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Greetings!
The 2017 Legislative session is underway and we're excited to be making our annual trip down to Juneau this week! Those making the trip will be busy meeting with legislators to discuss the Farm Bureau's priorities for this year.
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| AKFB & FFA visiting the Capitol last year |
We'll be ending the trip with the Governor's 2
nd
Annual Alaska Grown Reception! Thanks to all those who provided items for the reception and gift bags!
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| The picture from the Governor's Alaska Grown reception has Lt. Governor Byron Mallott and Chris Flickinger, member of Kodiak Chapter. |
The Governor's budget shows a reduction of approximately $2 million. This is to be expected with the sale of Mt. McKinley Meat & Sausage. The budget subcommittees are going through each department budget and will report back with recommended changes.
Agriculture
Agricultural Development
North Latitude Plant
Material Center
Agriculture Revolving Loan
Program Administration
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4,826,100
2,245,800 2,084,600
495,700
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3,683,300
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1,142,800
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Bills that have been introduced so far that are agriculture related are below.
HB 19
HB 32
HB 46
HB 63
SB6
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BAN NEONICOTINOID PESTICIDES
LABEL GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOOD
PROCURE AK FISH, AG PROD; RAW MILK SALES
TRANSFER DUTIES FROM DCCED
INDUSTRIAL HEMP PRODUCTION**
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REPRESENTATIVE DRUMMOND
REPRESENTATIVE TARR
REPRESENTATIVE TARR
REPRESENTATIVE PRUITT
SENATOR HUGHES
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**Public testimony on Senate Bill 6 is scheduled for Wednesday, February 15th in the Senate Resources Committee - 3:30pm.
If you're interested in following the budget discussion or bill hearings go to
akleg.gov
; you'll be able to find hearing schedules, watch meetings live or go back later and watch. If there are specific bills you want to follow, track them with BTMF; you'll receive notifications when bills are scheduled for hearings, etc.
Best wishes,
Amy Seitz, Executive Director
37075 Nicholas View Lane
Soldotna, AK 99669
907-252-5064
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RISK MANAGEMENT EDUCATION
Agrilogic Consulting Visits Alaska Again
AgriLogic Consulting, LLC based in College Station, Texas in partnership with the USDA Risk Management Agency, will be delivering risk management education to Alaskan agriculture producers throughout the year. They presented at the Alaska Farm Bureau's Annual Meeting on topics of crop insurance programs and other risk management tools available to assist Alaska agricultural producers remain in business in the event of damage or loss. AgriLogic will also do FREE consultations and will provide FREE PREMIUM QUOTES for all those who are interested in learning about solutions to mitigate farm risk.
AgriLogic has scheduled another trip to Alaska this month:
SARE Conference - Clif Parks and Wesley Regmund of AgriLogic Consulting will have an exhibitor table at the Alaska Sustainable Agriculture Conference (SARE) on February 22nd. Producers in attendance are invited to stop by to discuss risk management options available to them. Clif will jointly conduct a SARE post-conference workshop on February 23rd from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM with Jeff Curry of the USDA Farm Service Agency. Their workshop will be titled "Sustainable Farm Risk Management & Financing".
Delta Farm Forum - Clif Park and Wesley Regmund of AgriLogic Consulting will be present at the Delta Farm Forum on February 25th to visit with producers about risk management options available to them. In addition, Clif is on the agenda to speak on the topic of risk management.
If you're interested in setting up a visit with them while they're in town contact Brandon at;
[email protected] or 1-844-221-5982. They'll be in the Fairbanks/Delta area 2/21-28/2017 and in the Mat-Su area 2/28-3/2/2017.
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Farm Land Property Tax Survey
The Fairbanks Economic Development Corporation has started looking at the Farm Land Tax Exemption law to see if it could be more beneficial to the ag industry.
Currently, to be eligible for this property tax exemption, a person needs to make 10% of their yearly gross income. There is also the rule that if farm land receiving this exemption is sold for non-farming purposes, the owner is responsible to pay the amount that was exempt, plus interest, on the preceding seven years.
The Alaska Farm Bureau is assisting the Fairbanks Economic Development Corp to find out how our farmers & ranchers think this should change.
Please take the time to fill out the short survey
here.
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USDA Announces $252 Million Available for Regional Conservation Partnership Program
Applications requested for innovative partner-driven projects
WASHINGTON, - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today invited potential conservation partners, including private industry, non-government organizations, Indian tribes, state and local governments, water districts, and universities to submit project applications for federal funding through the
Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).
Through this fourth RCPP Announcement for Program Funding (APF), USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will award up to $252 million dollars to locally driven, public-private partnerships that improve the nation's water quality, combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife habitat, and protect agricultural viability. Applicants must match or exceed the federal award with private or local funds.
"Through unprecedented collaboration, the Regional Conservation Partnership Program has established a new paradigm for working lands conservation that yields unparalleled results," Vilsack said. "Working together, RCPP projects in every state are demonstrating the ways in which locally-led initiatives can meet some of our most pressing natural resource concerns."
