For past news please visit the Extension News and Announcements Archive.

> Read about how Extension has put education to work in your community in our 2011 Program Highlights! The 2011 annual report spotlights our efforts to increase food production in rural communities and a video about the Alaskan Growers School. The issue also covers our new partnership with the Alaska Center for Energy and Power (ACEP) and includes news about 4-H youth exchange programs, GPS/GIS training in Quinhagak, our classroom outreach and more.

> Mark your calendars for the 2012 Alaska Produce Growers Conference, Feb. 21–22 at the Palmer Community Center (train depot). Presenters will provide research and practical information for vegetable and fruit farmers. Topics will include potatoes, integrated pest management, pesticides, Rhodiola rosea and the Alaska Farmers Market Food Stamp Pilot Project. Register online or download the registration form. View the agenda here.

> This year’s Delta Farm Forum will take place Feb. 25 in the Delta High School small gymnasium. Experts will talk about the barley biofuel project, potato late blight, food processing regulations, heritage hogs and the marketability of peonies. Representatives from several agricultural agencies will also provide updates. See this flyer for details.

> Extension will host the 2012 Alaska Certified Pesticide Applicator Conference March 13 at the Coast International Inn in Anchorage. Participants may receive continuing education credits. See our conference page for more information including registration and payment links.

> Save the date! The eighth annual Sustainable Agriculture Conference March 13–14 will take place at the Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge. Preconference workshops on business planning for farmers and cultivating mushrooms are scheduled for March 13. Conference topics will include farm planning, funding opportunities, business strategies, the Sustainable Livestock conference and more. See the agenda, download the registration or register online.