WEDNESDAY • February 19, 2025
Welcome Fire Pit Social Hour from 5-7 PM at UAS Noyes Pavillion
FRIDAY • February 21, 2025
11:20-11:50am
"El niño/La niña, interpreting weather patterns that effect your farm production" by NOAA meteorologist
One of the biggest factors affecting your farm’s success each season is the weather! Climate change means different things for different regions -- in this session we will get a briefing on the general weather patterns in SEAK and learn what to expect from the swings between El nińo and La nińa summers in Southeast Alaska.
1-2pm
"Using Biochar to Enhance Your Farm's Soil" by Kelpie Wilson, Wilson Biochar LLC
Bio activated charcoal has been used around the world by in-the-know farmers for thousands of years as a way to enrich soils and improve the health of livestock. Kelpie will go in-depth during this session on the myriad ways biochar can be utilized to enhance the productivity of your farm.
2:10-2:55pm
Small Group Discuscussions & Workshops
An opportunity to have an intimate discussion with a small group of fellow farmers. Topics will include biochar, grant writing, composting, high tunnels, growing flowers, seed saving, soil blocking, farm-to-school sales, farm business management and more!
3:05-3:35pm
"Hydroponic Growing Walls -- Farm Anywhere You Can Set Up a Shipping Container" by Ketchikan Evergreens
Ever wondered how you could grow more food for your community year-round? Listen closely as Geoff & Jess Jans tell the story of launching their Ketchikan-based, state-of-the-art vertical hydroponic growing operation.
3:40-4:10pm
"Soil Science, a Biological Perspective" by Tom Zimmer, Calypso Farm
What the heck is happening below the soil surface? Soil tests often reflect the chemistry of your farm’s earth, but what’s up with all the living creatures? Tom has been experimenting with new biological soil testing methods at Calypso Farm and will share his recent discoveries during this “groundbreaking” session.
4:40-5:20pm
"Southside Community Farmers Market, a Case Study" by Susie Willsrud, Calypso Farm
Farmers Markets foster community connection and healthy living by offering fresh, nutritious foods, education, art & live music. Hear the story of the creation of Fairbanks’ thriving Southside Community Market and get inspired to start a farmers market in YOUR community!
7-8pm
Option 1: "Sharing your Marketing Experiences" Circle Discussion led by Meghan Stangeland
Looking for tips on how to market your produce and other farm products? Join us for a lively discussion where participants can share what has worked (and what hasn’t!) for their Southeast AK farms. Walk away with some new ideas on how to sell everything you grow.
SATURDAY • February 22, 2025
9:35-10:20am
Small Group Discussions & Workshops
An opportunity to have an intimate discussion with a small group of fellow farmers. Topics will include biochar, grant writing, composting, high tunnels, growing flowers, seed saving, soil blocking, farm-to-schoolfarm to school sales, farm business management and more!
10:30-11am
"Flower Successions for SEAK" by Sarah Dolan, Rising Tide Farm
Flowers can be a lucrative crop, but our wet, cool, short growing season creates many challenges to success. Sarah will outline what varieties have worked well for her in Juneau, and how to plant for continual blooms all summer.
11:30-12pm
"Enhancing Farm to School Connections" by Carlee Johnson-McIntosh, Petersburg School District
Most would agree that selling locally grown food to school lunch programs just makes sense. So why is it so difficult to get your product onto the lunch trays of your area school district? This session will outline strategies for improving farm-to-school relationships across Southeast Alaska.
1-1:30pm
"Farm Till Your 80! How to Stay Strong & Limber After a Lifetime of Physical Labor" by Claire Geldhof
Tired? Sore? Dreaming of nightly appointments with a masseuse or chiropractor during the growing season? It’s time to start giving your body as much love as you give your farm! Claire will offer up some ways to take good care of those old bones & muscles, so you can stay out in the fields for as long as possible!
2:35-3:05pm
"Strategies for Running a Successful Small Business in SEAK" by Lisa Daughrety, Juneau Composts!
Running a small business is an all-consuming endeavor. Add to that the challenges presented by our remote, far-flung region and you’ve got troubles. Learn some helpful tips and tricks for better small business management from Lisa, the queen of Juneau Composts!, our region’s largest composting service.
3:10-4:10pm
"Mixed Greens Production & Marketing" by Four Winds Farm, Haines & Ivy Patch Produce, Wrangell
Learn from a couple of skilled SEAK farmers who have truly dialed in their production & marketing methods for mixed baby greens. Sally & Katherine will get into the nitty-gritty about how they seed, harvest, wash and market baby greens on their farms in Haines & Wrangell.