Alaska Farm BureauAugust 2015
In This Issue
Your Photos Needed!
Big News From American Farm Bureau
Board of Directors
Wanted!!
Photography Contest
Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program
Alaska Grown Sourcebook
White-Reinhardt Mini-Grant and Scholarship
Classifieds
Events
Quick Links



Congratulations to Roxann and Todd Pettit, Alaska Farm Family of the Year

Sponsor

Last Frontier Agricultural & Environmental Services, LLC
 
Offering soil sample collection and analysis, integrated pest management plans, irrigation water management, grazing management, water testing and feed testing. 

Call Catherine Hadley at 907.460.8628
Sponsor
Alaska Rural Rehabilitation Corp.
 
Lending to Farmers Is Our Business

Line of Credit loans for all farm-operating costs.  (3 years)

Chattel loans for equipment new or used (5 years on used 7 years on new)

Real Estate loans for purchase or improvements to land.   (Up to 20 years)

All loans are 5 to 9 percent interest depending on credit and collateral. 
Call Katie at 907-745-3390 or email katie@arrc.us.

Sponsor

23 Kazoos

Website Design
Logo Design
Brochures
Email Marketing
and more!
Greetings.....
 
Can you believe we're talking about fall already?!  This summer is going by fast.  It's hard to believe its already fair season, the beginning of school and almost the end of fireweed blooms. 
 
What's your favorite part of the fall season?
 
Be sure and read through the newsletter.  There are some important dates to remember, and big news from the American Farm Bureau Federation. 
Feel free to contact me with any questions. 
 
We're here to help you!
 
Sincerely, 

Amy Seitz, Executive Director
37075 Nicholas View Lane
Soldotna, AK 99669 
907-252-5064 
 


YOUR PHOTOS NEEDED!
 
Help us Promote Alaska Agriculture!
Winner of the 2014 Photo Contest in the Country Children Category: "Stop and Smell the Dandelions" by Julia Mugrage

Have you been checking our Facebook page?  Or the new members section on our website?  

We want to promote Alaska Agriculture as much as we can.  Send in your photos so we can help promote YOU! 
 
Our webmaster, 23Kazoos, is doing a great job with our Facebook and web page, but we need more photos!  Our most popular posts are those featuring a farm, ranch, garden or high tunnel of an Alaska Farm Bureau member.
 
Send in your photos!  Post your information on our members page on our website!  Help us promote Alaska Agriculture and YOU!  
 
We certainly would appreciate it and will gladly post them for everyone to see.  Send them to amy.seitz@gmail.com.

 

Stallman Announces Departure in January


American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman announced in June that he will not seek reelection in January 2016 following 16 years at the helm of the nation's largest, most influential general farm organization. 

Stallman, a cattle and rice producer from Columbus, Texas, is the 11th president during AFBF's almost 97-year history.
 
"It has been a tremendous honor to serve the nation's Farm Bureau members and represent agriculture and rural America," Stallman said. "After 16 years as AFBF president, six as Texas Farm Bureau president and several more in other Farm Bureau roles, it is time to hand over the reins of leadership-a decision that is made easier by knowing the great leadership and foundation that exist to continue moving Farm Bureau forward. I am as optimistic as ever about the future of American agriculture and Farm Bureau.
 
"On the wall of the AFBF office is a quote by President Thomas Jefferson: 'Agriculture is our wisest pursuit because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals and happiness.' I couldn't agree more, and I would add that a most rewarding pursuit is working for the men and women who make up American agriculture. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to do so."
 
AFBF has thrived under Stallman's presidency. Farm Bureau membership nationwide has grown by more than 1 million member families. Programming has grown to include more efforts to build rural communities and economies and more leadership development programs to help farmers and ranchers become advocates for agriculture and citizen leaders in their communities. 

