Ag Matters Alaska

Ken Hoffman, President, and Amy Seitz, Policy Director, of the Alaska Farm Bureau, give us a peek at the 2025 Alaska Agriculture Conference and Grazing Lands Symposium to be held  November 13 – 15 at the Sheraton Hotel in Anchorage.

Frank Bell from Palmer Brewing Company joins host Ken Hoffman on Ag Matters. Palmer Brewing Co. is located in Palmer's Industrial Park, where Arkose Brewery used to be. Frank got his start in home brewing and enjoyed not just the science but also the art of creating beer, as well as the camaraderie he has found with other brewers. Frank and his brewer, Jeremiah Boone, are hoping for 13 or 14 brews...

Dylan Blankenship of Blankenship Farms visits with Ken Hoffman on Ag Matters. Dylan says, "I'm a plowboy, not a cowboy." He explains to Ken the different levels of hay and their grading system. This knowledge helps set prices and allows the consumer to know the quality of the hay. Dylan discusses the growing season and the role of fertilizers. If you want to learn more, follow Dylan on Facebook, I...

Dr. Julie Meer from Farm 779 Fermented Foods joins host Ken Hoffman. Ken asked Julie, "Where did you get the name Farm 779?" Julie explained that there had been many calls to the USDA about a grant for a high tunnel greenhouse. Julie had grown accustomed to hearing and using the name Farm 779, which was the number the government had assigned to the farm. Julie, aka the Kefir Lady, and Farm 779 are...

Chanel Pratt talks about the lambs she raises for FFA members, her other livestock, and her service work.

Nick Stern and John Smet, founders of the Pacific Kelp Co., join host Ken Hoffman. Nick and John are currently building their aqua farm just south of Ketchikan with Alaskan Giant Kelp. It grows year-round in nutrient-rich Alaskan water and provides an essential habitat for marine life; helps sequester carbon dioxide and excess nutrients; and even helps mitigate the effects of ocean acidification....

Host Ken Hoffman welcomes Mark Wolbers, the President of the Alaska Pioneer Fruit Growers Association. You don't need to be a commercial grower to benefit from membership in The Alaska Pioneer Fruit Growers Association. The association aims to share information with anyone interested in fruit growing through monthly meetings, guest speakers, workshops, and tastings. 

Ted Hammer talks about birch syrup production from their 6000 trees and medicinal products developed from the birch trees.

Host Ken Hoffman talks with Danielle Kudla & Sami Waisanen  of the Alaska Food Company.

LaMarr Anderson talks about the projects at the Rebarchek Agricultural Park on the Alaska State Fair Grounds with host Ken Hoffman. The mission of the Rebarchek Agricultural Park is to preserve the history of agricultural culture in the Mat-Su Valley and Alaska, while promoting agriculture for today and the future. The farm offers a limited number of 1/2-acre parcels of farmland for lease. Leases...

Bryce Wrigley from the Alaska Flour Company joins host Ken Hoffman to talk about his journey as a farmer and business owner in Alaska. Bryce and his family started farming in Delta Junction in 1983.

The Mosesian family, owners of Bell's Nursery, is the Alaska Farm Family of the Year. Mike Mosesian started Bell's Nursery in 1976.

Carol Kenley talks about the 4 generations of farming and gardening  by her family in Alaska. 

Host Ken Hoffman talks with Alaska Adventure Chef Kevin Moffit.

Ken Hoffman talks with Alex Wilson of Alaska Pacific University

Host Ken Hoffman is joined by Michelle Pages, President of the Kodiak Chapter of the Alaska Farm Bureau. Michelle wears many hats, including those of a 5th-generation farmer, wife, mother, rancher, chef, gym manager, and owner of a feed store. Listen to how Michelle fits all these jobs into her week.

Join host Ken Hoffman as he talks with Tarn Coffey on Ag Matters.  You can follow Tarn's story on his YouTube channel: Alaska Corn by Coffey Farm .

Abby Austin, Executive Director, and Margaret Adsit, Lands Program Coordinator and Alaska Farmlink Director discuss the work and goal of Alaska Farmland Trust

Leah Corbin and Kelly Marciales from Spring Creek Farm join host Ken Hoffman on Ag Matters. They discussed some of the programs run at the farm. The Tilth program helps farmers by purchasing seconds and "ugly vegetables," which are then distributed to local food banks or food programs. The Food Forest takes food that grows and is foraged on the trails and makes it easier to access. Contact Alex Wi...

Mike Jipping from Beach Tribe Soda Works joins host Ken Hoffman on Ag Matters. Beach Tribe Soda Works started in 2017. Mike saw a need for a non- alcoholic beverage with less sugar and more adult flavors. The Original Jipping Ginger Beer is a Cold-Pressed Ginger, Lemon, Habanero, and Raw Honey drink. It was their first product and is still their most popular flavor. Beach Tribe Soda Works also cre...

Host Ken Hoffman talks with Paul Cook, owner of the Northern Lights Elk Ranch on Ag Matters  Paul Cook bought the ranch 4 years ago. They have 125 acres for hunting, 11 pastures, for a total of 315 acres.  All hunts are guided, and you won't need a hunting license.  You are guaranteed an animal.  They sell elk meat with the butchering done in the fall. They sell the meat in quarters. Order early a...

Dave Thorn of Delicious Dave Catering joins host Ken Hoffman on Ag Matters to discuss his use of local foods. He tells us where we can find and buy local foods. Dave also explains why they are better, not only the taste and nutrition, but also economically. Delicious Dave is a catering and traveling chef based in Anchorage, Alaska. He specializes in using locally grown produce, seafood, and meat. 

Karianne Smith, new owner of Bushes Bunches joins host Ken Hoffman on Ag Matters on Big Cabbage Radio