Update

from the Cornell Small Farms Program
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLICK THIS LINK TO VIEW THE NOVEMBER 2011 UPDATE:
http://www.smallfarms.cornell.edu/pages/news/monthlyupdates/88_nov2011.cfm
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

· Scholarships Available for Organic Farming Winter Conference

· Winter Online Courses for Beginning Farmers Open for Registration

· Help us Help You! Beginning Farmer Barrier Id Survey – Phase 2

EVENTS & TRAININGS

· Beginning Farmer Events

· Other Featured Events

CAREER, ETC, OPPORTUNITIES

· Finance and hour manager (Organic Farming Association of NY)

· Organic Fruit and Vegetable Coordinator (Organic Farming Association of NY)

· Consumer Education & Outreach Coordinator (Organic Farming Association of NY)

· Agronomy Educator, CCE Rensselaer County, Troy, NY – Due 12/2/11

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

· Donations Available from Farm Credit to Farmers Hurt by Hurricanes – Due November 26^th

· Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers – Due December 12^th

· Annie’s Homegrown Scholarships for College Students – Due December 15, 2011

RESOURCES

· The Chinese Medicinal Herb Farm: A Cultivator’s Guide to Small-Scale Organic Herb Production

· Grazing Dairy Production Recordbook

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-11-25T07:40:00.000-09:00

SNRAS Science & News: SNRAS/AFES greenhouse ready for research and teaching

UAF Chancellor Brian Rogers and SNRAS Dean Carol Lewis cut the ribbon at the new greenhouse Nov. 22. In the middle is Murray Richmond, aide to Sen. Joe Thomas, and at right is Jack Wilbur of Design Alaska.

With the quick snip of an enormous pair of scissors across a royal blue ribbon the opening of the new $5.325 million UAF School of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences/Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station Greenhouse occurred Nov. 22.

ADLA, Inc.; 8850 North Simineo Circle Palmer, Alaska 99645

Home to Responsible Game Ranch Producers

2011-11-09T07:36:00.001-09:00

link: Hooping it up in Homer 11/02/11

Hooping it up in Homer

High tunnels changing agricultural landscape

BY MICHAEL ARMSTRONG
STAFF WRITER

Photo by Michael Armstrong

Donna Rae and Don McNamara stand in front of one of their Oceanside Farms high hoop tunnels on Ocean Drive Loop.

Two years ago when the Homer office of the Natural Resources Conservation Service joined a federal pilot program for high tunnels, District Conservationist Mark Kinney had no idea how successful the program would be. High tunnels are steel-framed, clear polyethylene-covered structures that extend the growing season by four to six weeks. Through NRCS, the U.S. Department of Agriculture partially funds building the tunnels.
In 2009 Kinney attended the annual meeting of the Homer Farmers' Market growers and talked about the program.
Read more: http://homernews.com/stories/110211/news_hiuih.shtml#.TrqqdkNTm3c

2011-10-30T07:31:00.000-08:00

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek

Farmer/Rancher

Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-10-30T07:29:00.000-08:00

Managing Raspberry Growing, not Alaskan but very useful.

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek

Farmer/Rancher

Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-10-30T07:13:00.000-08:00

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek

Farmer/Rancher

Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-10-30T07:12:00.000-08:00

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek

Farmer/Rancher

Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-10-30T07:05:00.000-08:00

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek

Farmer/Rancher

Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-10-29T18:56:00.000-08:00

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska
Alaska, where rhubarb is our apple!

2011-10-29T18:46:00.000-08:00

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-10-29T18:43:00.000-08:00

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-10-29T18:41:00.000-08:00

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-10-29T18:40:00.000-08:00

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska
Alaska, where rhubarb is our apple!

2011-10-29T18:37:00.001-08:00

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-10-29T18:37:00.000-08:00

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-10-29T18:36:00.000-08:00

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska
Alaska, where rhubarb is our apple!

2011-10-25T07:16:00.001-08:00

Passionate about agriculture, Knight focuses on Alaska berries:

FAIRBANKS - Charlie Knight (aka “Mr. Agriculture”) could just sit back in his recliner, wrap himself in his John Deere fleece blanket, and take it easy now that he is retired. But that would be so...

Dr. Knight (or Charlie as we farmers call him) is also passionate about rhubarb. Thank you for this!

Farmer/Rancher

Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-10-25T07:12:00.002-08:00

There are subtle but obvious differences between locally grown produce and that which is trucked thousands of miles before reaching Alaska.

"It just has more of that crunch," said Mikayla Sanchez, a student in Kathy Vik's family and consumer science class at Chugiak High.

As she spoke, Sanchez and her classmates munched on leafy green lettuce and bright orange carrots grown just up the road in Palmer. The fresh veggies were left over from a lunchtime salad giveaway the class held for their fellow Chugiak students.

Amity Capras, another student in the class, said the taste of the local vegetables doesn't compare with store-bought.

Read more:

http://www.alaskajournal.com/Alaska-Journal-of-Commerce/AJOC-October-23-2011/Chugiak-students-learn-cooking-with-local-produce/

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-10-25T07:09:00.000-08:00

Rabbit Creek Students Celebrate National Food Day

Rabbit Creek Elementary School in South Anchorage lived up to its name on Monday. Students celebrated National Food Day by crunching on carrots as part of a taste test.

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek

Farmer/Rancher

Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-10-22T06:37:00.001-08:00

By Craig Gerlach

All Alaskans are eaters, but only a very tiny minority (maybe 2 percent) are farmers working a little over 680 Alaskan farms. Everyone seems to be jumping on the “local food is better” bandwagon, at least with their sentiments, if not always with their pocketbooks, but we have a long way to go before we will begin to attract young people into farming, before we make the policy changes that will make Alaska’s farm economies strong and profitable and the policy and social changes that will put healthy Alaska farm produce on everyone’s table. Read more at http://snras.blogspot.com/2011/10/food-security-is-up-to-all-of-us.html

Craig Gerlach is a professor of cross-cultural studies at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He is also a father and a farmer very interested in food systems and the sustainability of life in Alaska.