AFBF has grown organizationally, particularly with the acquisition of the IDEAg farm events and publications business in 2013. And AFBF has grown in its effectiveness as an advocate in the courts for farmers' and ranchers' freedom to operate, and it remains the most visible, influential voice in the nation's capital for farmers and ranchers of all types, sizes and regions.
"While the presidential gavel will change hands, what defines Farm Bureau will remain the same: our grassroots strength and our commitment to strengthening America's agricultural and rural communities," Stallman added.
 
In addition to his Farm Bureau roles, Stallman has served on numerous boards and federal and state committees, including the White House Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations, the State Department's Advisory Committee on International Economic Policy, the Farm Foundation board of trustees, the board and founding leadership of the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance, the board of the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology and the House Agriculture Committee's Commission on 21st Century Production Agriculture.
 
A new AFBF president will be elected to a two-year term at the 97th annual meeting of voting delegates, Jan. 12, 2016, as part of the AFBF Annual Convention and IDEAg Tradeshow, Jan. 10-13, 2016, in Orlando, Florida.
 
Contacts: Mace Thornton (202) 406-3641 macet@fb.org.


ALASKA FARM BUREAU BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION

 
It's that time of year!  Time to nominate someone to represent your chapter on the Alaska Farm Bureau's Board of Directors.   You will be receiving your Nomination Petition in the mail.  Complete the petition with the name and address of the person you wish to nominate to represent your chapter on the Board of Directors.  
 
Two General Members who have their 2015 dues paid must sign the nomination petition.  The petition must also be signed by the person nominated indicating that they agree to serve if elected.  The person nominated must be a General Member and have their 2015 dues paid.  A General Member is actively engaged in agriculture or mariculture.
 
Nominating petitions must be received or postmarked by September 15th.  They are sent to the Alaska Farm Bureau Office at 37075 Nicholas View Lane, Soldotna, AK 99669.  Ballots will be mailed to eligible voters by October 1st. 
 
Members of the Kodiak Farm Bureau Chapter will not be participating in the election process this year as their Director, Lorne White's, term of office does not expire until 2016.

 

WANTED!!!
YOUR NOMINATIONS FOR LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR AND AG APPRECIATION
AWARDS

The Ag Appreciation Award will honor your neighbor who is exceptional in their service to agriculture and the farmers and ranchers in Alaska.  
 
The Legislator of the Year Award is to honor a Representative or Senator who has made a significant contribution to the advancement, promotion, or protection of agricultural producers in the state.
 
The deadline to nominate is September 15th. The nomination process is not a formal one as there are no applications or forms to complete.  Just send an e-mail or a note with the person's name and a brief description of why you think they should be honored.  

Send your nominations to the Alaska Farm Bureau's office at 37075 Nicholas View Lane, Soldotna, AK 99669 or e-mail it to amy.seitz@gmail.com. 

 

ALASKA FARM BUREAU
PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST

 
Winner of the 2014 Photo Contest in the Farm Animal Category: Farm Animals, "Blonde Beef" by Julia Mugrage
I hope you had your camera with you this summer! Now it's time to submit those photos for the Alaska Farm Bureau Photo Contest.
 
The contest is open to every member and their children.  
 
There are three categories:  
  1. Farm Animals, 
  2. Farm Scenery,  
  3. Country Children. 
A $100 first prize will be awarded in each category. 

Those attending the Friday Forum and Annual Meeting will select the "People's Choice" from among all the photographs entered.  That winner will also be awarded $100.00.
 
Photographs will be judged on the following criteria:  creativity, originality and human interest.  
 
The photographs should be digital and e-mailed to AKFB executive director at amy.seitz@gmail.com.  
 
Photos can also be mailed to 37075 Nicholas View Lane, Soldotna, AK 99669.  The deadline is October 1st.  
 
Copies of the photographs may be used by the Alaska Farm Bureau to promote agriculture in our membership brochures, website and Facebook.  Credit will be given to the photographer if their photo is used.
 

