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Alaska Farm Bureau News
November 2015
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Greetings!
Winter was here in the Central Peninsula for a few days......then it rained!
Are you all set for the Friday Forum and Annual meeting? Hopefully you've got some great donations to bring in Friday morning for the scholarship auction! If you're not going to be able to make it to the events, one topic of discussion is the Alaska Product Preference Program. Representative Garen Tarr requested an audit of the program to see how it's working. The audit has recently been finalized and released. You can view the findings here. Do any of you read the Acres USA magazine? Rita Jo Shoultz with Alaska Perfect Peony was featured in a recent issue! Click here to read. And speaking of members in the news, many of our members, including Alex Davis of the Center Market, were featured in this recent article on Alaska Dispatch News.For those who haven't heard, the Governor will be selecting a new Executive Director for the Division of Agriculture. We should all thank Franci Havemeister for the time and energy she has put in over these past several years to further Alaska's agriculture industry, and wish her our best where ever her next adventure takes her. Best wishes Amy Seitz, Executive Director 37075 Nicholas View Lane Soldotna, AK 99669 907-252-5064
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ELECTION RESULTS FOR ALASKA FARM BUREAU DIRECTORS
Ballots have been tallied for the Alaska Farm Bureau's Board of Directors.
- Copper River Valley - John Wenger will be serving as the new director. Bob Flint received a write in vote.
- Delta Junction - Rex Wrigley was re-elected with 18 votes. Scott Plagerman received a write in vote
- Fairbanks - Gerald Marlow was re-elected unanimously.
- Kenai Peninsula - Rita Jo Shoultz was re-elected unanimously.
- Mat-Su - Paula Williams was elected as a new director. Bruce Bush received five write in votes and Wayne Brost received one write in vote.
Directors serve a two-year term.
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BIG LEAP FORWARD FOR ALASKA'S FIBER INDUSTRY
For many years fiber has been an "unseen/invisible" part of agriculture in the State of Alaska. As with many segments of Alaskan agriculture, the fiber industry has lacked the infrastructure to make it work effectively.
In the 1990s we had a large number of fiber producing livestock, but no way to process fiber except the high cost of shipping fleeces 'outside'. This did not create a very sustainable system for fiber, and instead created a back log of fleeces that either went to the dump or rotted in sheds.
It is now 2015, and for the last three years we have been trying to address the same issues, no in-state processing and fleeces going to the dump or rotting in sheds. The need for in-state processing to make fiber a meaningful part of Alaskan agriculture continued.
Well folks it is now happening, thanks to three individuals, who took the 'big leap', we now have in-state processing for natural fibers in the State of Alaska!
Vivian Osborne up and running in North Pole, AK, her focus and equipment is set up for the very fine fibers such as qiviut and cashmere. She is setting up for full service. Vivian will be running trials this winter and hopes to be operating by spring of 2016. Tours are available by appointment now. Contact her at:[email protected].
Kate Wattum is also in the Interior, near Fairbanks. Her mill will be up and running in 2017. Her mill will be a full service mill supporting our many wool fiber producers state wide. She is also interested in felting services. She has already begun her training on the equipment she will be bringing in. Kate hopes to have the building up in 2016, then begin her fiber trials on the equipment with an opening in 2017. Contact her at: [email protected].
Becky Oviatt will be doing small batch processing in the MatSu Valley. She is up and running now. She is limiting processing to 2lbs per batch, and this could be excellent for fiber artists or those with smaller fleeces. She has a variety of services to offer such as blending fibers, so if this might fit for you. Contact her at: [email protected].
We can now start moving ahead as a fiber industry, thanks to these three that have made a huge commitment.
Lee Coray-Ludden, President
Alaska Natural Fiber Business Association
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The first of this month the U.S. Senate took up S. 1140 the Federal Water Quality Protection Act which would undo the EPA's "Waters of the U.S." ruling. Although it fell a few votes short of the needed 60, the Senate quickly took up a resolution - S.J. Res. 22 - which provides for congressional disapproval of the ruling. This resolution passed with a vote of 53-44. Even with threats from the White House to veto all WOTUS efforts, congressional leaders continue to fight EPA's over reach. |
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.
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November 11th: Veterans Day. Thank you to all who have served and those who serve currently.
November 13 - 14: Alaska Farm Bureau Friday Forum & Annual Meeting
November 26: Thanksgiving
January 28, 29, and 30, 2016: Alaska Peony Conference: Land's End Resort, Homer
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Is It Time To Get a New Website or Logo?
"I really can't even express how happy I am with what you've done. Having a full time job and trying to farm sustainably makes time the most precious resource to me...and you saved me a ton of time by being so competent and so accessible. It really took a lot of pressure off from me by being able to hand the task over to you! It was well worth every penny!" -
Holly Stewart, Northern Roots Farm (about her new logo)
"Wendy is so stinkin' helpful!"