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-10-20T08:46:00.003-08:00

RECENT PAPERS ON-LINE

NEW ONLINE August 2011

The Sustaining People through Agriculture Series

New Farm Economics Series

Small Farms Series

The New American Farm Series

Sustainable Agriculture Series

The Ecology of Sustainability Series

The Future of Food and Farming in America Series

Sustainable Community Development Series

The Economic of Sustainability Series

Sustainability & Confinement Animal Feeding Series

Selected Links: (Video, Audio, Text)

Ecological Capitalism (video)

Real Cost of Food (video)

Small Farms are Real Farms (audio)

Economic Sustainability (audio)

The Farm Economy: State of the Union (text)

Managing Sustainable Organizations (text)

Sustainable Capitalism: A Matter of Ethics and Morality (text)

Books by John Ikerd

Sustainable Capitalism: A Matter of Common Sense

Available from Kumarian Press Inc.

* Why is today’s capitalist economy unsustainable?

* What are the essentials of a sustainable economy?

* How can we manage sustainable organizations?

* What are the three economies of sustainability?

* How can we manage a sustainable economy?

Small Farms are Real Farms:

Sustaining People Through Agriculture

Available from Acres USA, Inc.

* Why is America experiencing a small farm revolution?

* Why is it important to sustain people, not just agriculture?

* How can small farms be managed for sustainability?

* What are the economic keys to small farm sustainability

* Why does America need small farms for food security?

Revolution of the Middle… Pursuit of Happiness

Free on-line at: http://www.johnikerd.com

* What’s really wrong with today’s economy?

* Are capitalism and democracy sustainable?

* What if we saw the world differently?

* How can we find purpose and meaning in life?

* What is the source of true happiness?

* How can we reclaim our society and economy?

Return to Common Sense

Available from R. T. Edwards Publishers

* How did America become an unsustainable society?

* What is the new vision of societal sustainability?

* What does common sense have to do with sustainability?

* Why do we need revolution rather than evolution?

* How can we achieve the victory of sustainability?

Crisis and Opportunity: Sustainability in American Agriculture

Available from University of Nebraska Press

* How is crisis and agriculture related to sustainability?

* What is driving the sustainable agriculture movement?

* What are the key principles of sustainable farming?

* What’s different about the new American farmers?

* How can we create a new sustainable food system?

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-10-15T03:58:00.001-08:00

SNRAS Science & News: Food Day

Food touches the lives of everyone and in recognition of that a new national event begins this year. Just as Earth Day is celebrated every April 22, Food Day will be held every Oct. 24.

The goals are to reduce diet-related disease by promoting safe, healthy foods; support sustainable farms and limit subsidies to big agribusiness; expand access to food and alleviate hunger; protect the environment and animals by reforming factory farms; promote health by curbing junk-food marketing to kids; support fair conditions for food and farm workers.
http://snras.blogspot.com/2011/10/food-day-to-arrive-oct-24.html

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek

Farmer/Rancher

Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-10-14T21:42:00.001-08:00

2011-10-10T08:04:00.000-08:00

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek

Farmer/Rancher

Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-10-08T06:43:00.001-08:00

Rosie Creek Farm
Yet one more parking lot sale - Saturday October 8th from 1PM to 4PM in the Beaver Sports parking lot. We'll have lots of potatoes and onions and we'll be joined by Dave's Greenhouse who's have lots of fresh tomatoes. Also we'll have some winter squash, cabbage and other goodies.

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-10-07T06:17:00.001-08:00

Picked up these spuds for my quilting friends for our Saturday Craft Day. Cyndi Hayden from Up a Creek Farm (UAC Farm on Facebook) sells these for $7 mixed potatoes in 10# bags.
Contact Cyndi at 12800 Barley Way, PO box 1107 Delta Junction, AK 99737 or call 895-5503.
They are going fast.

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher

Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-10-07T05:14:00.000-08:00

By Susy Buchanan

"What's this green thing?" Al Roker of NBC's Today Show asks, visibly perplexed. "It's sea asparagus," Chef Rob Kinneen gently explains as he incorporates the briny greens, also known as glasswort, into a fresh roll along with Alaska spot prawns and fireweed blossoms, placing them delicately (Roker, not so much) on a sheath of rice paper. Roker follows along as Kinneen, 37, leads him to the grill where elk skewers, marinated in spruce tips, to be served with fiddlehead ferns and a cranberry and birch syrup vinaigrette, are sizzling. It's a culinary concept Kinneen has devoted himself to promoting: the use of indigenous, fresh, local ingredients coupled with contemporary cooking techniques. Roker only gets a small sample of Kineen's culinary chemistry in the short segment that aired June 13 of this year.

"Oh my God, I have never worked so hard for three minutes in my life," marvels Kinneen as he describes the highly orchestrated schedule that had Roker filming with Kinneen (part of the TV weatherman's quest to sleep in all 50 states, Alaska being the last one) at 7 a.m., then hopping on a plane at 7:30. The exposure for Kinneen was good, but that's beside the point. What he's most proud of is the attention his efforts over the last eight months is drawing, hoping the payoff will be nothing less than changing the way people look at eating in Alaska.

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek

Farmer/Rancher/Retired Educator

Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-09-28T06:27:00.000-08:00

Looking for an organic cover crop for your garden or plot? There are several good cover crops. One is Annual rye grass. Another is to add field peas with annual rye. We also planted Rye grass with field radishes. These radishes grow to a good depth and when they freeze they leave holes. This helps drainage in the spring.

Thank you to Paul Huppert for this contribution.

