Conference Schedule
Three days of workshops, keynote speakers, and breakout sessions at the Sheraton Anchorage.
Final 2026 program. Download the printable program for the full schedule and speaker bios.
Download Program (PDF)Main Ballroom
Keynotes, Panels & Banquet
7:45 AMRegistration & Check-InArrive, collect your badge, and enjoy
8:45 AMWelcome AddressOpening remarks and introduction to the day's agenda
9:00 AMKeynote Session - ChangesRita Jo Shoultz, Alaska Perfect Peony
10:00 AMRegenerative Pilot Program with NRCSAustin Shero, NRCS; Elizabeth Bezinque, NRCS
11:00 AMUSDA NASS Census of Agriculture: How to Be Counted and Why It MattersAndrew Brosier, USDA NASS; Bryan Scoresby, Alaska Division of Agriculture
12:00 PMLunch
12:45 PMUAF IANRE Update: Advancing Alaska's Agriculture CommunityJodie Anderson, Director, Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Extension
1:00 PMKeynote - Linking the Health of Soils, Plants, Animals, and People: A Metabolomics ApproachStephan van Vliet
2:00 PMYes You Can: Apply for Anchorage's Farm Use Tax Exemption: Panel
6:30 PMAwards Banquet with Keynote - 3 Questions for Every Journey in AgricultureJeffrey Tranel, RightRisk
Kuskokwim East
Breakout Sessions
10:00 AMUpdates to Alaska's Slug ResearchJozef Slowik, UAF IANRE
11:00 AMGetting Started in Seed Potatoes: PanelMia Kirk, Division of Agriculture; Mickenzie Erickson, Plant Materials Center; Jeff Smeenk
2:00 PMWildlife Damage Management in AlaskaMarc Pratt, USDA APHIS Wildlife Services
3:00 PMOrganic Soil Nutrient Management in Cold SoilsCaley Gasch, UAF IANRE
4:00 PMWeed Management with Persistent Herbicides and Managing Persistence with BiocharGino Graziano, UAF IANRE; Brant Woodruff, UAF IANRE
Kuskokwim West
Breakout Sessions
10:00 AMLivestock NutritionRayne Reynolds, Alaska Farm Supply
11:00 AMCover Crops and Alfalfa for Soil Health and Forage ProductionCaley Gasch, UAF IANRE
2:00 PMVirtual Fencing PanelDr. Sabrietta Holland, Knik River Ranch; Leslie Tompkins, Hungate Farms
3:00 PMMeat Processing Laws, PRIME Act & Advocating for Farm Food FreedomChristine Dzujna, Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund
4:00 PMUSDA Meat Processing Facility Update PanelFacilitated by Phil Kaspari: Scott Mugrage, Levee Way Processing LLC; Jeannie Pinkelman, Delta Meat and Sausage; Freeman Kingeekuk, Savoonga Reindeer Commercial Company; Adam Jenski, Alaska Meat Packers
Susitna
Breakout Sessions
10:00 AMThe Future of Peony Extracts in AlaskaMike Williams, EagleSong Alaska
11:00 AMRisk Management Tools in Advancing Alaska Farm FinancingShannon Neibergs
2:00 PMFinding Your Niche (Marketing)Rita Jo Shoultz, Alaska Perfect Peony; Hudson Hass, Barn2Door
3:00 PMWinter Root Damage Survey UpdateRon Illingworth, North Pole Peonies
4:00 PMWhat Your Soil Test Isn't Telling YouJustin Whittaker, Arctic Roots Analytics
Yukon
Breakout Sessions
10:00 AMWood Utilization: Lumber Grading, Sawmill Operation & MoreMatthew Labrenz, Forest Products Specialist-UAF IANRE; Jeremy Douse, State Forester-Division of Forestry & Fire Protection
11:00 AMEquipment Repair Resources: DIY Ag Equipment RepairMitchell Nida, Craig Taylor Equipment
2:00 PMFederal and Alaska Small Farm Food RegulationsChristine Dzujna, Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund
3:00 PMPlanning for Your Future: Country Financial, More Than InsuranceBrad Daggett, Country Financial
4:00 PMUnderstanding Your Flock's Nutritional NeedsJohn Sylvester, Alaska Mill & Feed
3rd Floor Board Room
Breakout Sessions
10:00 AMAg Covenant Lands: What Are They and How to ImproveErik Johnson; Margaret Adsit
11:00 AMUAF NextGen Internship Spotlight: Division of Agriculture in the FieldEmily Hawley, UAF NextGen Scholar; Ramsey Sullivan, Division of Agriculture; DeShana York, UAF IANRE
2:00 PMFarmer Training in Alaska: Where Do We Go From Here?Jenn Wagaman, Director, UAF Cooperative Extension
3:00 PMImproving Ag Covenant Land Management: Discussion with Decision MakersFacilitated by Kyra Wagner, HSWCD
4:00 PMAdvocacy in ActionMargaret Adsit, AFT; Rachel Lord, AFPC; Amy Seitz, AFB
Vendor Hall
Social Hour
5:00 PMSocial Hour