Explore every episode of the podcast Sustainable Alaska by Common Ground Alaska Farmstead

We joined Sonia from Must Read Alaska Show as she talks with Tandy Hogate about Alaska’s growing homestead revival.

In “From the Land Up: Alaska’s Homestead Revival,” Tandy shares why more Alaskans are turning back to gardening, raising animals, preserving food, and learning practical skills that build self-reliance. With Alaska importing most of its food and supply chains becoming more uncertain, these skills are becoming more important than ever.

Tandy also gives a preview of the third annual Alaska Homestead Expo and Marketplace happening Memorial Day Weekend, May 22–23, 2026, at the Big Lake Lions Club. This year’s Expo is expanding with a hybrid option that includes livestreamed sessions, full class recordings, and access to a summer series featuring 65+ additional classes — all included with your ticket.

2026 Alaska Homestead Expo:

Tickets: https://www.tixtree.com/e/2026-spring-alaska-homestead-expo-ad3e099b48b4

Event Info: https://commongroundalaska.com/event/2026-spring-alaska-homestead-expo/

In-Person/Hybrid: $85 | Virtual: $45 | Marketplace only: $5 at the door

SPONSORS:

Must Read Alaska: https://mustreadalaska.com/subscriptions/

Use promo code: thesocial10 for 10% off the “All In” or “In For News” prepaid annual plans.

Big Berkey Water Filters: https://www.bigberkeywaterfilters.com/

Use promo code: mrak10 for 10% off sitewide.

Theresa Hanson from Far North Tinctures joins the Sustainable Alaska Podcast to share how she built a thriving herbal business right from her homestead in Interior Alaska.

What started as making remedies for family and friends has grown into a full product line designed to support people with health struggles.

Theresa is a master herbalist who blends traditional knowledge, research, and real-life experience to create herbal remedies.

In this episode we cover:

• How Theresa got started making tinctures
• Foraging and growing herbs in Alaska
• Creating remedies for specific body systems
• How she helps people navigate herbal medicine
• The top ten herbs she recommends to grow in your Alaska garden

This episode is encouraging, and filled with herbal knowledge.

Just a quick note—nothing in this episode is medical advice. We’re sharing personal experiences and what’s worked for us, but always do your own research and check with your healthcare provider before trying anything new.

Episode Notes:

https://farnorthtinctures.com/

https://www.facebook.com/farnorthtincture

In this episode, we sit down with Bryce Wrigley from Alaska Flour Company to hear his story of farming in Alaska and building a local food business from the ground up.

Bryce shares how his family started with almost nothing—no land, no equipment—and slowly built a farm, flour mill, and bakery. What started as growing barley turned into a mission to help feed Alaska and improve food security across the state.

In this episode, we cover:

• How Bryce got started farming in Alaska

• Why he chose to grow barley

• The moment that sparked a focus on food security

• Building a family-run business with his son

• Making mixes that taste homemade

• The value of supporting local farms and producers

If you want to support local agriculture, or are just curious about farming in Alaska, this episode is a great listen.

Episode Notes:

https://alaskaflour.com/

In this episode of the Sustainable Alaska Podcast, we sit down with Don Coleson of Best Cool Seeds, also known as Denali Seed, to uncover the story behind Alaska’s trusted seed source.

What started in 1977 as an idea most people laughed at has grown into a vital part of Alaska’s food system. Don shares how the company nearly became “a footnote in history,” and why his family chose to step in and carry the legacy forward.

We dive into:

• How seeds are selected specifically for Alaska’s extreme climate
• The surprising role of trial-and-error (and customer feedback!)
• Why some seed varieties disappear—and how they’re being saved
• The realities of growing food in the far north
• And why customer service is the real backbone of the business

This episode is a reminder that behind every seed packet is a story of resilience, adaptation, and people who care deeply about feeding their communities.

Episode notes:

https://www.bestcoolseeds.com/

http://www.denaliseed.com/

In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Mattocks of Fertrell to unpack what most people get wrong about feeding their chickens, and what actually leads to healthier, longer-living birds.

Jeff shares the story behind Fertrell’s beginning, how a simple experiment with roses turned into an organic nutrition company, and how his own journey led him to become a "fanatic" about animal nutrition.

