02/25/2026
Hey future farmers, ranchers, and young AG leaders! 🌱🐄
It’s (February 21–28), and we’re here at Anchor River Ranch in South Kenai absolutely buzzing to celebrate YOU — the next generation keeping Alaska agriculture alive and strong! Big shoutout for Ag Teacher Appreciation Day (today) — These incredible educators are out there changing lives every single day, planting seeds of curiosity and excitement in our future AG leaders!
As a young woman rancher, I know firsthand how tough (and rewarding) this life is. That’s why I make time every season to volunteer with our local FFA and other youth programs — mentoring students on their SAEs, hosting hands-on days where young folks dive into urban agriculture, commercial farming, fixing fence, tending livestock, and learning what real Alaskan ranching is all about. These kids are sharp, hardworking, and full of fresh ideas!
I also cooperate with Homer Soil & Water Conservation District and serve as the South Kenai delegate for the Young Farmers & Ranchers committee with the Alaska Farm Bureau. Alaska raises independent people who respect our lands and show up for each other when a neighbor needs help. YF&R takes that natural spirit of cooperation and turns it into real power at the table — on land access, loans, regulations, and policies that affect everyone in the state.
If you’ve ever thought “FFA or YFR isn’t really for me,” please hear this: we need YOU at the table. Your voice, your energy, your perspective — especially from the next generation of young producers — matters more than you know. The truth is, farmers across America are aging out fast, and here in Alaska, our food security depends on new ideas more than ever. That’s why keeping young and beginning producers supported and involved in making big decisions that affect the state is very important to me.
If you’re supporting local or National FFA Organization this week, tag a young AG person who inspires you or shoot me a message if you want to connect!
— Jessica Gittins
Anchor River Ranch | Homer Soil and Water conservation district cooperator | South Kenai Delegate, Alaska Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers