Alaska Sustainable Agriculture Conference set for March 4-5

The Alaska Sustainable Agriculture Conference, set for March 4-5 in Fairbanks, will highlight farm decision making and sustainable farming practices.

More than 40 presentations will cover a wide range of agricultural topics, including livestock care, growing fruit and vegetables, farm management and even overwintering bees.

A photo captures a discussion on agriculture at last year's conference.

The University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service will host the 11th annual conference at the Westmark Fairbanks Hotel.

The conference draws participants from across Alaska and includes presentations of interest to gardeners and also small and large commercial operations.

“It’s for anyone who farms, gardens or ranches,” said Steven Seefeldt, Fairbanks Extension agent.

The featured speakers will be Phil Metzger of Norwich, New York, who teaches and consults on farm decision making, and Gina Greenway, an assistant professor from the College of Idaho who specializes in agricultural economics.

Metzger will lead a preconference workshop on holistic farm management, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 3. It will cover how to manage toward profitability, land health and social well-being. A second workshop, from 1 to 5 p.m. March 3, will focus on hydroponics for year-round vegetable production.

Agenda and registration information is available at http://bit.ly/sareconf.