It’s time for Page Two: News that might not make the front page for Wednesday April 8, 2026.
There’s a new Farm Manager at the Matanuska Experiment Farm and Extension Center. Aimee Young is stepping into the leadership role. Her move from Senior Admin to Farm Manager is based on her background in community programming and her indigenous plant studies. Her tasks include deepening relationships with the community and expanding outreach.
UAF Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Extension Director Jodie Anderson introduced Young yesterday on our monthly show “From the Farm.” Anderson is a former farm manager. She describes Young as a strong member of the team.
Anderson and Young discussed challenges for agriculture this year due to the weather conditions. This winter’s frost line is a major factor. It has penetrated deeper into the ground than recent years. They explained that this could lead to widespread damage to perennials including shrubs and trees.
Those planted in residential settings without the insulating benefits of forest ground cover are vulnerable. Watch for signs of stress in plants this spring. Some may leaf out and then ultimately fail due to roots damaged by freezing.
The deep frost can create drainage issues. Meltwater may be unable to penetrate the soil. This could lead to pooling and soggy conditions across yards and fields.
Warmer overnight temperatures, especially those staying above freezing, promote a gradual thaw. This will improve soil conditions and ease the transition into the growing season.
Planting times tend to remain consistent year to year, even with variable winters. However our growing season is now two to four weeks longer compared to a century ago. The season is extended even further with tools like greenhouses and high tunnels.
There are several upcoming educational opportunities from the farm.
On Thursday April 16 at noon is a session on biointensive farming techniques with farmer Brandi Jo Nyberg. She is the owner of Sauntering Roots Farm. Nyberg grows more than 30 varieties of vegetables on less than an acre.
Methods discussed will include bed sizing and spacing, essential tools, interplanting, and soil/plant health. This will be in person at the Extension Center as well as via Zoom. Please register for either option at bit.ly/NybergTalk
The Experiment Farm is hosting Food Security Through Agriculture on April 18 at the fairgrounds. This free, day-long gathering will feature workshops, demonstrations, and Q&A sessions. The event is centered on strengthening local food resilience and knowledge. It runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sponsors include the Alaska State Fair and the Mat-Su Health Foundation.
Regular farm tours and the return of community garden programs will be announced soon.
Check out the Matanuska Experiment Farm and Extension Center Facebook page for lots of resources including an updated publication on slugs.
The From the Farm episode with Anderson and Young is on bigcabbageradio.org in Agricuture under podcasts.
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This Page Two article was reported by Mike Chmielewski and produced by yours truly, Lee Henrikson. If you have an idea for a Page 2 topic, please email us at page2@radiofreepalmer.org.
That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Wednesday April 8, 2026.
(photo credit: Matanuska Experiment Farm and Extension Center)