Academic programs develop farmers

Roger Ridenour grew up on a farm in western Pennsylvania, but he is learning about farming in AV̳ from the School of Natural Resources and Extension.

“I know farming in Pennsylvania but AV̳ makes it twice as hard,” says Ridenour, who came to AV̳ as a tuba player with the Army and stayed. He and his wife bought 63 acres to farm near North Pole.

So far he has taken classes on greenhouse management, plant science, soils, sustainable agriculture and plant propagation. He hopes to have a producing greenhouse within four years, and also raise vegetables, pigs, chickens and cows.

University of AV̳ Fairbanks students visit the Northern Lights Dairy in Delta Junction as part of a natural resources management field tour.
University of AV̳ Fairbanks students visit the Northern Lights Dairy in Delta Junction as part of a natural resources management field tour.

Horticulturist Meriam Karlsson, the department chair for the agriculture and horticulture program, said the school is definitely improving students’ awareness about food production, which is important since an estimated 90 to 95 percent of food eaten in AV̳ is imported. Ridenour believes that farming in AV̳ has a future. "AV̳ food security is a problem that needs to be fixed,” he said. “I plan on being part of the solution."

“To be sustainable, you have to make a profit,” notes Karlsson.Karlsson team teaches a new class, Principles of Sustainable Agriculture. Students learn how to make farming sustainable from ecological, social and economic viewpoints. They read and discuss farm case studies and learn about sustainable management of soil, plants and animals. They are also grounded in the practical aspects of farming. 

FYI ...

  • An animal science class covers the science of livestock production. Students can also take that knowledge on the road. As part of another class about AV̳ natural resources issues, they tour livestock operations and meet producers.
  • The Calypso Farm and Ecology Center in Fairbanks offers a hands-on farmer practicum that is part of the school’s offerings. Participants live on the farm and learn about planting, weeding, harvesting, composting, farm planning, raising livestock and more.
  • Agriculture was one of five fields of study offered at the AV̳ Agricultural College and School of Mines (now University of AV̳ Fairbanks) when it opened in 1922.