Delta Farm Forum set for Feb. 24

February 16, 2018

Marmian Grimes

Agriculture will take center stage at the 46th annual Delta Farm Forum, Feb. 24, in Delta Junction.

The forum brings growers, producers and the community together to hear about current research, recommendations and farm agency news. Bryan Scoresby, the executive director of the federal Farm Service Agency in Alaska, will welcome participants at 9 a.m. in the Delta High School small gym.

Topics will include agritourism, requirements for certified organic producers, noxious and invasive weeds, and the AgrAbility program for disabled farmers and agricultural workers. State veterinarian Dr. Robert Gerlach will talk about introduced ticks and pathogens.

Delta Extension agent Phil Kaspari said historical presentations from early homesteaders have been popular among at the forum. Emily Keaster, a longtime Delta resident and homesteader, will reminisce about homesteading and farming in the Clearwater area. Arthur Keyes, director of the Division of Agriculture, will provide an agency update, along with the Salcha-Delta Soil and Water Conservation District.

A potluck lunch will take place at noon, and the forum will end around 4:30 p.m. The University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service and the Salcha-Delta Soil and Water Conservation District co-sponsor the forum. For more information, go to www.uaf.edu/ces, contact Delta Extension at 907-895-4215 or cmroden@alaska.edu, or call the conservation district at 907-895-6279.