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-09-27T21:57:00.003-08:00

Landon inspects the radishes he pulled in the family garden.

Rain or shine, it's time to harvest!

Veggies can be fun!

Sunflower measure-time!

I love harvest!

Digging potatoes at home in the back yard.

Early morning beet harvest in pj's.

2011-09-21T17:32:00.001-08:00

This time I followed the recipe and used the salted water mixture over the veggies for 5 minutes before I then drained and used the vinegar and sugar/mustard/cornstarch mix. This looks so yummy and I will try it as a sauce over some baked white fish (as a sauce to serve after the fish is baked).

I got some wonderful small pretty navy beans from a neighbor down the river. I am going to try and can these. He has a farm "outside" somewhere where beans are plentiful. I love beans, anyway, anyhow, anytime:)

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-09-21T11:01:00.001-08:00

From "So Easy Preserve" from the Cooperative Extension Service, The University of Georgia
10# of hard green tomatoes, a combination of red/green/yellow/orange peppers (5), green onions, sugar, vinegar, mustard, salt and cornstarch.

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-09-19T06:17:00.000-08:00

SNRAS Science & News: Growers' school offered by distance delivery: The Advanced Alaska Growers School is accepting registration from master gardeners and others with at least two years of gardening or farmin...

STARTS September 21

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek

Farmer/Rancher

Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-09-18T11:02:00.001-08:00

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-09-18T10:57:00.001-08:00

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-09-18T09:24:00.004-08:00

Clement enjoys an evening meal of almost all Alaskan grown. The chicken, newly harvested potatoes and cucumbers were spectacular. This makes the meal even more delightful when you know where your food source comes from.

Chicken:
Rub the entire whole chicken with olive oil and season well with your favorite seasoning. I used McCormick Grill Mates Montreal Chicken flavor seasoning and I absolutely coat the chicken with it. Tent the chicken with foil and bake at 425oF until lightly golden. Take off the foil the last few minutes and continue baking. This allows you to have lushes brown crispy chicken skin.

Garlic, onion mashed new potatoes. Scrub your new potatoes but no need to peel. I boil my Alaskan Baked King potatoes along with a large green onion or 2 (chopped in small pieces) in salted water. Drain the water and mash the potatoes with your favorite cream or milk, a tad of butter, garlic and pepper. Out of this world! I used them the next morning in potato pancakes.

Sliced cucumbers with seasoning and red vinegar.

For dessert, I adapted the chocolate cake recipe found on the back of the Hershey's Cocoa container.

1/2 cup Stevia (sugar substitute)
1 cup honey (I actually didn't quite use a cup as I don't like my cake so sweet)
1 3/4 cups flour
3/4 cup cocoa
1 1/2 t baking powder
1 1/2 t baking soda
1 t salt
2 t vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1/3 cup olive oil
1 cup boiling water Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl. Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla; beat on medium speed 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour into greased pan. Bake until tooth pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 min and frost with your favorite frosting. (I love chocolate on chocolate).

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-09-17T09:46:00.001-08:00

Potato harvest went well yesterday. Love this fall weather. I remember digging those spuds up in the snow. Much better this way! We used Baked Kings. We store them in a root cellar where they provide a great food source all winter long.

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-09-17T09:08:00.002-08:00

Next Open Public Forum for the Fresh from Alaska Food Coop - Wednesday - 09/28/11 - 6:30pm - Cooperative Extension Service - 16th & C Street -Anchorage. Please spread the word! They will be reviewing the information they have gathered on on-line food co-ops.

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-09-12T14:10:00.003-08:00

Bear Creek Winery looking for rhubarb, blueberries and raspberries.Thanks!

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Ranche
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-09-07T13:56:00.002-08:00

Dear Friends and News Desks,

Attached is a news release from earlier in the summer announcing payments made for last year’s program. It also announced the dates for applying for this year’s payments. This Friday, September 9, is the last day we will accept applications. Applications must be postmarked by Friday. I have also attached application forms and information about signing up the Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program for Geographically Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers (RTCP). You can also get more information on our website, www.fsa.usda.gov/ak

Over the past few weeks, we have had meetings in Homer, Kenai, Palmer, Kenny Lake, Fairbanks and Delta. Next week, I will be on the Kenai again, with meetings in Kenai and Homer. On Tuesday, September 13, at 2:00 pm, I will be meeting with local producers at the Kenai USDA office. On Thursday, September 15, at 2:00 pm, I will be meeting with growers and ranchers at the Homer NRCS office. Please join me at either of these meetings if you are in the area. Also, I will be stopping at a number of farms along the way. If you would like me to come visit your operation, please let me know!

We are also transitioning to a new email newsletter system. To sign up for newsletters and other updates from FSA, enter your email address at:http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/subscriptions?area=newsroom&subject=landing&topic=subscriptions

Hope to see you soon!

Danny

Danny Consenstein
Executive Director
USDA Alaska Farm Service Agency
800 West Evergreen, Suite 216
Palmer, AK 99645
907.761.7738907.841.4890 (cell)

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-09-05T07:42:00.000-08:00

Frank Borman's U Pick near Delta Junction is going strong. (907/895-4148) Potato prices dropped to $.18 per pound or $5 per 5 gallon bucket. You pick your own strawberries.

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-09-05T07:28:00.002-08:00

Calypso Farm CSA offered the share options in 2011.

In addition, listed on Calypso's website, there were 4 other farms in the Tanana Valley who offered CSA's.

Basically Basil, Demeter Farm, Dogwood Garden, Rosie Creek Farm and Spinach Creek Farm.

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-09-03T09:39:00.001-08:00

The young Brennan-Hollembaek family work hard at harvesting their garden and greenhouse. Family comes to share and help. Even little Evan enjoys the time outside in the garden.

