the DIRECTOR's say: Todd Pettit

There are good days and then there are bad days when ranching North America’s largest animal. Seeing the golden fleece of a new born bison in spring makes those bad days seem a little easier. Spring is here on our ranch located on Lazy Mountain, just outside of Palmer. Since 1999, bison have called Pitchfork Ranch home and I wouldn’t want it any other way. Bison are tough, temperamental, curious, and resilient. They are perfect for Alaska’s cold harsh winters. Perfect, in many ways, for me.

Over the past 12 years of ranching bison I have learned a lot about their nature. I have seen old injured cows be protected by bulls. I have seen mother cows prepared to defend to their calves to death, encircling them for protection. I have seen animals that had they been cattle would have died, but their determination and strength made them fight for life. I often think we can learn a thing or two from them.

When I look at Alaska’s agriculture I see the same ferocity for survival against all odds that I do in my bison herd. When other folks have said that agriculture can’t be done here, I’ve seen farmers grow the most beautiful vegetables and raise the healthiest animals. Alaska farmers are innovative, tough, and resilient. But, just like my animals, they also depend on each other and the greater Alaska community for support. In the wild, a bison separated from the herd is vulnerable to predators, but in the herd it is an unstoppable force.

Every time that we lose a farm to development, we are only weakening our chances for survival of the agricultural industry here in Alaska. Every time we let a farmer struggle quietly on their own, not helping them protect the lands that they love, that we need, we are weakening our “herd.”

I’m committed to the survival of the agricultural industry here in Alaska. It is why I am on the board of directors for the Alaska Farmland Trust.

We don’t have very much land available for agriculture compared to other states. Every acre lost here is amplified because of this. Every acre saved makes us that much stronger and makes land more affordable for the next generation. I was fortunate to be the third generation on our land, but those wanting to get in to the business can’t afford the land to grow their business.

Alaska Farmland Trust is committed to the future of agriculture in Alaska. We work directly with private landowners to protect their land and aide in getting the next generation of farm operator on to the property.

You can join our efforts by becoming a sponsor of Alaska Farmland Trust’s work. Your contribution will support our programs that work to protect agricultural lands, provide farmers with support in their farm succession planning and connect landowners with beginning farmers. Please consider giving to the Alaska Farmland Trust today.

-Todd Pettit, AFTC Board of Director