Member Benefits
 
Did you know.....
 
Farm Bureau Members Saved $11.5 Million+ On Grainger Catalog Products in 2014.

In the 11 months between December 1, 2013 to October 31, 2014, Farm Bureau members saved more than $11.5 million on Grainger catalog products with average savings of 28% off catalog each prices! Farm Bureau members received discounts on safety products, HVAC and refrigeration, motors, material handling supplies, power tools, electronics, appliances, batteries and much more.
 
Alaska Farm Bureau members always save 10% or more off Grainger catalog prices on more than a million different products. PLUS all Farm Bureau Grainger.com® orders qualify for FREE standard ground shipping. View the infographic here.
 
Be sure and check out the rest of our membership benefits:http://www.alaskafb.org/join/membership-benefits/ 

 

Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program

The Farm Bill has re-authorized the Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program (RTCP).  If you're unfamiliar with this program, it is designed to reimburse geographically disadvantaged farmers and ranchers with a portion of transportation costs for agricultural commodities or inputs.

Enrollment for this program began July, 2015 and goes through September 11, 2015.  Applicants will have until November 2, 2015 to get supporting documentation turned in.  You can view more information  here.

Here is the form to apply. If you have any questions, contact the Palmer office at 761-7738, or the Delta office at 895-4242 ext 150.



 
ALASKA GROWN SOURCEBOOK

The Division of Agriculture is accepting applications for the 2016-2017 Alaska Grown Source Book.  

If you've had your farm listed in the source book and would like to continue, or if you would like it in the source book for the first time, you must submit an application online  or paper form.

EVERYONE who wants their operation in the source book must submit an application.  Deadline is March 15, 2016.



 
White-Reinhardt Mini-Grant and Scholarship

The time has come for another round of White-Reinhardt mini-grants and scholarships!

The White-Reinhardt Fund for Education is a special funding opportunity from the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture® in cooperation with the American Farm Bureau® Women's Leadership Committee.  It was established to honor two former chairs of that committee (Berta White & Linda Reinhardt).  This fund has two components; the mini-grant and the scholarship.

The mini-grants are in amounts up to $500 for classroom education programs.  Funds can be used to initiate new programs or expand existing programs that will expand agricultural literacy.

The scholarship program is to provide travel expense funds to educators or active ag literacy volunteers to attend the National Ag in the Classroom Conference.




 
CLASSIFIEDS

We Buy Berries:  Bear Creek Winery is family owned and operated and we are a farm to table operation. Our award winning wines are so popular that we cannot grow enough berries to keep up with demand, so we also buy berries from local farmers. Please keep us in mind if you are thinking of growing or need a buyer for any of the following crops: Raspberries, Black Currants, Gooseberries, Strawberries, Apples, and Blueberries. Contact Louis at 907-235-8484
 
Land For Sale North Side of Chena River:468 acres of beautiful agricultural land along the north side of the Chena River between Peede Road and the Flood Control Dam out of North Pole, Alaska.  Dense birch stands make this the perfect place for agricultural production related to birch sap products. Land is approved for minimal clearing requirements (only 25 acres) to gain title, with no timeline since access is currently by good trail or river only. Priced to sell at $160,000. For more information, call Tom Dooley 907-539-1384.

Computer Repair, Networking & IT Consulting:  The goal of AK Bits and Bytes, LLC is to provide exceptional customer service, and professional results at a reasonable price. You can place your technology needs in our hands and no longer worry about them. We offer expert confidential solutions you can trust.
Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to be your technology solutions provider. If you are happy with us, send your friends, if you are not call us to make it right for you.