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-09-03T08:49:00.003-08:00

Time to build a root cellar? Check out Vegetable Storage in Root Cellars by Michele Hebert. This gives a sample blueprint for a root cellar along with a list storage time and temperature for some vegetables that you might store in one. We have a well house that also serves as a root cellar for our potatoes that are grown in our garden. I believe it is time to build another one. There are innovative ones that are made from connexes, semi vans, re-purposed materials, etc. A well insulated room in the basement may also provide a good storage place for vegetables and canned goods. If you have a root cellar photo or information that you'd like to share, please feel free to send a comment and I will post on this blog. Happy harvest everyone!

2011-08-31T09:40:00.001-08:00

photo of Brennan sisters of Delta Junction picking their winter supply of blueberries.

Photo by Julie Brennan

More locally grown food making its way to Fairbanks restaurants

by Nancy Tarnai / For the News-Miner

Aug 30, 2011

Read more: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner - More locally grown food making its way to Fairbanks restaurants FAIRBANKS - Ah, dining out in Fairbanks. Just a few years ago you could count on nearly everything you ordered having been delivered here via a large food service company.

Read more: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner - More locally grown food making its way to Fairbanks restaurants

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-08-28T10:34:00.001-08:00

Jake and I checked out the Siberian Crabapple trees that we planted at the farm over 30 years ago.
Dr. Dearborn sent them up with us to see how they did. I will pick them today as we had a very hard frost last night. Siberian Applebutter?

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-08-27T18:41:00.001-08:00

The corn is beautiful and delicious. We are so happy! Wesley Hollembaek holds the corn that he pulled off the stalk this a.m.

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-08-20T07:45:00.000-08:00

http://www.uaf.edu/ces/publications-db/catalog/anr/HGA-00030.pdf

Click on link above to see recommended list for interior Alaska.

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-08-16T13:47:00.001-08:00

Chicken Manure = Compost for 2013

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-08-16T13:34:00.001-08:00

Frost came and went. The tomatoes are ripening, the zucchinis are still producing and I pick them while they are relatively small to make pickles. I love my flowers mixed in the greenhouse. It just makes me smile. The strawberries are not producing much. I think I should not have put on the last batch of fertilizer. The corn will be ready soon. My grandson and I see each other nearly every morning as we meet at the greenhouse while we pick whatever we will have for lunch and dinner that day. Can't get much better than that!

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-08-05T17:37:00.000-08:00

Frost advisory issued for parts of Tanana Valley tonight: "FAIRBANKS - Gardeners, be prepared. The National Weather Service has issued a frost advisory for low-lying areas of the Tanana Valley tonight. Temperatures may fall to around 30 degrees betwe..."

2011-07-29T06:54:00.002-08:00

Entry day for me meant taking in crops (very few this year) along with visiting with folks with the vegetable, flowers, food, and fine arts divisions. It was wonderful. About 240 vegetable entries.

Come enjoy the Deltana Fair. The Pipeline Run in the Late Night Sun begins tonight at 8 PM, check in between 7 and 7:30 PM. Entry fee = t-shirt.

Today you may also purchase a hoodie or t-shirt with the 2011 Logo.

3 day passes with key-chains too!

The parade begins tomorrow a.m. at 11 PM.

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-07-27T21:04:00.001-08:00

A garden in Delta Junction.

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-07-27T20:41:00.001-08:00

A dream of a day. A bit cold in Fairbanks but we were dry. The Tanana Valley Farmer's Market was wonderful. Inspirational. Motivational. Incredible.

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-07-22T07:39:00.004-08:00

July 21st, exactly one month since summer solstice and what a difference a month makes. The flowers are blooming, the zucchinis, cucumbers and strawberries are ripening. The corn is silking. The potatoes look great, the sunflowers are about ready to blossom. The hogs are big. Buckley's Cornish Cross chickens are fully feathered out and happy to be free ranging along with the feed and water he provides. 12 hours of feed on, 12 hours of feed off. The bison and elk are doing well. The laying hens are still producing eggs without any delay. I try to pick greens from the yard or give them kitchen scraps every day. They love it.

What a difference a month makes. August 21st will bring a cutting of hay and we will be in full swing in regards to butchering our meat animals. That will continue through January. I really do look forward to February. I enjoy the folks that come to the farm and ranch to take our bison and elk in the farm/gate sales. However, in February is our real break. February is also the month of the Delta Farm Forum, followed by a multitude of conferences and workshops around the state. It is a time to see old faces and meet new ones.

July 21st and all is well.

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-07-12T09:43:00.002-08:00

I didn't trellis my cukes...big mistake. Zukes coming on like crazy! Peppers too.

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-06-29T08:31:00.001-08:00

The Alaska Food Challenge

By Steve Heimel, APRN - Anchorage | June 28, 2011

Is it possible? Is it desirable? A group of Alaskans has pledged to eat only food from Alaska for a year. They just started. They are busy learning foraging techniques and finding substitutes for things like coffee and sugar – substitutes from Alaska. We’ll check in on how they are doing so far, on the next Talk of Alaska.

http://www.alaskapublic.org/2011/06/28/the-alaska-food-challenge/

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-06-22T08:27:00.001-08:00

Our greenhouse is putting out cukes, zucchinis and some tomatoes. I don't have a stove in it or I'd be even further along. My friend sent over 15" English cucumbers for me. Ecstatic! Rhubarb is rockin' now too!

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-06-02T18:55:00.000-08:00

This interior rural garden is of a friends' who has lived at this location for several years. Every year they add another site where they create a beautiful piece for the eye and aroma. There are acres of produce, flowers, water features, trees and more. I just wish we had at least 6 months of enjoyment each summer instead of our short season.

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-06-02T12:22:00.000-08:00

Lettuce, beets, radishes, carrots, etc. all on tape and in individual packets.