We dive into practical poultry nutrition, from breaking down common mistakes in homemade feed recipes to understanding why store-bought feed often falls short. Jeff also shares nutrient-dense, homestead-style feed recipes using whole, Alaskan local ingredients (including meat, fish, and grains) that can dramatically improve flock health.

If you raise chickens—or are thinking about it—this episode will challenge what you think you know about feeding them and give you ways to improve their health, productivity, and longevity.

Episode Notes:

https://www.fertrell.com/

In this episode of the Sustainable Alaska Podcast, Tandy sits down with Sarah Lewis a Health Home and Family Development Agent at University of Alaska Fairbanks to break down Alaska’s cottage food and homemade food regulations.

If you’ve ever wondered what foods you can legally sell from your home kitchen, this conversation is for you.

Sarah explains the shift from Alaska’s original cottage food laws to the newer homemade food regulations, including what foods qualify as non-potentially hazardous, which foods require direct sales, and what products aren’t allowed at all. They also dig into labeling requirements, selling through third parties, and some surprising gray areas, like canned goods, fermented foods, and cream cheese.

If you're selling sourdough at the farmers market or thinking about turning your homestead kitchen into a small business, this episode helps clear up the confusion so you can move forward with confidence.

Episode Notes:

UAF Cooperative Extension: https://www.uaf.edu/ces/Juneau Extension Office: https://www.uaf.edu/ces/districts/juneauTo make an appointment with me: https://bit.ly/Sarah-Lewis-aptDEC Homemade Foods website: https://dec.alaska.gov/eh/fss/homemade-food/

In this episode, we sit down with Carolyn Thomas from Homesteading Family to talk about the real story behind their homesteading journey. One filled with mistakes, trial and error, and a desire to help other families build a more independent lifestyle.

Carolyn shares how she and her husband started homesteading when information was hard to find. What began as a small project to help other moms during nap time quickly grew into a platform teaching families skills for food, home, and self-reliance.

We’re also excited to share that Carolyn and Josh Thomas will be the keynote speakers at the Alaska Homestead Expo & Marketplace, happening Memorial Day Weekend, May 22–25, 2026 at the Big Lake Lion’s Club.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed starting your homesteading journey, this episode will remind you that every expert started as a beginner.

Preparedness to Purpose: The GrainMaker Journey with Randy and Bonnie Jones

In this episode, we go behind the scenes of how Y2K uncertainty unexpectedly sparked the creation of GrainMaker. What began as a desire for preparedness and self-reliance during the Y2K era turned into the invention of one of the most respected grain mills in the homesteading world.

They don’t just grind beautiful flour for bread—you can also crack grain for animal feed, mill corn, and handle bulk grains with ease. We even chat about the bicycle attachment that lets you power your mill by pedaling, making it a fun and practical off-grid option.

It’s a simple conversation about durable tools, self-reliance, and having the ability to feed both your family and your animals straight from your own grain supply.

Episode Notes:

GrainMaker Facebook

GrainMaker Website

From Soil Health, to Health and Wellness in Humans: A Deep Dive into Salt with Michael Sileck - Baja Gold Salt Co.

Salt is often treated as a simple pantry staple—but it plays a much bigger role in both the soil beneath our feet and the health of our bodies.

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Sileck of Baja Gold Salt Co. for a deep dive into salt, starting with its role in soil health and regenerative agriculture, and carrying that conversation all the way through to human health and wellness. We talk about why mineral balance matters, how different salts are produced, and what’s often lost when salt is over-processed.

This conversation explores:

• The connection between soil minerals and nutrient-dense food

• Why not all salt is created equal

• How unrefined, mineral-rich salt supports both plants and people

• What to look for when choosing salt for your home and homestead

Whether you’re a grower, homesteader, or just someone curious about real food and natural health, this episode will change the way you think about salt - forever.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Tom Roskos to discuss how he got started working with animals, why truly loving your livestock is one of the biggest keys to long-term success, and how paying attention early makes all the difference.

We talk about what really happens when you pick up the phone and call for help with your livestock. From barnyard emergencies to everyday concerns, he shares his wisdom on using natural remedies confidently, and knowing when it’s time to reach out for experienced guidance.

