Alaska Farm Bureau News
August 2016
Greetings!

Congratulations to the Mat-Su Chapter for reaching their 2016 membership quota!

Happy August to everyone!

We're getting close to the end of our 2016 membership year and with that comes elections for chapter directors! Read through the newsletter to get information on this and more! There's grant opportunities and some USDA program deadlines approaching.

Have you been taking lots of photos this summer? We want you to submit them for our photo contest! You'll find information on that in this newsletter.

We are seeking volunteer shoppers (ideally one from each chapter) for the Alaska Marketbasket Survey! A quarterly survey originally created by the American Farm Bureau Federation that will be used to track retail food price trends and overall affordability of food in Alaska.

You don't actually have to buy anything. We just need you to check prices of a few items at your local store and send us the data. We will then compile the data and report to Alaska news organizations.

Here are the dates of the surveys. http://www.alaskafb.org/alaska-marketbasket-survey/

 
If you want to volunteer as a Marketbasket survey shopper, please email me [email protected].



Happy Trails,

Amy Seitz, Executive Director

37075 Nicholas View Lane
Soldotna, AK 99669 
907-252-5064 








White-Reinhardt Mini-Grant and Scholarship
The Spring 2017 Cycle is now OPEN! 

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.

Follow the below links for the application process and information:
Applications period closes October 15, 2016.

***Please note that there is a change in the mini-grant scoring; instead of indicating how the project aligns with common core standards, projects will need to align with our Pillars of Agricultural Literacy. We look forward to another great year of agriculture literacy projects and excellent ag educators!

 
ALASKA FARM BUREAU
 
PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST
 
 
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, and 
  3. Country Children.
 
Photo Credit_ Julia Mugrage

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
 
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.

Sales Closing for Alaska Forage Production is Fast Approaching
Producers in Alaska Need to Make Decisions Soon
 
USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Alaska producers that the final date to apply for forage production crop insurance for the 2017 crop year is September 30. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage also have until the September 30 sales closing date to do so.
 
Crop insurance provides protection against crop production losses due to natural perils such as drought, hail, and excessive moisture. Forage production coverage is available in Fairbanks North Star, Kenai Peninsula, Matanuska-Susitna, Southeast Fairbanks, and Valdez-Cordova boroughs.
 
Producers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2017 crop year. Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers and online at the RMA Agent Locator. Producers can use the RMA Cost Estimator to get a premium amount estimate of their insurance needs online. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at www.rma.usda.gov.
Contact:
Jo Lynne Seufer (509) 228-6320
#
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-Free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).
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 [email protected].

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 2016 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 2016 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 Copper River Valley Farm Bureau Chapter will not be participating in the election process this year as their Director, John Wenger's term of office does not expire until 2017.
 

Registration Now Open for the 2016
Conference for Women in Sustainable Agriculture
"Building Connections towards Resiliency" this November

The 5th National Conference for Women in Sustainable Agriculture will bring together farmers, educators, technical assistance providers and activists engaged in healthy food and farming to share educational and organization strategies, build technical and business skills, and address policy issues aimed at expanding the success of women farmers and ranchers.
 
Every few years, a regional women's network or agricultural organization takes the lead in planning this national conference for women, supported by the Women, Food & Ag Network (WFAN) and others. The first national conference was held in fall 2005 in Vermont. This year, organization of the conference is being led by Oregon State University Small Farms with support from a national team of leaders in sustainable agriculture and agricultural women's organizations.
 
The conference is scheduled November 30 through December 2, 2016, at the Doubletree by Hilton Portland, and will feature keynote speaker Natasha Bowen, founder of the The Color of Food, a multimedia project focusing on Black, Latino, Native and Asian farmers. Participants will also enjoy eight concurrent, interactive workshop sessions, a trailblazer panel of venerable sustainable agriculture pioneers, a diverse sponsor trade show, author roundtable, incredible tours of area food and farms, and capstone speaker Cathy Whims, Chef and owner of Nostrana, a top Portland restaurant.
 
Registration for the conference only is $200. Tour selections and additional events may be added for a modest fee. Sponsorships are still available. For $200, sponsors receive an 8' table and may sell product at the trade show. 

Registration, tour descriptions, lodging information and more are live on the conference website, http://2016wisa.org/, and news and updates will be posted to facebook: www.facebook.com/WiSA2016.
 
# # #
 
For more information, please contact Mary Peabody ([email protected]), Maud Powell, 541-776-7371 ([email protected]), or Melissa Fery, 541-730-3538 ([email protected].) 

 
 
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
Proposed Regulation Changes

The Department of Environmental Conservation is proposing changes to the Animal Health regulations (18 AAC 36). Some of you may have received a notice in the mail recently about these changes. If not, information can be found on the State Vet's website.

The language of the proposed regulations can be found here, if you're interested in what the current Animal Health regulations are you can find them here.    

 
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 goes through September 9, 2016. Applicants will have until November 4, 2016, to get supporting documentation turned in. You can view more information here.

If you have any questions or want to apply contact the FSA office; 907-761-7738.

 
EVENTS
 
September 9: 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 photos for the photo contest. Send to [email protected] 

November 10-12
: Alaska Farm Bureau's Board of Directors Meeting, Friday Forum and Annual Meeting. To be held at Pike's Lodge in Fairbanks.
  

MEMBER BENEFITS

view all benefits here
 

Remember, Alaska Farm Bureau members can save up to $2,500 on the purchase or lease of eligible Cat� equipment and will also receive a $250 credit on work tool attachments with the purchase of a new machine. For more information, visit www.fbadvantage.com/cat.


 
Avis is introducing a whole new car rental experience with the Avis Now app. Avis Now allows app users to choose the exact car they want and confirm, cancel or extend their rental from their mobile device. App users can even drive away and return the vehicle with one tap. Simply enroll in the Avis Preferred program for free, download the app and enter your Alaska Farm Bureau Avis discount code in the Avis Worldwide Discount section to take advantage of your discount.   
   
Classifieds

Wanted: Pure Roosevelt Elk: Will trade 2 Rocky Mountain Elk for each pure Roosevelt Elk. We have 32 Rocky Mountain elk to trade:
  • 6 - 2016 calves
  • 6 - 2015 calves
  • 10 - bulls 3 to 10 year olds
  • 10 - young productive cows & heifers
Raising elk requires a permit and fencing standards provided by the Division of Agriculture. If interested in trading please contact Mike Miller at [email protected] or 907-301-7942.

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.
Contact Louis at 907-235-8484
 
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.

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.

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. $85.000 OBO. Contact Tracey Pulido at [email protected]. See photos on Fairbanks Craigslist.
 

Alaska Farm Bureau
37075 Nicholas View Lane 
Soldotna, AK 99669

Call  907-252-5064 or send an  e-mail to:  [email protected]
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