Easy Sow Seed Tapes *Make it easy to handle seeds. *Permit sowing in perfect rows. *Reduce the time, work and loss involved in thinning seedlings. *Allow uniform emergence of seedlings. *Dissolve after planting and are environment friendly. *May be cut at any point for multiple - row planting or to be saved for a second sowing.

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-06-01T07:57:00.000-08:00

Welcome to The Juneau Community Garden Website

juneaucommunitygarden.org
Welcome to the Juneau Community Garden Website

2011 Events at the Juneau Community Garden

Saturday, May 28, Public Gardens Day
Saturday, June 4 and Sunday, June 5, Spruce it Up Work Parties, 1 to 3 pm
Saturday, June 11, SE Alaska Master Gardeners' tour of Juneau Community Garden, 1 to 4 pm
Saturday, June 18, Rhubarb Festival
Sunday, August 28, 19th Annual Harvest Fair

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-05-31T23:03:00.000-08:00

I don't have a heated greenhouse. I could but I haven't gotten to the stage where I'd put a stove in and heat it for 2 months prior to June 1. Today, Olga and Wes planted the greenhouse. I had the pots set out to where approximately they would go. We had a tape measure out there and planted the corn, zucchini, cucumbers, tomatoes, dahlias, basil, peppers and a few others. It's done. Next comes the drip system which is in. A little more fertilizer. Weeding. Scott took a lawn mower through the isles. We could cut those down some more. We also need to take a tool and remove the grass along the inside of the greenhouse sides. It was 108oF in there before we caught it and quickly rolled up the sides. Yikes!

I will do a soil sample and take weekly temps of the greenhouse and record it. I have placed my booklet with information in a waterproof box so that I can do all while at the greenhouse. I will get some fly-strips to catch some of the insects and catalog them. I would also like to purchase a soil moisture probe.

I saw on Victory Gardens some cool instruments and gadgets. I'd like to order a couple of them.

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-05-30T10:06:00.000-08:00

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-05-29T08:10:00.002-08:00

I LOVE POTATOES! I heard there were "wild potatoes" in the Nome area. Potato is my favorite staple.
Hill ground.
Trench 6-8 : deep, half should be filled with compost.
Rows 30" apart. Planting whole seed potatoes allows for less disease. Each should have 2 -3 "eyes" - buds.
Cure seed potatoes in warm place for up to 2 days. Soon "eyes" will emerge.
Pile up the soil , keep doing this as the plants grow until the hills are 12" high. Water regularly.
There are early and late season varieties. I believe they require varied watering schedules.

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-05-24T19:30:00.000-08:00

Saturday, June 4^th, 2011: Raised beds. Workshop will be at the Deltana Fairgrounds at the Red Barn from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Come learn how to make lasagna raised bed.
Saturday, June 11^th, 2011: Perennials. There will be discussion on perennial division, planting and propagating perennials. Meeting will be in the CES Conference room in the Jarvis Office Center at 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Saturday, June 18^th, 2011: Greenhouse and Garden Problems. Meeting will be in the CES Conference room in the Jarvis Office Center at 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. If you have problems in your garden or greenhouse bring them to class.
Saturday, June 25^th, 2011: (Tentative); Lawns and lawn Care. This workshop will be at the Deltana Fairgrounds at the Red Barn, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

If you are interested in one of these classes or workshops please call the office and sign up. 895-4215. Space is limited.

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-05-14T07:12:00.002-08:00

I have visited my friend, Anna's, greenhouse to check on my transplants that she has started for me. It is incredible. With only a potbelly stove, she is already so far ahead of the game. I dug 4 kinds of raspberries (1 black, 1 yellow 2 red), strawberries and took home an audacious basil, wild chives from SC Alaska and the energy to begin my greenhouse tasks.

I like to purchase transplants from businesses and individuals who have a track record of successful plants in Alaska. My strawberries are now in the greenhouse (136) and my raspberries (50) are planted on the hill, deep in bison manure and good compost. Thanks everyone for a great second week in May!

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-05-09T07:35:00.000-08:00

Shelley Stonebrook said...

"Hello! I'm the gardening editor at Mother Earth News, Shelley Stonebrook, and I just wanted to say thanks for mentioning our Garden Planner! Glad to hear you like it, and glad that you're spreading the word about the benefits of growing your own food. Keep up the good work."

I recently ordered the archives of Mother Earth News (41 Years of Wiser Living). 1970 - 2010. A great mark-down price ($25) so I got one for our daughter for Mother's Day too. She inherited the green thumb from her father's side. Funny how that happens. I am a "work in progress" myself.

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-05-09T07:18:00.000-08:00

http://www.sunset.com/garden/backyard-projects/great-garden-paths-photos-00400000043327/page12.html

Sunset Magazine features backyard projects and great garden path photos. I think I need this in one of my spots on the 10 acres. I have a friend who has been "building" her own botanical garden with waterfall, arbors, bridges, ponds, flowers, edible gardens and so much more. Time to start in sections this year again. I have 3 spots cultivated in 7 years.

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-05-09T07:15:00.000-08:00

erik said...

Wasn't sure how to get a hold of you except through comments, but I wanted to let you know about a new shared gardens project called the Alaska Shared Gardens Initiative. Recently created as a free service for Alaskans in Anchorage, Kenai Penisula, Matsu, and Fairbanks, it's a place where people can connect up to share garden space. Check it out!

Thanks Eric for taking the time to share. rh

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-05-03T09:46:00.002-08:00

What is your community doing to celebrate Alaska Ag Day and Week?