Most of all, this conversation is about building a knowledgeable community - homesteaders who are willing to learn, share, ask questions, and support each other instead of going it alone.

And if you want to learn from him in person, Dr. Tom will also be a Featured Speaker at the Alaska Homestead Expo, where he’ll be teaching and connecting with livestock owners who want to grow their skills and confidence even more.

Episode Notes:

https://www.facebook.com/doctomroskos/

https://doctomroskos.com/

In this behind-the-scenes conversation, Todd Begettis of Alaska Farm Supply shares what really goes into sourcing high-quality materials for Alaska growers and homesteaders. We talk about how products are chosen, why quality matters in Alaska’s unique conditions, and what it takes to support sustainable farms, gardens, and homesteads across the state.

Episode Notes:

https://akfarmsupply.com/

Fresh-milled flour doesn’t have to be complicated. In this episode with Rose Homestead, we break down why milling your own flour is simpler than most people think.

We talk about getting started with fresh-milled flour, choosing grains, and ways to use it without overhauling your kitchen routine. This episode is perfect for homesteaders, home bakers, and anyone curious about traditional food practices who wants real, nourishing bread.

If you’ve been curious about fresh-milled flour but unsure where to start, this episode offers encouragement, clarity, and a reminder that going back to the basics often makes life simpler.

Episode notes:

The Rose Homestead Official Site (therosehomestead.com)

YouTube

Facebook

Chris from Chris Outdoors (Canada) joins us to talk about growing mushrooms in cold, northern climates. We cover beginner tips, and why mushrooms are a great addition to any homestead - even in Alaska.

Show Notes:

Chris Outdoors Website - https://www.chrisoutdoors.ca

Chris Outdoors on SubStack - https://substack.com/@chrisoutdoorson

Chris Outdoors on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@chrisoutdoorson

Wild Muskoka Botanicals Website - https://www.wildmuskoka.com

Wild Muskoka on Instagram @WildMuskoka - https://www.instagram.com/wildmuskoka/

📅 Mark your calendars: February 9th for a FREE webinar with Chris Outdoors - Hosted by Common Ground Alaska. Click this link to register!

Want to purchase the full course? Visit:

https://www.chrisoutdoors.ca/mushroom_course_alaska?sa=sa0260917196c110dcce7a6258f1ebb1a9f50d1e72

💰 Use code ALASKA25 to save 25% on The Mushroom Course

Grab your pen and notepad - this episode of the Sustainable Alaska Podcast is your homesteader’s guide to livestock health in Alaska. From first-aid basics to must-have medications for your barn cabinet, you’ll learn what every Alaskan homesteader should keep on hand to protect their animals. We cover common livestock health challenges unique to Alaska’s climate, signs to watch for, and practical tips to stay prepared when vet care isn’t immediately available. Whether you’re raising goats, cattle, or sheep, this guide will help you keep your animals healthy and thriving in Alaska’s rugged conditions.

In this special episode, Tandy and Kelli sit down to tackle your biggest questions about homesteading, farming, and sustainable living in the Last Frontier. They share practical advice and personal insights.

But this Q&A wasn’t just about answering - Tandy and Kelli also walked away with new knowledge and fresh ideas from the folks who joined the live conversation.

It was a true exchange of wisdom, stories, and solutions for living sustainably in Alaska.

Tandy sits down with Mary Lee, from Heirlooms Evermore Seed Co. in Idaho, to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to run a seed business. Mary shares the story of how her love for gardening and preserving tradition grew into a thriving business dedicated to heirloom seeds. Mary also opens up about the seasonal cycles of the business, how she chooses which seeds to offer, and why supporting small seed companies matters now more than ever.

Tandy interviews David Stelzer, founder and CEO of Azure Standard, to talk about the future of food security - both in Alaska and beyond. David highlights the practical side of resilience: the importance of keeping a well-stocked pantry, being prepared for disasters, sourcing reliable canning jars, and even food security for your livestock. This episode is perfect for anyone passionate about resilient food systems, sustainable living, and building security in uncertain times.

Shop here:

https://www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=1tgPd1lZHA

Save 15% off your first order with this code:ALASKA15

In this episode of the Sustainable Alaska Podcast, Tandy and Kelli chat about what it really looks like to “close the loop” on the homestead. From growing more of your own feed and improving soil, to cutting back on outside inputs and - every little step adds up.

