Ag Matters 4/8/2020 You probably know Alaska Farm Tours as the incredible local tour company that provides you behind the scenes access to farms in South Central Alaska. Due to Covid 19, their strategy and business model for this summer…
Ag Matters 4/22/2020 Where do your greens come from? Grizzly Greens offers fresh, local hydroponically grown greens with a weekly subscription service. Nothing fresher! https://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2020/04/22/agmatters-grizzly-greens-2020-4-22/
Ag Matters 4/29/2020 How is Covid 19 impacting the local food system, farmers markets and agricultural production? Amy chats with Arthur Keyes, local farmer, farmers market owner and agriculture advocate about how the pandemic is changing our industry. https://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2020/04/30/agmatters-farmers-markets-and-covid-19/
Ag Matters 5/6/2020 Covid 19 has brought to light the importance of shopping as locally as possible. In this episode of Ag Matters you’ll learn about hair and skin care products made with natural, wild Alaskan products by our neighbors…
Ag Matters 5/27/2020 Whether you’re looking for inspiration to launch a garden for personal food production or to break into commercial farming, there’s no doubt that you’ll be inspired by Amy’s conversation with Jennifer and Seeds and Soils Farm. https://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2020/05/27/ag-matters-seeds-and-soil-2020-5-27/
Ag Matters 6/3/2020 The State of Alaska, Division of Agriculture Plant Materials Center(PMC) is an incredibly valuable resource for commercial agriculture producers across the State. From seed cleaning and variety trials to the State’s new Hemp Program, in this episode…
Ag Matters 6/10/2020 The demand for local meat is at an all-time high and in this interview Amy chats with Steve Linden about what sets his business apart from other options. https://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2020/06/10/ag-matters-lindens-meats-2020-6-10/
Ag Matters 6/17/2020 There are two USDA Farm Services Agency regions in Alaska, the northern region headquartered in Delta Junction and managed by Lloyd Wilhelm and the southern region based out of Palmer and managed by Erin Sturdivant. Both regions…
Ag Matters 4/15/2020 Amy interviews Jodie Anderson, Director of the Mat Su Experiment Farm & Extension Center about recent events impacting the Agriculture community. https://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2020/04/15/agmatters-alaska-grown-in-the-shadow-of-covid-19-2020-4-15/
On Saturday June 1, 2019 join Alaska Farmland Trust and The Ken Peltier Band for an evening of great music, local food & beverages & family fun…all for the good cause of continuing to protect farmland across Alaska. This 4th…
Join Alaska Farmland Trust for Happy Hour in the Greenhouse, featuring local food, local music and local libations! **This event has sold out three years in a row – so don’t hesitate to get your tickets! Enjoy all-Alaska Grown appetizers,…
The Board and Staff of the Alaska Farmland Trust recognize the importance of the State Division of Agriculture and the services they provide to the agriculture industry as a whole. In response to the proposed budget cuts released in February…
The Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE) conference is one of the largest in Alaska. Listen to Amy’s interview of Casey & Janice to learn more about what to expect at this years’ workshop. https://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2018/10/24/ag-matters-10-23-2018
Do you know what the main ingredients in ice cream are? Enjoy this edition of Ag Matters Radio where Amy interviews Elissa of Wild Scoops Ice Cream. https://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2018/10/17/ag-matters-10-16-2018/
Al Poindexter has been connected to Alaska Agriculture since birth – enjoy this edition of Ag Matters Radio where Amy & Al talk about his current endeavor, Anchor Point Greenhouse. https://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2018/10/09/ag-matters-10-08-2018/
On this edition of Ag Matters Radio the roles are reversed as Amy tells us more specifically about Alaska Farmland Trust while being interviewed by Radio Free Palmer Manager Mike Chmielewski.