Here's what UAF SNRAS is doing: http://snras.blogspot.com/2011/05/may-3-is-alaska-agriculture-day.html

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-05-03T08:12:00.002-08:00

Need Alaska produce for the All Alaskan Dinner

The event website (http://www.globalfoodalaska.com)
Robin Richardson, Member Manager
GFC-CONNECT.COM
A Web Service of Global Food Collaborative, LLC.
1.888.339.7429 x 1, 907.563.0154

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-05-02T10:23:00.001-08:00

Securing reinforced ends and stopping that wind from grabbing the ends of the greenhouse this year and ripping it to the top.
Here goes, wish us luck. Thanks guys for the hard work on a Sunday.

Click on http://gardenplanner.motherearthnews.com/gardenplanner/gardenplanner.html .

GARDEN PLANNER
"With our Vegetable Garden Planner, garden planning just got easier — and more fun! This interactive tool provides help with garden design, plant placement, planting times, crop rotations and more. And you can try it free for 30 days.
Read more about the Vegetable Garden Planner.Launch the Vegetable Garden Planner login page."

It is a fabulous tool to fit your structure or garden with exactly the number of plants you will need and the area they require for optimum growth.

This year I will plant: basil, corn, cucumbers, sunflowers, peppers, pumpkins, strawberries tomatoes and zucchini inside the greenhouse. I have apple trees planted on the exterior and will add raspberries to this area.

I am adding some soil and compost, rototilling and making plans for a great summer feast.

Today I start my sunflowers. My friend is starting my other plants for me. I am happy.

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-04-24T07:42:00.000-08:00

Mission Statement

The Alaska Community Agriculture Association is an organization of Alaskans growing crops and livestock for direct sale to the public. Its members are committed to promoting, supporting, and working towards healthy, sustainable local food systems. We want to encourage agricultural practices that benefit our environment, our communities, and our customers.

We are a grower-led association which includes farmers, home gardeners, local food lovers and other community members who share a common goal of supporting and encouraging ecologically responsible food production in the State of Alaska. Whether you come to this website to find a local CSA share, learn about educational opportunities and local events, search our resource database, or peruse our forums to ask questions or share information, we hope you will find what you need!

Membership is open but all members have to be approved by the management. If you want to join our mailing list, please do so. If you have any questions, comments, or relevant information to share, please feel free to contact us.

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-04-10T17:39:00.000-08:00

Follow the link to view the US Departments of Agriculture. State Directory

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek

Farmer/Rancher/Retired Educator

Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-04-07T06:29:00.000-08:00

http://www.adn.com/2011/04/06/1796689/start-lettuce-cabbage-seeds-now.html

For me, I get out my stash from last year and have started some pumpkin seeds and am going to plant rhubarb seeds from my friend, Paul, from Galena. I will also start Scott's favorite flower, the pansies. I should have bought Denali seeds while I was at the Women's Show this last weekend. I passed it up thinking I would find them later while shopping in town. Mistake. I found other varieties but I really wanted Denali. Now I hope that Acacia Floral and Gifts have the seeds today when I head to Delta town. I also have some iris seed taken from my plants here at the homeplace. I will purchase my seedlings already established from Lisa at Circle S as soon as I can. I think it is worth my effort to begin my garden with plants already at a good place. Call your nearest Cooperative Extension Service to get a list of seeds and plants that are hardy in your area. Don't be afraid to try gardening. Talk to your neighbors and folks in your area about soil, watering, fertilizer and favorite items to grow.

Everyone starts somewhere. Also, check out the lists on the right of this entry for gardening in Alaska. There are many sources out there. Happy Spring! I can't wait for the snow to melt. In the meantime, my basement turns into a "hothouse" of plenty.

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-04-02T19:05:00.001-08:00

On April 23, 2011, from 5:00pm to 8:00 pm, the Fresh from Alaska Food Co-op group will be hosting a Farm to Table event at Hope Community Resources, 570 W. 53rd Ave., Anchorage, AK, and Ellen Robertson, from Ellen’s Heart and Soul Catering, is donating her time and expertise as our chef.

It is our intent to highlight the wonderful food products that the State of Alaska has to offer and the growers and producers responsible for them. In exchange for your donation, your business and contact information will be made available to everyone in attendance on both hand-outs and wall posters.

Please e-mail at your earliest convenience what products and the quantity you are able to donate so our chef can start working on recipes. If you have any ideas along those lines, please let me know.

Thank you for your participation. If you have any questions, feel free to give me a call at 907-727-0078.

Sincerely,

Mary M. Ernsberger

Coordinator
Fresh from Alaska Food Co-op

(907) 727-0078

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-03-21T06:37:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone!

The ACAA turns 2 years old this month! And we're having our first real annual meeting!

It will take place from 5:30 'til 7 PM immediately following the sessions at the Sustainable Agriculture Conference in conference room at the Fairbanks Princess Hotel. There will be snacks available so we don't all starve before dinner.

For those of you who can't attend in person, we will have call-in capability at:
1-800-893-8850.
the PIN is: 6114982

The agenda is as follows:
1) New website introduction/demonstration (www.alaskacommunityag.org)
2) Membership policy
3) Introduction of the new ACAA intern and setting goals for her future efforts
4) ACAA goal realization and prioritization - i.e. how well are we doing in meeting the goals we have set for ourselves. Discussion should include reflection and analysis of the following:
- Information exchange
grower to grower
grower to consumer
grower to agency
- cooperative marketing
- cooperative purchasing of supplies/equipment
- advocacy
- beginning farmer training
- other
5) Future funding options/structures
6) registering as a non-profit

We realize that this is a pretty ambitious agenda for a meeting but this is a pretty important group and we as a group have a chance to make a big impact in this state.

* AN IMPORTANT NOTE! The website from which this message is broadcast (the "Ning" site) will no longer exist after this month. If you haven't already visited our new site (alaskacommunityag.org), please do so. It is our new home.

See you there!