They also talk about the role community plays in all of this. None of us can do it alone, and sometimes it’s the local bartering, swapping, or just leaning on neighbors that makes self-sustainability possible in Alaska.

It’s an honest conversation about the challenges and the wins when you’re trying to create a farm or homestead that can stand on its own - and with the help of community.

Subscribe to the Sustainable Alaska Podcast to never miss another episode!

Join Tandy and Kelli as they dig into one of the simplest yet most effective homestead hacks, the deep-bedding method. From keeping animals warm in the winter to creating rich compost for your garden, Tandy and Kelli break down how this system works, why it matters, and how you can put it into practice on your own homestead.

In this episode, Tandy and Kelli dive into the biggest challenges of farming and homesteading in Alaska from short growing seasons, to high costs of supplies. They share how these hurdles impact daily life, and why Alaskans have to get extra creative to keep their homesteads thriving.

In this episode, Tandy and Kelli dive into the biggest challenges of farming and homesteading in Alaska from short growing seasons, to high costs of supplies. They share how these hurdles impact daily life, and why Alaskans have to get extra creative to keep their homesteads thriving.

Tandy and Kelli are laying it all out - milk, meat, manure, and the all that comes with raising cows and goats in Alaska. From the biggest differences, to fencing, and which animal gives you better compost, they’re not holding back.

If you’ve ever dreamed of fresh milk and rich garden soil, but don’t know whether a cow or goat would work best on your homestead - this one’s for you.

After a recent tsunami warning rocked Kodiak Island, where Kelli lives, Tandy and Kelli sit down to talk about real-life disaster preparedness from a homesteader’s point of view. What happens when the power goes out, and the clock is ticking?

From emergency communication plans to off-grid food and water security, just straight talk about what works, what we’ve learned, and what we’re still figuring out.

Join Tandy and Kelli as they chat all about the messy, magical world of raw dairy. We’re talking cows, goats, clean milking, sour cream wins, and bucket fails - no judgment, no fluff. Just two Alaskan homesteaders talking about what it really takes to bring raw milk into your life and why we still think it’s worth it.

Links:

Cheese From Scratch: Natural Cheesemaking From Home

https://amzn.to/44S1ZwI

In this special introductory episode, get to know the voices behind Sustainable Alaska. Tandy Hogate and Kelli Foreman share their personal paths to homesteading, what sustainability looks like in the far north, and why they’re passionate about local food, community resilience, and teaching others how to live more intentionally.

I am so very excited about today’s podcast - partly because it is a subject that folks are curious about but don’t usually talk about.

Like, what the heck is all the hype about cod liver oil? And - why do people ferment it? Isn’t that taking things just a bit too far?

Today we talked with Addie Bartlett from Green Pasture Products and she not only shares the story of this tiny but might company but also, the why’s, how’s, and all things cod liver oil.

Here’s a little bit more about Green Pasture Products:

Green Pasture honors the tradition of Fermentation by including "fermented" in the name of our product. However, it's important to note that we ferment the liver itself, not the oil. Learn more about the benefits of our Fermented Cod Liver Oil here: https://www.greenpasture.org/nutrition/cod-liver-oil-benefits/

We are committed to providing a high-quality, safe product. Explore our quality standards and sustainability practices here: https://www.greenpasture.org/nutrition/quality-and-sustainability/

Green Pasture is an honored sponsor of the Alaska Homestead Expo - they helped pay to bring Holistic Hilda to Alaska!

Here’s the thing. If you listen to this podcast, I’m pretty sure you’re going to want to dig deeper and maybe even try this out for yourself. I HIGHLY recommend going with a product that you know is pure, clean, sustainable, and that is fermented for maximum absorption.

I started taking it a little over a month ago to replace my vitamin D pill (NOT giving medical advice, just sharing what I did) and I was amazed at the difference it made in my energy levels! That was a side effect I wasn’t anticipating but it sure is welcome!

Check them out here: https://www.greenpasture.org/

Today we’re talking home butchering with Andy & Doug from Hand Hewn Farms.