Alaska Seeds of Change is a mission-based hydroponic greenhouse in Anchorage; listen to this edition of Ag Matters Radio to learn more from Cheyanne & Courtney. https://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2018/09/12/ag-matters-09-11-2018/
Enjoy this edition of Ag Matters Radio featuring Alex Papasavas, Chef and Owner at Turkey Red in Palmer. https://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2018/09/05/ag-matters-09-04-2018/
Learn about South Central’s newest USDA slaughter facility in this interview with Denali Meat Company. https://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2018/08/29/ag-matters-08-28-2018/
Director Keyes joins Amy on Ag Matters for his quarterly update about projects and activities of the Alaska Division of Agriculture. https://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2018/08/24/ag-matters-08-22-2018/
Enjoy this edition of Ag Matters Radio, an interview with Emily Garrity, the owner and founder of Twitter Creek Gardens in Homer. https://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2018/08/17/ag-matters-08-15-2018/
Scott Mugrage of Mugrage Hay & Cattle has been involved in agriculture production his entire life; learn more on this edition of Ag Matters. https://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2018/08/08/ag-matters-08-07-2018/
Don Berberich taught Agriculture Education at Palmer High School (PHS) for 28 years. In this edition of Ag Matters Radio, Amy & Don discuss his retirement, the future of Ag Education at PHS, and his farm operation “Juice, Jelly &…
Tune in to this edition of Ag Matters Radio to get inspired about the Mat Su Farm Bureau Chapters’ annual Farm Tour, hosted by Alaska Farm Tours. https://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2018/07/18/ag-matters-07-16-2018/
If you love Fire Island Bakery, you’re going to love this episode! https://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2018/07/02/ag-matters-06-30-2018/
https://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2018/06/27/ag-matters-06-25-2018/
Commercial hemp production. https://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2018/06/20/ag-matters-06-19-2018/
https://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2018/06/13/ag-matters-06-12-2018/
On this edition of Ag Matters Radio, Amy chats with Representative Geran Tarr about the successful passage of HB 217 and the creation of a new House Resources Sub Committee focused on Food Security issues. https://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2018/06/06/ag-matters-06-05-2018/
Amy hosts Dr. Bob Gerlach and Amy Seitz for an update on the MOVi issue in the sheep & goat industry. https://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2018/05/30/ag-matters-05-29-2018/
On this edition of Ag Matters Radio Amy chats with Jenny VanderWeele about Fresh Starts Farms. https://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2018/05/23/ag-matters-05-22-2018/
Director Keyes visits with Amy and updates her on key happenings across the Division and across the State. https://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2018/05/18/ag-matters-05-16-2018/
This edition of Ag Matters Radio features a conversation and discussion with the three primary agriculture lenders in Alaska: the Alaska Rural Rehabilitation Corporation (ARRC), the Alaska Revolving Loan Fund (ARLF), and the USDA Farm Services Agency (FSA). https://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2018/05/09/ag-matters-05-08-2018/
On this edition of Ag Matters Radio Amy interviews Kevin Fochs Alaska FFA Association Director and Skye Reimers, the State Officer Team Reporter. https://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2018/05/02/ag-matters-05-01-2018/ AUTHOR | Kerry Nelson FFA (formerly Future Farmers of America) envisions a future in which all…
On Saturday June 2, 2018 Join Alaska Farmland Trust and The Ken Peltier Band for an evening of great music, food, beer & FUN…all for the good cause of continuing to protect farmland across Alaska. This 3rd Annual Summer Drink…
On this edition of Ag Matters, Amy sits down with Valley Garden Club members to talk about their mission and upcoming plant sale! https://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2018/04/30/ag-matters-04-25-2018/ AUTHOR | Kerry Nelson For the past thirty years, the Valley Garden Club has played an…
Did you know that Alaska is home to an Agriculture in the Classroom program? Learn more in this edition of Ag Matters Radio with Amy and her guest Mel Sikes, Alaska Ag in the Classroom Coordinator. https://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2018/04/13/ag-matters-04-11-2018/ AUTHOR | Kerry Nelson…
2018 marks the 51st year of vegetable production for Ben VanderWeele and his family. On this edition of Ag Matters Radio Amy and Ben chat about the changes Ben has seen over that time period and why he supports the…
On this edition of Ag Matters Radio Amy’s guest is Allie Barker of Chugach Farm in Chickaloon. https://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2018/03/28/ag-matters-03-27-2018/ AUTHOR | Kerry Nelson Hard work, contagious passion and pure grit only scrape the surface of Allie Barker’s character. She and her…
What is Rhodiola rosea and why should you care? On this edition of Ag Matters Radio Amy and her guest Dr. Petra Illig talk about this new crop in Alaska. https://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2018/03/23/ag-matters-03-22-2018/ AUTHOR | Kerry Nelson In 2008 Dr. Petra Illig of…
Alaska Wild Harvest is the largest producer of birch syrup IN.THE.WORLD! On this edition of Ag Matters Radio, Amy & Dulce discuss all things Alaska birch syrup related, from harvest steps to new products, ingenuity to 29 years of production….
