The Balancing Act of Wildlife Management and Livestock Protection
What happens when a wolf stops being simply part of the landscape and becomes a threat to livestock?
For Alaska farmers and ranchers, wildlife management isn't an abstract debate. A livestock loss can mean years of work, investment and breeding decisions lost in a matter of minutes.
But protecting a livelihood doesn't necessarily mean eliminating a predator.
Farming on Kodiak Means Living with Bears and Learning from Them
A series of bear attacks has left Kodiak farmers rebuilding coops, replacing livestock, and reevaluating how they protect their farms. But beyond the headlines lies a story of resilience, prevention, and a farming community working together to coexist with one of Alaska's most iconic wildlife species.
Why YF&R (and Farm Bureau) Needs People Who Don’t Think They Belong
Agriculture in Alaska has never been built by people who wait for someone else to solve problems. It’s built by independent, resilient people who show up when it matters. But independence doesn’t mean standing alone. Young Farmers & Ranchers exists to bring together the people who often think they don’t belong—the ones who are skeptical of organizations, too busy for meetings, or convinced they can handle things on their own—because their voices are exactly what Alaska agriculture needs at the table.
Why Young Farmers & Ranchers—and Why Alaska Can’t Wait
The future of Alaska agriculture depends on the next generation of farmers and ranchers having a voice in the decisions that shape the industry. As producers across the country face growing challenges with age, access to land, capital, and mentorship, Young Farmers & Ranchers provides an opportunity to build connections, develop leaders, and ensure Alaska’s agricultural future is shaped by the people who will carry it forward.