We repair all brands of personal computers desktop or Laptops. Hardware or software, we'll fix your computer and get it running properly. Certified Tech and fast friendly service. Call for an appointment. Available 7 days a week.  Discounts to Alaska Farm Bureau members.  http://www.akbb15.com/.  Contact Lisa McDonald: 907-398-3994

100% Alaska Grown Wine:  Alaska Berries, located near Soldotna, is the first and only Estate winery in Alaska.  An estate winery is one that grows ALL of its fruit used in its wine.  Our business hours are Wed - Sun from 2:00 to 7:00pm.  Come visit our tasting room and sample our wines before you buy.  At this time we are not shipping wine.  Contact Brian Olson, 907-252-8511

Fairbanks Farm For Sale:  Arctic Roots Farm, Bed and Breakfast at 1293 Esro Road, off Chena Hot Springs Road.  The parcel includes 25 acres of brome grass, 30 acres of birch forest, a 1-acre moose-proof orchard/garden, a 20'x 48' high tunnel and a 20' x 48 greenhouse with drip irrigation.  There are 3 homes - a farmhouse and two modern homes which are used as an agra-tourism bed and breakfast, a large shop with a heated utility room, a large barn with sheep handling corrals, a chicken coop, root cellar, and 30 acres with a 5' stock fence.  Contact owner Chris DuBois at 907-750-1514 for more information.  It is listed with Joe Russo at Russo Reality.  Joe can be reached at 907-460-8555.

Rams for Sale:  Black Welch Mountain rams.  Very gentle.  $300 each.  Nancy Davidian and Chris DuBois, Arctic Roots Farm.  Contact them at 907-750-1514.

Land For Sale:  70 acres in Salcha.  It has Richardson Highway frontage and is near Milepost 315.  There is a small stream on the property.  $42,000.  Contact Ann Geise at 907-895-4466.

Locally Grown Food Wanted: The center for Alaskan Coastal Studies hosts a number of camps and overnight programs at our Peterson Bay Field Station throughout the course of the summer. We provide meals for participants during the programs and would like to source more of our food locally and sustainably. The Center is a 501 © (3) environmental education organization in Homer. It was established in 1982. E-mail Melanie@akcoastalstudies.org for more information. Telephone: 907-235-6667.  

Farm for Sale in North Pole:  A 9 acre farm/tourism lodge at 2100 Nelson Road in North Pole.  See photos at Stars and Stripes or Madden real estate sites.  A 20'x40' attached, insulated greenhouse, fully landscaped grounds, tree nursery, large vegetable garden (only natural fertilizers used), pasture, woods in blueberries and cranberries.  There is a 2-story log lodge, Greatland triple-pane windows, stainless commercial kitchen, 2-bed, three bath, covered porches, and gazebo.  Good well water.  $299,000.  Two additional acres with airstrip access available.  Website:  chenalakesfarm.com.  Contact Tracy Pulido at info@chenalakesfarm.com.

40 Acres for Sale in North Pole:  Gorgeous parcel that is a mix of large spruce, birch, willow and grassland.  East borders Chena Lake Recreation Area at the end of Repp Road in North Pole.  Great spot for farm, rural estate or hunting/fishing aurora-viewing lodge.  Can be subdivided into 5-acre lots.  Short walk to river or lake.  Road access, power about ¼ mile away.  Very private, but easy access to town.  Owner financing is available.  $99.000 OBO.  Contact Tracey Pulido at info@chenalakesfarm.com.  See photos on Fairbanks Craigslist.
 
Classified Ads are free.  Submit your ad to the newsletter editor at amy.seitz@gmail.com or by calling 907-252-5064.

Events

August 21-23: Kenai Peninsula State Fair.  Info at

August 27- September 7: Alaska State Fair
 
September 11:  Deadline to enroll in the  
Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program (RTCP)
 
September 15:  Deadline to turn in nomination forms for Board of Director elections.
 
September 15:  Deadline for Legislator of the Year and Ag Appreciation Awards.
 
October 1:  Deadline to turn in photo's for the photo contest.  Send to amy.seitz@gmail.com
 
October 16:World Food Day
 
November 13 - 14:  Alaska Farm Bureau Friday Forum & Annual Meeting