The Alaska Farmers Market Association (AFMA) is made up of farmers market managers from across Alaska who are interested in furthering the success of direct marketing in our State. On this edition of Ag Matters Radio Amy & AFMA Director Robbi…
Jan Newman is the Champion behind the civic association that is Grow Palmer. On this episode of Ag Matters, Amy & Jan discuss: the history of the group, the new partnerships that have evolved for 2018 and how volunteers can get…
The Alaska Farm Bureau is the largest producer group in Alaska, working hard to be a voice for agriculture on policy and issues that will help strengthen the industry. Amy Seitz is the Executive Director of the AFB; she joined…
State of Alaska, Division of Agriculture Director Arthur Keyes is a quarterly guest on Ag Matters Radio; in this edition, Arthur catches us up on recent happenings in Alaska agriculture including the potential for a new Livestock position at the Division…
On this edition of Ag Matters Radio, Amys’ guest is David McCarthy, co-owner of 49th State Brewing Company. They discuss Davids’ passion for local food & beer, his commitment to the community, and their upcoming collaborative event Drink Beer, Save…
On this edition of Ag Matters Radio, Amys’ guest is Ryan Wiswesser, owner of Chugach Chocolates & Alaska Artisanal – two incredible Alaska Value-Added businesses that are focused on sourcing as much Alaska Grown and small-batch foods as possible. https://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2018/02/06/ag-matters-01-29-2018/…
Rachel Christy and her husband began Alaska Blooms Peony Farm in 2011; this season they will harvest approximately 10,000 cut flowers off of 3500 plants! Amy & Rachel discuss all things peony from how to over-winter the crowns to where…
There is so much exciting activity on the Kenai Peninsula surrounding local food and in this episode of Ag Matters Radio Amy and her guest Heidi Chay, District Manager of the Kenai Soil & Water Conservation District, discuss many of…
Did you know there is commercial mushroom production happening in Anchorage? On this edition of Ag Matters Radio, Amys’ guest is Gabe DeGange of Far North Fungi. They discuss blue oyster mushroom production, the medicinal benefits of mushrooms, mushroom workshops…
Margaret is the former Executive Director of the Alaska Farmland Trust, and now manages a number of different projects for the Trust. On this edition of Ag Matters Radio, she and Amy chat about three different programs including: FarmLink, upcoming…
The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) conducts the Agricultural Census every five years; on this edition of Ag Matters Amy’s guest is Sue Benz, Alaska’s only Agricultural Statistician. They talk about the history, importance and impact of the survey…
Alex Davis owns and operates A.D. Farm in Palmer and is also the Manager of Alaska’s first year-round farmers’ market, The Center Market, at the Mall at Sears in Anchorage. In this edition of Ag Matters Radio Amy & Alex…
Todd & Amy discuss the intricacies of bison production on the farm he owns & operates in Palmer, Alaska, Little Pitchfork Ranch. Todd’s grandparents homesteaded the property in the 1950’s and overtime it has produced hay, beef cows, bison &…
edible ALASKA is a quarterly publication that celebrates Alaska’s local food scene, season by season. Editor Mary Smith joins Amy on this edition of Ag Matters as they discuss the stories, features and highlights of the magazine. https://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2017/12/12/ag-matters-12-6-2017/
Kelp salsa…kelp pickles?! Who knew? On this edition of Ag Matters, Amy’s guests’ are Matt & Lia of Barnacle Foods in Juneau. https://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2017/12/01/ag-matters-11-30-2017/
Alaska Division of Agriculture Director Arthur Keyes is a quarterly guest on Ag Matters; he joins Amy on this 52nd edition of the show to update listeners about the current projects at the Division and throughout the State. https://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2017/11/24/ag-matters-11-22-2017/
Patrick Ryan is an Education Specialist at the Alaska Botanical Garden (ABG); his 21 years of teaching in an elementary classroom makes him the perfect fit for all of the education programs at ABG. He & Amy discuss the many…
Sarra Khlifi is the Program Coordinator for the Alaska Food Coalition; on this edition of Ag Matters Radio Amy & Sarra discuss the upcoming Farm Bill and its impacts on the Alaska Food System. https://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2017/11/10/ag-matters-11082017-2/
On this edition of Ag Matters Radio, Amy & Evie Witten discuss the process of fermentation and how Evie transforms Alaska Grown products into delightful, shelf stable ferments at her business Evie’s Brinery. https://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2017/11/08/ag-matters-11082017/
Michelle Church has been a Board Member of the Alaska Farmland Trust for many years; she & her husband own & operate Moonstone Farms, located on an original Colony Farm in the Valley. http://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2017/10/27/ag-matters-10262017/
On this edition of Ag Matters Radio Amy & her guest Robert Fithian of Alaska Yaks discuss why yak are the perfect animal for Alaska. http://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2017/10/20/ag-matters-10192017/
On this edition of Ag Matters Radio, Amy interviews Kelly Eggleston of Arctic Harvest Distillery, an all-Alaska Grown distillery in North Pole, Alaska. http://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2017/10/13/ag-matters-10122017/
Interested in micro-gardening? In this edition of Ag Matters Radio Amys’ guest is Lisa Sadleir-Hart from Sitka. She & her husband Tom operate Anam Cara Family Garden and are very tuned-in to the local food movement in their community. http://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2017/10/06/ag-matters-10042017/
On this edition of Ag Matters Radio, Amys’ guest is State of Alaska, Division of Agriculture Director Arthur Keyes, with his quarterly update. On the second half of the show, Suzy Crosby calls in to discuss the hot topic of…
This edition of Ag Matters Radio features Chef Clayton Jones and a discussion about his efforts to source Alaska Grown products in his food businesses, which have ranged from being the Head Chef of a number of high profile Anchorage…
On this edition of Ag Matters radio, Amy’s guest is Chris Flickinger, cattle rancher from Kodiak Island. http://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2017/09/15/ag-matters-09142017/
In this edition of Ag Matters Radio, Amy learns about the sustainability efforts of seed saving and vegetable production in South East Alaska with her guests. Nick & Leah own FoundRoot, an open-pollinated seed company based in Haines, Alaska. http://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2017/09/08/ag-matters-09072017/
In this 40th episode of Ag Matters Radio, Amy & Mark discuss the upcoming OxtoberFest event. A fundraiser for The Musk Ox Farm and Alaska Farmland Trust, it’s going to be a great night! Tickets are available at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3032950 http://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2017/09/04/ag-matters-08312017/…
On this edition of Ag Matters Radio, Amy interviews Cindee & Jennifer about Alaskan’s only Bioshelter and the concept of Permaculture Design. http://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2017/08/29/ag-matters-08252017/
In this edition of Ag Matters radio, Amy & Susanna discuss the Matanuska Experiment Farm & Extension Center. Susanna is the new Director (as of April 2017) and tells us all about her vision for the Farm. http://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2017/08/20/ag-matters-08162017/
On this edition of Ag Matters Radio, Amy’s guest is 16 year old Skye Reimers, a local 4H & FFA member who shares about the livestock component of the upcoming Alaska State Fair, and specifically the Jr Livestock Auction. http://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2017/08/11/ag-matters-08102017/…
Zack & Stefan from Bleeding Heart Brewery discuss their agriculture & local food connection with Amy on this edition of Ag Matters Radio. http://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2017/08/04/ag-matters-08022017/
The Tanana Valley Farmers Market is the oldest market in the State! Market Manager Brad St.Pierre joins Amy on this edition of Ag Matters for a fun discussion about all the things that make the market work so well. Brad &…
In this edition of Ag Matters Radio, Amy discusses the many benefits of the States’ Alaska Grown Program with Market Access & Food Safety Manager Johanna Herron. They talk about the unique features available to members and Johanna introduce a…
In this edition of Ag Matters Radio, Amy & Nathan discuss beekeeping in Alaska, including all of the details about overwintering bees in Alaska. What equipment is needed, what type of bees perform best in Alaska and SO.MUCH.MORE! http://www.radiofreepalmer.org/category/programs/ag-matters/
For the 31st edition of Ag Matters Radio, Amy and her guest Laura Porter discuss nutrition & mental health, the quality of local food & animal feeds in Alaska and a number of other interesting topics. http://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2017/07/04/ag-matters-06282017/
Director Keyes and Amy discuss hot topics at the Division of Agriculture, including the 5 for 5 challenge, Farm Family of the Year and more! http://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2017/06/27/ag-matters-06212017/
Amy’s guest for the 29th edition of Ag Matters is Ray Nix of Mt McKinley Meat & Sausage Co LLC. They discuss the new ownership structure, changes to processes, and future plans. http://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2017/06/17/ag-matters-06142017/
This edition of Ag Matters features Ken Peltier of The Ken Peltier Band and “Rodeo Frank” Koloski from Rodeo Alaska discussing the upcoming “Drink Beer, Save Farms” fundraiser on Saturday, June 10, 2017. http://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2017/06/09/ag-matters-06072017/
Richelle Plummer updates Amy on the Mat Su Farm Co-Op, broiler (meat bird) production in the Mat Su Valley and all of the potential of the Bogard Food Hub. http://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2017/06/04/ag-matters-05312017/
In this weeks’ episode of Ag Matters Radio, Amy is joined by Margaret Adsit of Alaska Farm Tours for a discussion on agritourism. http://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2017/05/26/ag-matters-05262017/
Amy & Rob discuss the many different programs and services offered by the State of Alaska, Division of Agriculture, Plant Materials Center. http://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2017/05/19/ag-matters-05172017/
On this edition of Ag Matters, Amy & Brian Olson discuss all that is Alaska Berries – from berry production to wine making, and all things in between. http://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2017/05/10/ag-matters-05102017/
Amy and Misty VanderWeele discuss All Dahlia’d Up, a dahlia & other specialty flower farm in Palmer, Alaska. http://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2017/05/10/ag-matters-05042017/
Amy & Mel discuss different ways to get involved with Alaska Agriculture Day on this episode of Ag Matters Radio.