Articles by Nancy in the Newsminer:

Farming and Family Life in Two Rivers

http://newsminer.com/view/full_story/12334579/article-Line-between-farming-and-family-life-in-Two-Rivers-blur?instance=home_features_bullets1

CSA's in the Fairbanks area

http://www.newsminer.com/view/full_story/7600188/article-Fairbanks-is-a-hotbed-for-community-supported-farms

Susan Willsrud, Fairbanks’ own “Pied Piper of local foods,” is just as happy hoeing weeds or sorting seeds as she is extolling the benefits of fresh veggies.

http://classifieds.newsminer.com/view/full_story/11019322/article-Finding-the-perfect-match-between-food-and-people?instance=nancy_tarnai

The accidental farmer: Mike Emers of Rosie Creek Farm

Read more: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner - The accidental farmer Mike Emers of Rosie Creek Farm http://www.newsminer.com/view/full_story/8793803/article-The-accidental-farmer--Mike-Emers-of-Rosie-Creek-Farm?instance=nancy_tarnai1

Idaho transplant finds farming success and happiness in Alaska

Read more: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner - Idaho transplant finds farming success and happiness in Alaska http://www.newsminer.com/view/full_story/9655695/article-Idaho-transplant-finds-farming-success-and-happiness-in-Alaska

Building community awareness at Fairbanks' Turning Light Farm
Read more: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner - Building community awareness at Fairbanks Turning Light Farm http://www.newsminer.com/view/full_story/10540124/article-Building-community-awareness-at-Fairbanks--Turning-Light-Farm

Raw milk regulations get Fairbanks farmer’s goat http://www.newsminer.com/view/full_story/10184308/article-Raw-milk-regulations-get-Fairbanks-farmer%E2%80%99s-goat

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-03-17T08:26:00.000-08:00

photo from Patrick Lose Studios

The Guardian -

Michelle Obama is hoping to join her husband on the bestseller lists with a book devoted to her experience of creating a vegetable plot on the White House lawn.

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-03-12T17:11:00.005-09:00

House Bill 191

Sponsored by Rep. Steve Thompson

“An Act establishing a state department of agriculture and food and relating to its powers and duties; relating to the powers and duties of the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Department of Natural Resources; and providing for an effective date.”

Status: (H) EDT : 2011-03-11

Next Hearing: (H) EDT 2011-03-15 10:15 am, Room 124

The teleconference hearing for HB 191 went quite well. Over a dozen people from across the state testified in a very positive response to HB191. Thank you to the legislatures who co-sponsored the bill and the committee members for hearing us. DNR took no position for or against this bill which I thought was hopeful. Again, we have in our state constitution that there was a Department of Agriculture, at the cabinet level, this was changed (in the 1960's) after statehood when it was put under DNR prior to ANSCA and the push to put the pipeline through. That is my understanding. It is time to put it back at the cabinet level before we sit as a state with no ag land or production. ARLF is in trouble, see the latest Alaska Business Monthly magazine for the article about that.

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-03-10T09:44:00.000-09:00

AGRICULTURE

o HB 18 ALASKA PUBLIC GARDENS DAY

o HB 60 GEODUCK AQUATIC FARMING/SEED TRANSFER

o HB 66 TAX ON GAS FOR IN STATE MANUFACTURING

o HB 93 SCHOOL GARDENS, GREENHOUSES, AND FARMS

o HB 97 EXTEND INVASIVE PLANTS LAW

o HB 105 SOUTHEAST STATE FOREST

o HB 121 LOAN FUNDS:CHARTERS/MARICULTURE/MICROLOAN

o HJR 8 OPPOSE GENETICALLY ENGINEERED SALMON

o SB 44 SOUTHEAST STATE FOREST

o SB 61 2011 REVISOR'S BILL

o SB 67 LOAN FUNDS:CHARTERS/MARICULTURE/MICROLOAN

o SB 68 COMMERCIAL FISHING & AGRICULTURE BANK

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-03-10T09:37:00.000-09:00

Hello all,
In preparation of the upcoming SARE conference and pre-conference workshop
March 22-24, we are looking for a source for goat milk. We need 4 gallons of
goat milk for the cheese making workshop the afternoon of March 22. If you
know of anyone that would be able to provide 4 gallons of goat milk for the
workshop, please contact me at temaida@alaska.edu or 907.474.2422.
Thanks and look forward to seeing folks at the conference!
Taylor

--
Taylor Maida, Agriculture and Horticulture Program
Cooperative Extension Service, Tanana District
University of Alaska Fairbanks
PO Box 758155
Fairbanks, Alaska 99775-8155
Email temaida@alaska.edu
Phone 907.474.2422
Fax 907.474.6885

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-03-04T10:18:00.002-09:00

http://www.uafedu/ces

www.uafedu

Dear Ruby,

Thanks so much for being in touch. I'm glad you enjoyed the presentation, samples and recipes so much. I had such a great time working on that project. In Fairbanks, the whole barley is being sold at Homegrown Market. They also have a small mill there to grind into flour. As for Delta Junction, I know that Bryce Wrigley is growing it but I do not know of any place that it is for sale at this time. My suggestion is to speak with him and he may be able to assist you.

I also wanted to let you know that our recipes are available online as well at http://www.uaf.edu/ces/pubs/catalog/detail/index.xml?subtopic=Food,%20Nutrition%20and%20Health. Scroll about halfway down the page and you will see them starting with "Barley Corn Bread."

I took a look at your blog. Thanks so much for the barley promo and for the information you are getting out on it in general!

Please feel free to be in touch at anytime with further questions, comments, etc.

Best regards,

Kate Idzorek

Ps. In taking a look at your rhubarb website, I want to pass along that the barley can be used to make a divine barley rhubarb cake as well!

CONTACT for Hulless Barley:
Thual Barley. Stu Davies, grows it in North Pole.
He sells it at the HOMEGROWN MARKET in Fairbanks.