-Al Poindexter, Anchor Point Greenhouse LLC (Website and logo design)
Other Logos We Have Done:
Special Offer for Alaska Farm Bureau Members:
Logo Design $175 (regularly $300)
Call Wendy 480-242-5219 for your custom logo!
480-242-5219
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Looking for Land to Lease for Cattle Grazing: Top dollars paid for land to lease suitable to graze cattle. Minimum acreage 40 acres. On the Kenai Peninsula. Please contact Robert Gibson at 907-598-2000.
Heavy Duty Truck Financing: Our company specializes in heavy duty truck financing and can work with blemished credit and startups.
We do not sell any equipment, we only arrange financing. You can select the truck and/or trailer vendor of your choice. There is no cost or obligation to determine if you qualify. To learn more contact us by phone, 708-646-6510 or email [email protected]. If you contact us by email include your contact number and any equipment that you own (free and clear), if applicable.
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.
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. Visit website. 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 [email protected] for more information. Telephone: 907-235-6667.
***PRICE REDUCED*** 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 � mile away. Very private, but easy access to town. Owner financing is available. $99.000 OBO. Contact Tracey Pulido at [email protected]. See photos on Fairbanks Craigslist.
Classified Ads are free. Submit your ad to the newsletter editor at [email protected] or by calling 907-252-5064.
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GREAT BENEFITS FOR BEING A MEMBER
Polaris Utility Vehicles: $200-300 discounts on Polaris full sized Utility & Sport (UTV), All-Terrain (ATV) and GEM Electric Vehicles. Print your discount certificate at www.fbverify.com/polaris. (Does not apply to youth models.)
Office Depot: Up to 80% off preferred products. Free Shipping to Alaska on orders over $50.00. Your Office Depot link is: http://akfb.ctcshares.com.
COUNTRY Financial: Offering ID Theft, Home, Auto, Life policies and Financial Planning. Farm policies are sold only to Alaska Farm Bureau Members. Contact your local COUNTRY Financial agent.
Choice Hotels: Up to 20% off when you stay at any Comfort Inn, Quality, Clarion, Roadway Inn, Econo Lodge, Mainstay Suites, and Suburban hotels. Must use their www.choicehotels.com website or call 1-800-258-2847. Discount code:00228830.
Grainger: 10-50% discounts on merchandise purchased online and at the Anchorage store. Free shipping on merchandise sent to Alaska that is ordered on-line at www.Grainger.com. Your account must be set up under the Alaska Farm Bureau account. For assistance contact our sales rep: Richard Wamboldt [email protected].
GM Discount: $500 discount on all GMC, Chevrolet and Buick new cars and trucks. All vehicles are eligible for the discount except the Chevrolet Volt and Cadillac. Must be a member for 30 days. You print your own discount certificate before going to the dealership. Print your certificate at www.fbverify.com/gm. (Enter your membership number without the dash or hyphen.)
Prescription Drug Program: Discounts for you, your family and your employees. There are no enrollment forms, no claim forms. There are 50 participating pharmacies in Alaska including Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, Fred Meyer, Safeway and drug stores around the state. Discounts for those with and without insurance. Request your discount cards as well as a complete list of drug and pharmacies from the Alaska Farm Bureau Office at 907-252-5064 or [email protected].
NAPA Discount: 10% discount at all NAPA stores in Alaska, except for those in Tok, Kodiak and Southeast who are not participating in this program. For Fairbanks and Delta, use code 0495. Elsewhere in the state use code 3276.
Farm Bureau Bank: Significant savings on all business and personal financial needs-credit cards; deposit accounts including money market savings and IRA's; vehicle, student, home loans and much more at www.farmbureaubank.com.
AVIS Car Rental: Discounts on vehicles rented both inside and outside of Alaska at participating rental offices. Use AVIS Code A298802.
CASE-IH: $300-500 discounts on equipment purchased at CASE-IH dealerships in Anchorage, Fairbanks as well as in the Lower 48. Print your discount certificate at www.fbadvantage.com/deals/case.
Verizon Wireless: 16%-20% discount off phone and data features and 25% off accessories for eligible Farm Bureau members. Eligible members are those who earn a majority of income from farming and their employees. To find out if you qualify for this great new Farm Bureau benefit, please send Verizon an email with your information: [email protected].
23Kazoos (Wendy Kenney): discounts on new websites and logo designs. To set up your website contact Wendy Kenney:[email protected].
Silvertip Design: Discounts on Alaska Grown garments at Silvertip Design in Palmer: sweatshirts, t-shirts, onesies, ball caps and aprons.
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Alaska Farm Bureau
37075 Nicholas View Lane
Soldotna, AK 99669
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