What tools are necessary (hint - if you’re going frugal the list is short), what tools are helpful, and what gadgets really aren’t very helpful at all.

Home butchering can save money plus you get the cuts you want - and you make sure you keep all of the parts you want! But it’s not for the faint of heart.

Having proper tools is a big part of your success.

Spoiler alert: Their #1 tool is a good knife - and not what you would expect. I was surprised to hear them say they prefer a knife made of high carbon steel which is exactly what Gene makes at Common Ground Bladesmith! If you want a quality knife to use around the homestead - that will double as a really good butchering knife, too - check out his selection!

https://commongroundalaska.com/product-category/common-ground-bladesmith/

We also chatted a bit about the 2-day course they will be teaching this year at the Alaska Homestead Expo. They will be sharing how to butcher large game and livestock with a demonstration on butchering a pig from snout to tail.

Enjoy the podcast and be sure to grab your expo tickets because it’s a show you do not want to miss! https://commongroundalaska.com/alaska-homestead-expo/

Today I had the opportunity to talk with James from Pluck Seasonings. I met James this summer at the Modern Homesteading conference and got to not just try Pluck but I also got to learn about the passion and mission behind his product. Want to know what makes his seasonings great? They are made with organ meat. Seriously. Pluck is like seasoning salt on steroids because they use only the best salt, responsibly sourced herbs and spices - and organ meat. Now if you’re like me and have been hearing all your life how you should be eating organ meat but aren’t quite ready to jump into liver and onions then this might be just the right answer for you. However, this isn’t a sales pitch for James’ business. I learned so much and was so encouraged listening to James as he told his story and helped me truly understand the “why” behind organ meats. Give it a listen and let us know what you think. And check out Pluck: eatpluck.com

Oh my word - what a WONDERFUL conversation I had with Ellen today and I can hardly wait to share it with you!

If you have any desire to garden in Alaska, you need to listen to this podcast because it’s packed with time-tested Alaska gardening wisdom!

Note: If you’re listening to the podcast, you may want to jump over to YouTube to watch this one because there are some really good graphics in it but even if you just get the audio, you’re sure to be encouraged!

Also, Ellen is leading a 6-week gardening course starting in February that is going to help you “grow” in skill and passion. Think of all the food you’ll learn to grow!

Link to Palmer Class: https://commongroundalaska.com/product/regenerative-gardening-in-alaska-palmer/

Link to Wasilla Class: https://commongroundalaska.com/product/regenerative-gardening-in-alaska-wasilla/

Space is limited in both so be sure to sign up in plenty of time!

In this podcast, Kelli Foreman shares her experience of first becoming a dairy farm in Alaska, then moving to a Grade A Dairy, then moving back to the raw milk space.

If you want to be encouraged about farming in Alaska, this is a podcast you do not want to miss!

Kelli owns a small farm in Kodiak called The Last Small Farm (formerly Kodiak Goat Dairy). She is also one of the keynote speakers at the Alaska Homestead Expo this April!

Kelli not only shares her farm story, but she gets personal and talks about the importance (and health benefits) of real food and supporting local farms.

This was one of my favorite podcasts to record and I think you’ll find yourself smiling and encouraged every second of the way!

Also, if you want to hear Kelli some more, you can find her at the Alaska Homestead Expo where she will deliver a keynote titled: The Realities of Farming in Alaska: Stories That Will Make You Think.

You can learn more about the expo and get your tickets here: https://www.tixtree.com/e/2025-alaska-homestead-expo-893d3c7f872c

Also, be sure to check out Kelli’s Instagram page @alaskagoatdairy

In today’s podcast, we talk with Darryl Patton AKA The Southern Herbalist (and also 2025 Alaska Homestead Expo speaker). Although he now specializes in herbal remedies using southern plants, Darryl is a former Alaskan and he knows Alaska plants!

Today’s topic is Chaga - we’ve all heard of it but there are many unknowns. Darryl shares his favorite ways to use chaga (from a continuous tea brew for everyday health to a double extraction for use when you have severe dis-ease.

Grab a pencil and paper because you’re going to want to take lots of notes on this one!

Darryl is going to be speaking at the 2025 Alaska Homestead Expo on April 4-6.

