Read below or download the PDF.
Agriculture and Horticulture
The pandemic increased concerns about food security. Alaskans wanted more guidance
about raising their own food and maybe had more time to garden. Agents and staff reported
high interest in classes and increased phone calls and emails. Sitka and Juneau combined
efforts for a Master Gardener class by Zoom - and participants continued to meet informally
for months afterward. A Southeast gardening conference co-sponsored by Extension drew
600 participants - four times the usual number.
Health, Home and Family
Some StrongWomen and Strong Senior strength-training groups continued to meet outside
during the summer, by Zoom and even phone. Programming in chronic disease and diabetes
management and prevention shifted to Zoom. Food preservation clsses, which are usually
hands-on, presented a special challenge but many online sessions were offered despite
this and hundreds of pressure canner gauges were tested by appointment. More than
200 people signed up for a Zoom session on birch tapping and syrup making.
Mining and Petroleum Training Service
The mining and workforce development program, which trains underground and surface
miners at its facility near Delta Junction, operated at a reduced capacity because
of COVID restrictions, and its federally mandated Mine Safety and Health Administration
training transitioned successfully to distance delivery.
Youth Development
4-H and FFA got creative. FFA's state convention met by Zoom and Google Classroom,
complete with skills and written competitions and speech contests. 4-H youth participated
in watercolor and art lessons, livestock educational activities and even a yak farm
tour by Zoom. Kenai 4-H even hosted a drive-in livestock auction. Many 4-H offices
distributed activity kids on gardening, computer coding and cultural activities, such
as making a story knife.
Cooperative Extension provides trusted, research-based information to Alaskans. It is part of a national education network supported by a partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and land-grant universities.
Researchers with the Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station create knowledge and solve problems in agriculture, forest sciences and outdoor recreation.
The Mining and Petroleum Training Service delivers training, development and consulting services to resource industries.
The impacts here provide a glimpse at our accomplishments for 2020.
Research
Despite restrictions, agricultural, forestry and outdoor recreation research continued. The changing climate and lengthening growing season may mean that it is possible to grow different vegetable and grain varieties. Trials for both continued in Fairbanks and Palmer. Cover crops were tested to determine how best to enrich soils, and greenhouse research looked at crop production and the use of LEDs. Research continued on harvesting and drying firewood and on recreation surveys.
Barley
Malting and feed barley varieties are being evaluated for their adaptability to Alaska. Most of the malting barley that is used to make beer in Alaska, is imported from the Lower 48. Farmers get higher prices for malting barley.
MAPTS
Experts from the Mining and Petroleum Training Service have been invited to help Greenland's KTI Rastofskolen establish an underground training center and share their Arctic expertise.
4-H and Youth
For seven years, 4-H has provided an enrichment program for incarcerated youth at the Fairbanks Youth Facility. Activities include learning how to train service dogs, yoga, drawing and drumming. 4-H agents also help youth plan and cook meals for their families and visitors during holidays and contribute to the facilty garden.
Alaska Weeds ID
The Alaska Weeds ID mobile app has seen 6,000 downloads over five years and use of it is accelerating. Individuals may identify problematic weeds and report the locations of them on public lands. USDA has provided funding to add insects to the app.
Past Annual Highlights
- Boreal Alaska - Learning, Adaptation and Production
- Deltana canola developed at UAF
- Embracing technology to reach more Alaskans
- Extension celebrates 100 years
- Field course, NRM degree prepares Alaska students for careers
- New guide provides Alaska herb information
- Peonies new cash crop for Alaska
- Youth program offers diverse activities