From the Farm is a monthly show on Big Cabbage Radio. Staff from the Matanuska Experiment Farm and Extension Center give an update on farm activities.
Farm Manager Aimee Young and Mat-Su/Copper River District 4-H Coordinator Samantha Blumenkonig discussed activities at the farm and beyond on this month’s show.
The Alaska State Fair is coming up in a few weeks. Blumenkonig says that the 4-H is very busy during fair season. She described the many ways 4-H members are busy across the fairgrounds.
Young riders from across the state compete in the 4-H State Horse Show during the first weekend of the fair. This year’s focus is dressage.
Fairgoers can stop by the June Tull 4-H Building on the Red Trail to see the creativity and hard work of Alaskan youth. Displays include photography, artwork, baking, gardening, vegetables, flowers, and other projects completed throughout the year. Blumenkonig encourages fairgoers to take their time and appreciate the dedication behind every exhibit.
The Tull building also features interactive educational activities. Visitors can learn about livestock biosecurity and how farmers protect animals from diseases such as avian flu and African swine fever.
And the Worm Petting Zoo returns by popular demand. Visitors can gently handle red wiggler worms while learning about vermicomposting and soil health. The petting zoo may sound unusual, but last year’s event was a success. Even more worms will be on hand this year.
4-H and FFA members take over the livestock barn during the final week of the fair. About 150 youth are expected to auction cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, poultry, ducks, chickens, and quail in the 4-H & FFA Junior Market and Livestock Auction on Saturday, September 5th. Yes, even quail. Quail are a growing project for several local clubs.
Back at the Farm, July proved to be one of the rainiest months in recent memory. Measurable rain fell on 21 days. Young noted that the farm received about 3.35 inches of rain in July. Slightly more total rainfall fell 100 years ago, in July 1926, but over fewer days. These long-term weather comparisons offer insights into Alaska’s changing growing conditions.
Research crops are performing well at the Farm despite the cloudy summer. Lettuce variety trials continue to produce harvests, including a peppery variety called “Hot Shot.” Zucchini, garlic, rhubarb, and honeyberries have also done well.
Sunflowers and corn face challenges because of the lack of sunshine. The community gardens at the farm remain colorful with vegetables and flowers. Alaska gardens continue to thrive in even wet summers.
The Experiment Farm will host a free farm tour at noon on Thursday August 13. The tour will introduce visitors to the farm’s cattle and focus on livestock nutrition research. It will also highlight ongoing research that supports Alaska agriculture.
Whether you’re exploring the 4-H exhibits at the Alaska State Fair, supporting young people at the livestock auction, or visiting the Experiment Farm, August is a wonderful time to celebrate agriculture, research, and the next generation of Alaskan farmers.
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Mike Chmielewski reported this Page Two article and yours truly, Lee Henrikson produced it. 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 August 5, 2026.
Photo credit: Mat-Su/Copper River 4-H District