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-03-03T09:38:00.003-09:00

photo of Napa vineyard in yards throughout the valley February 2011

What could we have in common?
We could use our green space to plant a crop that would help feed us, our neighbors, community and state.
That's what we have in common.

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-03-03T06:58:00.000-09:00

"Forty people in Dillingham will learn the basics of practical gardening March 4-6, thanks in part to SNRAS researchers. Hosted by UAF Bristol Bay Campus, the workshop is a one-credit, hands-on course taught by Jodie Anderson, Jeff Smeenk, and Rae Belle Whitcomb. Local Dillingham gardeners will serve as mentors."

Blog entry: SNRAS

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-02-28T20:33:00.003-09:00

from the Division of Agriculture Website

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-02-28T20:19:00.000-09:00

Risse Greenhouse has a calendar for gardening that enlightens and intrigues.
Risse Greenhouse Website

from what I hear their Triple R soil is the best.............

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek

Farmer/Rancher

Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-02-28T09:43:00.003-09:00

Phosphorus and Potassium Fertilizer TrialsMeghan Lene – Agricultural Specialist – Salcha-Delta Soil and Water Conservation

Todd Hayden – Mechanical Engineer – Kaya Inc.

Bob Bishop – Export Logistic Manager – Larsen Farms, Dubois, ID

Canola UpdateGary Sonnichsen – Delta Producer

Catherine Hadley – District Conservationist – USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service – Delta Junction Field Office

Potluck Luncheon – Guests are asked to follow this schedule when choosing a dish:

A-F = Desserts G-L = Pasta or Rice

M-R = Salads

S-Z = Vegetable or Fruit

Main meat dishes, scalloped potatoes and rolls will be provided through donations.

Division of Agriculture - Activities and Updates Director Francie Havemeister – State of Alaska – DNR – Division of Agriculture

HomeGrown Market

Kate Idzorek – Research Technician – UAF – Cooperative Extension Service

Rex Wrigley – Chair SDSWCD

Annual Report
Speech Contest Winner
2010 Cooperator of the Year

2010 Cooperator of Year

Adjourn

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-02-14T06:20:00.000-09:00

photo from Leslie Bobo

Delta Junction, Alaska
Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher

2011-02-14T05:52:00.000-09:00

(Food Internships) http://www.theatlantic.com/food/archive/2011/01/so-you-want-to-find-a-food-internship-a-job-seeking-guide/70322/

The Congressional Hunger Center (www.hungercenter.org)

Sustainable Food Jobs (http://sustainablefoodjobs.wordpress.com) posts job listings from organizations, farms, and restaurants, and also identifies related educational programs.

Good Food Jobs (www.GoodFoodJobs.com)

Some sites exist to help new farmers succeed including the delightful www.thegreenhorns.net, www.serveyourcountryfood.net, and www.farmschool.org

Joining Food Corps (http://www.food-corps.org/), an offshoot of AmeriCorps, is another option if setting up school gardens is your passion.

(WWOOF is a world wide network - It started in the UK in 1971 and has since become an international movement that is helping people share more sustainable ways of living). http://www.wwoof.org/

Ruby Hollembaek

Farmer/Rancher

Delta Junction, AK

2011-02-11T06:27:00.001-09:00

11-Forage Growers Part III Palmer Contact Steve Brown 745-3639

15-Alaska Produce Growers Agenda---Alaska Produce Growers Registration

16-Alaska Produce Growers Agenda---Alaska Produce Growers Registration

Mat-Su Chapter Farm Bureau Annual Banquet

17-Alaska Farmers Market Association
Palmer Call Amy Pettit 745-7200

Rhubarb Meeting Palmer Call Amy Pettit 745-7200

22-Board of Agriculture & Conservation Meeting

26-2011 Delta Farm Forum Flyer

Division of Agriculture Calendar Online

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-02-07T20:44:00.000-09:00

So You Want to Find a Food Internship: A Job-Seeking Guide - Helene York - Food - The Atlantic

Very nice article.

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek

Farmer/Rancher

Delta Junction, Alaska

2011-02-05T07:02:00.001-09:00

State-wide Master Gardeners Conference is coming up March 25 and 26 at the Wedgewood Resort, here in Fairbanks.
There are many good speakers, workshops at a levels, and a chance for gardeners compare notes!
More information is available at
http://www.interiormastergardeners.org/Master-Gardener-Conference-2011.htm
Click on in to see all the great opportunities and get a registration form.

There is a discount for early registration. Hope to see you at the Conference!
Marji Illingworth
North Pole, AK
907-488-0446

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher
Delta Junction, Alaska

1March UAF CES Alaskan Growers School

10Alaska Farmland Trust Open House - Palmer

11-Fifth Annual Spring Garden Conference-Anchorage

12-Fifth Annual Spring Garden Conference-Anchorage

22-SARE Registration Conference Form Fairbanks --- SARE Agenda Fairbanks

23-SARE Registration Conference Form Fairbanks ---- SARE Agenda Fairbanks

2011-01-22T10:26:00.000-09:00

We clean out the chicken coop on a weekly basis Gene Logdson from Managing Manure to Save Mankind (Holy Shit) believes in cleaning it out 1X a year to get the best "bang for your buck" so to speak. I really haven't had a turn but the guys are saving the straw and manure for me for the spring. Actually, it is piled upon a larger older pile and I will have it turned when the temps warm up and use the oldest and wait for the new manure use till next year.

I will also get some truckloads of manure from a local farmer, former dairyman, to make new vegetable garden areas in front of the house. With the greenhouse, gardens and wild berries it is promising to be a good summer. I have already received 2 seed catalogs. I can't wait for the SARE Conference and see what else is out there.

What's your favorite kind of manure or fertilizer to use?

Ruby Peck-Hollembaek
Farmer/Rancher Delta Junction, Alaska