On this edition of Ag Matters Radio, Amy has two guests – Kyla Byers from Arctic Harvest Deliveries and Cindee Karns from the Alaska Cold Climate Permaculture Institute. http://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2017/04/24/ag-matters-04192017/
Kevin Fochs, the State Director of the Alaska FFA, joins Amy for a discussion about FFA activities in Alaska including the upcoming State Convention, being held in Palmer the week of April 17th. http://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2017/04/14/ag-matters-04132017/
Amy Seitz is a 3rd generation Alaskan farmer, operating Lancashire Farm on the Kenai Peninsula. She’s also the Executive Director of the Alaska Farm Bureau. Amy & Amy discuss a number of topics including fiber production, Farm Bureau activities and a…
Amy & Richelle discuss the history, growth and vision of the Mat Su Farm Co-Op including egg & broiler production in the Mat Su Valley. http://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2017/03/24/ag-matters-03222017/
Amy & Division Director Arthur Keyes discuss current agriculture-related bills in the legislature, activities at the Division of Agriculture and the “Food & Agriculture Awareness Week” happening in Juneau March 13-17, 2017. http://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2017/03/16/ag-matters-03152017/
Amy discusses the hemp plant and the future of hemp production in Alaska with Jack Bennett of Hemp Solutions Alaska. http://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2017/03/13/ag-matters-03082017/
A fun discussion about the Mangalista “wooly” Pig with Rayne Reynolds of Frozen Oak Farm in Palmer. http://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2017/03/01/ag-matters-03012017/
Amy & Robbi discuss the upcoming Farmers Market Conference and the Kenai Food Hub. http://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2017/02/26/ag-matters-02222017/
Amy and Representative Geran Tarr discuss agriculture-related legislation including HB 46. http://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2017/02/16/ag-matters-02152017/
Amy Pettit and Dr. Steve Seefeldt of UAF CES preview the upcoming Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE) conference. http://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2017/02/10/ag-matters-02082017/
Amy Pettit has a conversation with Jodie Anderson about the many different programs and opportunities involved with the Division of Agriculture Farm to Institution program. http://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2017/02/03/ag-matters-02022017/
Amy has a discussion about the Alaska Food Policy Council (AFPC) with co-chair Liz Snyder. http://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2017/01/27/ag-matters-01262017/
Amy discusses Alaska Beer week with Stephen from Arkose Brewery. http://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2017/01/20/ag-matters-01182017/
Director Amy Pettit converses with Mike about all the different ways to incorporate local food into your Holiday Meal planning. http://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2016/12/23/ag-matters-12212016/
Megan Talley from Spring Creek Farm discusses many of the outstanding programs they are offering including internships, TILTH and South Central Alaska CRAFT. http://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2017/01/13/ag-matters-01112017/
A discussion about peonies in Alaska and the upcoming Alaska Peony Growers Association annual meeting. Director Amy Pettit and Alaska Farmland Trust Board of Directors Member Michael Williams converse about the *blooming* Alaska peony industry. http://www.radiofreepalmer.org/2017/01/10/ag-matters-01062017/
Alaska Farmland Trust Director Amy Pettit has a discussion about the new FarmLink Program with Coordinator Margaret Adsit.