Darryl’s topics include:

- Herbs for Pandemics; Past, Present, and Future

- Medicinal Mushrooms

- Special Herbal Formulas for Common Ailments

- Modern and Folk Medicine - how Chemistry Validates Traditional Remedies

Grab your expo tickets here: https://www.tixtree.com/e/2025-alaska-homestead-expo-893d3c7f872c

In today’s episode of the podcast, I share some thoughts about common mistakes Alaskans make when buying (and planting) their orchard plants.

Listen, buying quality plants that will thrive here can be an expensive and time-consuming project but we’re here to help you make sure your investment is “fruitful” and that you can enjoy the “fruits” of your labor for years to come!

As a nursery, we’ve seen and heard stories of mistakes that well-meaning Alaskans make, simply because they didn’t know any better.

Things like buying the wrong variety for your area, not getting the correct rootstock, or even not buying proper pollinators.

If you have any intention of buying any kind of orchard plants this year, I highly encourage you to give this podcast a listen.

As always, we do ask that you click follow - every follow helps support our little farm and it doesn’t cost you a thing

Also, did you know that our plant presale is currently happening! Prices are in effect until December 31 - lock in the better price and ensure you will have everything for your orchard this summer!

https://commongroundalaska.com/product-category/plants-shrubs-trees-bushes/

If you're an Alaskan you may find yourself wondering how to source truly healthy foods and household items that we can't grow or make here. I completely get it. It is a frustration of mine, too! 
Today I had the opportunity to visit with David Stelzer, owner and founder of Azure Standard, and what an incredible interview! We talked about a bit of everything including how Azure got started, why their canning jars are made in China (listen up - the answer will surely surprise you), how Alaskans can use Azure as their main source of groceries after buying local, and so much more! 
(If you're interested in learning more about Azure Standard, create an account here: https://www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=1tgPd1lZHA and check it out. Take time to compare everything. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised!)
A few quotes that really resonated with me: 
REGARDING SUBSTANDARD CARAB:
"We found that it was impossible so we had to do it ourselves." 
"We built our own carab factory - we were the only organic carob manufacturer in the country!"
REGARDING A PRODUCT THAT STARTED INCLUDING A GMO INGREDIENT
"I couldn't continue to sell it and pretend it's not happening."
"We are not going to sacrifice our soul for growth." 
There are so many more awesome nuggets but I would encourage you - just give it a listen. 
Create your free Azure Standard account here: https://www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=1tgPd1lZHA
Leave a comment: What is your favorite product from Azure Standard? 

Have you ever made a bucket list? I honestly haven’t but when we were traveling this week I found myself with lots of time to ponder and pray about the winter and to start thinking ahead. I also realized that oftentimes I make goals in my head but I never write them down and I seldom accomplish them.

At first I thought about just making a list of goals but then the idea of a bucket list came up and I thought that sounded like tons more fun. So here is my list!

I would love a reply - what inspired you? What would you add to this list?

Oh! And if you’re interested in Azure Standard, check out this link: https://www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=1tgPd1lZHA

Let’s make this winter a wonderful one filled with cozy moments and lots of memories!

This week we get to talk with Margaret Loew of Wholy Living - Margaret is a powerhouse when it comes to learning about - and getting set up for - whole grains! What a wonderful resource we have right here in the valley!

In this show, she talks about the benefits of whole grains and how you can use them to increase your health. So much good and helpful information!

One thing I love about Margaret is her unbounding energy. She also knows so much about grains - it's incredible! Also, she loves to teach and share what she knows. She's an incredibly generous and thoughtful person - you're going to learn a lot!

Margaret is having her semi-annual grain sale right now! If you want an incredible price on things like whole grains to sprout and mill, equipment to use to mill grains, make bread, and more - or if you're looking for baking supplies like chocolate chips that only have quality ingredients - check out Margaret's site.

Enjoy the show - I bet you learn something new! Check out Margaret's sale here: https://wholyliving.com/shop/

With the passage of the new farm bill, HB251, it seems there are more questions than answers so I figured the best thing to do was to download the bill and the summary, study it, and then talk to the folks who wrote and helped pass the bill.

In this interview, I talk back and forth with both Rep. Kevin McCabe who was a key player in making helping get this bill through to pass and Rep. George Rauscher who actually wrote the original bill.

