Farming and ranching training offered

May 11, 2016

The University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service will offer its Alaska Growers School this summer from June 8 to Aug. 10.

Heidi Rader teaches a previous session of the Alaska Growers School by distance delivery.

This year’s training is intended for Alaska Natives or others affiliated with Alaska Native entities who are farming or ranching or hope to start. Nine sessions will be offered by webinar and teleconference Wednesdays from noon to 1:30 p.m.

Coordinator Heidi Rader, the tribes Extension educator for the Tanana Chiefs Conference, said the class will provide the nuts and bolts of getting starting farming and ranching in Alaska and will address farming opportunities available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Topics will include improving food security in remote villages, business mapping, and assessing one’s resources, skills and motivations for farming. The class will also help participants understand and manage the risks of starting or expanding a farm in remote Alaska.

Rader said there are lots of reasons to think about starting a farm or ranch. “More than just an opportunity to generate revenue — farming and ranching can offer other benefits — improved food security and fresh and healthy food options,” she said.

The training will be taught by Extension agents from Alaska, Arizona and Utah and other agriculture experts. The fee is $50, but tuition waivers are available. More information and registration are available at www.uaf.edu/ces/ags. To apply for a waiver, participants must first register. The waiver is linked to the registration page.

For more information, email growers.school@alaska.edu or call Rader at 907-452-8251, ext. 3477. The course is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.