Created by the 2014 Farm Bill, RCPP connects partners with producers and private landowners to design and implement voluntary conservation solutions that benefit natural resources, agriculture, and the economy. By 2018, NRCS and its more than 2,000 conservation partners will have invested at least $2.4 billion in high-impact RCPP projects nationwide.
For example, three existing RCPP projects bring together more than 40 partners, including USA Rice, Ducks Unlimited, California Rice Commission, the Walmart Foundation and The Mosaic Company, to accelerate conservation on rice lands in six states facing water quality and quantity challenges. These projects, collectively called the USA Rice-Ducks Unlimited Rice Stewardship Partnership, aim to conserve water and wildlife habitat while sustaining the future of rice farming in the United States. With unique technical expertise and needs, each state is leading a partner-driven, local approach to conservation in rice agriculture.
In its most recent RCPP awards, NRCS last month announced that 88 high-impact projects across the country will receive $225 million in federal funding, with more than double that investment from partners. The new Gulf of Mexico - Forest to Sea RCPP project will conserve Florida's pristine "Big Bend" area along the northeastern Gulf by implementing innovative conservation solutions with private working forest owners. Using an impact investment approach, The Conservation Fund and 12 partners will implement an easement and restoration plan on large forested tracts to address the natural resource concerns while allowing sustainable timber harvesting and maintaining local jobs. The project will serve as a model for further conservation and impact investing in the region and beyond.
NRCS Chief Jason Weller encourages partners to consider conservation finance and environmental markets as they develop RCPP project applications. "The growing field of conservation finance provides opportunities to inject significant investment capital into projects that protect, restore and maintain our natural ecosystems," says Weller.
USDA is now accepting proposals for Fiscal Year 2018 RCPP funding. Pre-proposals are due April 21. For more information on applying, visit the
RCPP website
.
Since 2009, USDA has invested more than $29 billion to help producers make conservation improvements, working with as many as 500,000 farmers, ranchers and landowners to protect over 400 million acres nationwide, boosting soil and air quality, cleaning and conserving water and enhancing wildlife habitat. For an interactive look at USDA's work in conservation and forestry over the course of this Administration, visit
http://medium.com/usda-results
.
#
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
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Product Preference Program Survey
In 2015 Representative Tarr requested an audit to be done on Alaska's Agriculture Product Preference Program.
The Division of Agriculture and Alaska Farm Bureau are partnering to give input from agricultural stakeholders regarding next steps.
One of the options being discussed is separating out items that Alaskan farmers can produce in large enough quantities. This survey is to gather information on what products we have, what quantity and what time of year they are available.
With this information the state can work towards ways to incorporate more local products in their purchases.
You can find the survey at the link below.
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Member Benefits
view all benefits
here
You're no stranger to long hours in harsh weather so you know stocking up on supplies helps make sure your days go more smoothly.
Grainger.com
is Farm Bureau members' go-to source for
winter supplies and tips
for before, during and after frigid blasts. Get up to 30% off plus FREE shipping with your Farm Bureau discount by going to Grainger.com or using the Grainger Mobile App.
Join the Alaska Farm Bureau for only $40 per year and your dollars will go to support our mission of improving the economic well-being and expansion of agriculture and to enrich the quality of life for all Alaskans.
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February 25:
Delta Farm Forum
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Classified Ads
Straw Bales Wanted:
Truck load of square straw bales wanted. Please give a quote including delivery. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. Discounts and donations are 100% tax deductible. Contact Mike Miller at 907-301-7942
All Natural Beef:
Locally grown, all natural, grass fed, Delta Barley finished, Black Angus beef for sale. $3.85/lb dressed. Available in whole or halves from Mugrage Hay & Cattle. Call 907-895-2027 or 308-362-9060
Goats Supply, Excellent Breeds Available:
We have excellent breeds of many goat species, we have breeding pairs available. We currently have goats which are in milk, kids are ready to breed. Our goats have excellent milk and show lines. Various species we have: Nubian, Nigerian Dwarf, Pygmy, Alpine, Pygora, Kinder, Angora, LaMancha, Toggenburg, Boer, Kiko, Brush goats, Tennessee Fainting Goat. Contact Jackson at 802-729-0326
Hay for Sale:
Prime, local, Kenai Peninsula hay for sale. Timothy and also mixed grasses. 5x4 round bales. We deliver throughout the Kenai Peninsula. Call Robert Gibson @ 907-598-2000
Goats for Sale:
We are proud breeders of excellent quality, standard size breeds; Alpine, Lamancha, Nubian, Oberhasle, Saanen, Sable, Toggenburg, Boer and the Nigerian Dwarf goats. These are healthy goats with good feet and are easy to handle. They respect goat netting fences and do not jump. Each animal has it's own file with full treatment record. Ongoing support can be provided for people who are new to goats. These are very good quality goats. Call or PM Jerry @ (503) 506-7826
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
Visit Website
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 ¼ 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.
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Alaska Farm Bureau
37075 Nicholas View Lane
Soldotna, AK 99669
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