I don't necessarily feel all of the questions were answered but there is some clarity in this podcast and I do also want to encourage you to download the bill and the summary itself before you make any changes to your cottage food business or your meat share program.

Link for HB251: https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Text/33?Hsid=HB0251A

Link for summary: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/584221c6725e25d0d2a19363/t/65ea2be814b5de2e518d0352/1709845480517/ANALYSIS+OF+HB+251.pdf

Today’s podcast is a super fun compilation of a couple of the questions that our Alaska Homestead Academy members asked Joel Salatin for our live Q&A. What a fun time we had - so informative! https://alaskahomesteadacademy.com/

This talk with Dr. Patrick Jones is incredible. As the WHO is declaring a worldwide emergency with a new virus, we are all looking to protect our families. Herbalist Doc Jones gives practical wisdom for prevention and care if your family is exposed to viruses or ends up sick.

NOTE: No one is giving medical advice here - we are simply sharing what could work and what has worked for us in the past.

Boy do we have a fun show today! Ken Hoffman from Mat Su Microgreens joined us to talk about growing (and enjoying) these amazing crunchy veggies year round in Alaska!

Microgreens are nutrient dense bundles of goodness that elevate any meal - and you can either grow your own or buy them!

Enjoy the chat - and start crunching!

Raw milk seems to be in the news a lot lately - with proposed regulations and  questions about spreading bird flu. I see so many people asking if it’s safe.

In today’s podcast, I share how our family chose the dairy we get our raw milk from (How I determined it is clean and safe), why we drink raw milk, and how we use it.

This winter in the Alaska Homestead Academy, we are going to release a series of classes on processing milk - from butter to yogurt to kefir to cheese - we’re going to learn how to do it all! If you aren’t already part of the academy, you can join here: https://alaskahomesteadacademy.com/

If you’re curious about raw milk and bird flu specifically, here is an article I wrote about this subject in July: https://commongroundalaska.com/bird-flu-from-raw-milk-july-2024/

Also, if you have other questions about consuming raw milk, here are a couple of really good online resources for more information:

https://www.realmilk.com/

https://www.rawmilkinstitute.org/

Today we had the opportunity to talk with Bob Van Veldhuizen from the Mat Su Experiment Farm about soil testing. Everyone knows that if you want to have a successful garden, you have to have good soil. But for many of us, we have no clue how to make that happen. Although this talk is public, it is part of a series of talks that is being made available to Alaska Homestead Expo ticket holders only. Upcoming talks for ticketholders only include: What is HAM Radio, Baking with Whole Grains, Homesteading when disabled or elderly, The cost of having a family milk cow, Gardening in Alaska, how to pick a breed of chickens (meat or egg layers), What is orienteering, and so many more! Get your Expo tickets here to join these talks: https://commongroundalaska.com/alaska-homestead-expo/ Important info Bob referred to in the talk are as follows: Brookside Lab in Ohio Mehlich 3 test - S001AN Soil Health - S019 Happy Gardening!

We can grow some BIG veggies (and incredible fruits) in Alaska but how can we possibly use them all up and preserve them in a way that will feed our family and save us money at the grocery store? This is SUCH a fun topic to talk about and over the years, we've learned to embrace our climate and we've learned to preserve all that Alaska provides us in nutrient dense and creative ways that are so tasty! I'm excited to share what I've learned and to help you brainstorm different ways to preserve and utilize all that Alaska offers. Also, we have several classes coming up like Canning, Fermenting, and Gardening in Alaska. You can check out the classes here: https://commongroundalaska.com/product-category/classes/ Plus, be sure to check out the upcoming Alaska Homestead Expo: https://commongroundalaska.com/alaska-homestead-expo/

If you are new to egg laying chickens or are thinking about getting some but aren't sure where to start, Don Dyer of Polaris Farm shares his best tips from setting up a brooder, picking chicks, and caring for babies all the way to how to care for them once they are laying. Lots to learn here. Grab a notebook and listen in!

