Agricultural Development in Delta

Agricultural Development in Delta. . , Agricultural Development in Delta began with homesteading in the Delta-Clearwater area in the early 1950's. Farm sizes varied from 160-320 acres., In April of 1978 the State of Alaska sold approximately 15,000 acres of agricultural land in the Tanana Loop area. Parcels ranged in size from 20-320 acres. This area was considered for dairy, other livestock and vegetable production., Larger parcels of ag land were sold by the state in August of 1978. Twenty-two farms encompassing nearly 60,000 acres were released in parcels averaging nearly 2750 acres. This area was considered for grain and forage production. Another such sale occurred in March of 1982 transferring around 25,000 acres of ag land in 15 farms to private ownership., Heavy chains held taut between two dozers knock down the virgin trees. The dozers push the trees into long "berm rows", or piles of wood. The berms are then burned to eliminate most of the debris., Heavy duty root rakes dislodge and consolidate the roots and stumps. They are pushed into round, berm piles and burned again. Sometimes, farmers plant between the berm rows or piles, sometimes they are buried., The finished product is a field free of berms., Our greatest assets are our youth. As early as the 1960's 4-H was a popular organization for Delta's children. Local FFA and 4-H groups today teach agricultural production and management skills to prepare them as future farmers., Horse clubs instruct youth in riding techniques and animal care. Pleasure horses as well as guides and outfitters' horses provide markets for Delta hay and grain boarding facilities., The market for large, round bales is expanding. However, most owners of only a few horses or other livestock still prefer square bales., Modern mechanized hay-making is essentially a "hands-off" operation., Delta Meat and Sausage is one of only three slaughter/processing facilities in the state that is USDA approved, providing an important link for the agricultural infrastructure. Yak, elk, buffalo, hogs and beef are all process here. All beef is natural and hormone free., Northern Lights Dairy is one of only two milk processing plants in the state and the only one to process only Alaska milk. It's all hormone free. They also make the best ice cream you've ever tasted., Thank you for viewing this presentation which was brought to you by the farm families of Delta Junction through the Delta Farm Bureau, Inc.