If you're just getting started or are curious about the homestead lifestyle, I have some words of wisdom to avoid overwhelm and to help you find your passion. We are so honored to have the opportunity to work with people from all walks of life who are curious how to get started with this more self-sufficient lifestyle but aren't sure where to start. Or sometimes they take on way too much and they get overwhelmed. Check out our first of this series "GETTING STARTED HOMESTEADING". I hope it's a great encouragement to you!

Today I had the honor of interviewing Jeff Chon from Genesis Coffee Lab and let me tell you, it was one of my favorite conversations EVER! If you're in a weird place and you're wondering where God is taking you. - you MUST give this show a listen. What an incredible testimony they have of following the Lord, even when it doesn't exactly fit with what you have planned. This isn't our usual show but it is such an encouraging story and that's also part of what we want to do - encourage every single listener to see where God is working and leading and jump in with both feet!

We have some changes coming as we begin season 2 of the show. Many of you likely know that I am now also the host of Ag Matters Radio which is a huge honor! It's been so fun to interview folks in Alaska agriculture! However, the messaging is the same as our podcast, and we are interviewing many of the same people. Because of that, we are changing up the show to be heavier on teaching. Our tagline is that we are A Teaching Farm that Feeds Alaskans so this is right in line with what we do and where our passion lies. We hope you enjoy this new season!

In this podcast episode, we talk with Michele Deering of Palmer, AK about raising meat rabbits in Alaska. She digs into details like cost, sustainability, breeds, and so much more!

If you're considering raising meat rabbits or if you're just curious about why they are so popular here (hint: sustainability), this is a great episode to listen in on.

Oh, the possibilities we have with food preservation in Alaska! Good golly, there are so many things we can grow and source to preserve for our family to fill our larders and prepare for winter!

But it can seem overwhelming, I know! This episode is a recorded class that we offered this week. In this episode we discuss the very basics of food preservation and what we can do with our Alaska bounty. There are some pretty good ideas in this one, if I do say so myself! :)

Let us know your thoughts and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss another episode!

Okay, so we can't exactly GROW coffee in Alaska but we CAN roast it and drink it fresh. And let me tell you - drinking a cup of fresh roasted coffee is like eating a cantaloupe fresh off the vine. It'll ruin you for the old, mass-produced stuff - the flavor and aroma just don't compare! I got to talk with Zoe from Farm Loop Coffee - what a fun chat! Zoe is a soil scientist turned coffee roaster which gives her a super fun edge in her business because she understands how soil impacts everything about the harvested product, including flavor! What does this have to do with homesteading? I'm glad you asked! What homesteader do you know who doesn't drink coffee (besides me?). So, there's your connection. :) Besides, I thought it was just fun to learn about. Check it out! You can find Farm Loop Coffee at https://www.farmloopcoffee.com/ Farm Loop Coffee is also on Facebook and Instagram. Curious what we use to make amazing cups of coffee here on the farm? Grinder: https://amzn.to/41r0P85 Coffee Maker: https://amzn.to/43ubHE7 Aeropress: https://amzn.to/3L8vged And of course ... Farm Loop Coffee

Having a root cellar is like the holy grail of homesteading. We all want one but few of us have actually figured out how to build it where we are at. If you need inspiration, wisdom, or even encouragement to think outside the box to get a root cellar at your Alaska homestead, then you definitely want to tune in to this interview with Andria Bond. Their journey to a root cellar certainly wasn't conventional (heck, it's partially above ground!) but it WORKS! If you want to learn more about root cellars, here are a few books we have enjoyed as we are learning more and planning our own root cellar: Root Cellaring: Natural Cold Storage for Fruits and Vegetables https://amzn.to/3GCKzJ5 Build your own Underground Root Cellar https://amzn.to/3mxdO9E The Joy of Keeping a Root Cellar: Canning, Freezing, Drying, Smoking, and Preserving the Harvest https://amzn.to/3MMtFfj The Complete Guide to your New Root Cellar https://amzn.to/41oA1p9 Andria owns Arctic Apothecary - what a tremendous resource that is! Be sure to check it out! www.arcticapothecaryherbs.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArcticApothecaryHerbs Also, Andria runs a super informative Facebook group called Roots & Shoots Gardening group. She's based in the interior but I've learned many things that are applicable to us in South Central, too. Just say you heard about it here and she will gladly approve you! Enjoy the show!