partner spotlight & events
Exploring Innovation at the 2025 UAF Research Field Days
By Ellen Olack, AFPC Programs Manager
On a cool and rainy Tuesday, July 29, I had the pleasure of attending the 2025 UAF Research Field Days at the Fairbanks Experiment Farm. Despite the gray skies, the event offered a bright glimpse into impactful agricultural research happening right here in Alaska.
Hosted by the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Field Days are an annual opportunity for the public to connect with the researchers who are shaping the future of food systems, land use, and sustainability in our state. Farmers, educators, community leaders, and curious locals gathered for a day of field tours, presentations, and hands-on learning. Whether you were deeply involved in agriculture or just interested in how your food is grown, the event offered something for everyone.
The day began with opening remarks from Jodie Anderson, director of the University of Alaska Fairbanks Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Extension, setting the tone for a collaborative and engaging experience. From there, participants dispersed to join different sessions tailored to specific research areas. I chose to start with a tour of the Georgeson Botanical Garden (GBG), and it did not disappoint.
The GBG is more than just a scenic spot — it’s a nationally recognized research and educational facility dedicated to plant culture and conservation. Our tour took us through a wide range of garden spaces, including the food garden, native plant garden, children’s garden, research plots, and perennial display beds. One of the highlights? Navigating the hedge maze, of course, a fun reminder that science and joy can grow side by side.
Other sessions throughout the day covered a wide variety of topics critical to Alaskan agriculture and food security. Researchers shared updates and answered questions on everything from vegetable variety trials to managing weeds for sustainable crop production. Presentations also covered innovative approaches like farming on permafrost and how cover crops affect root maggots — key information for anyone growing food in Alaska’s unique environment.
It was particularly inspiring to see so many attendees asking thoughtful questions and engaging directly with UAF’s researchers. There’s a real sense of partnership here, between the university and the broader community, grounded in a shared interest in making agriculture in Alaska more resilient, productive, and sustainable.
Even with the drizzle, the day felt vibrant, educational, and full of promise. I left the Fairbanks Experiment Farm feeling more informed, connected, and hopeful about the future of agriculture in Alaska.
If you’ve never attended Field Days, I highly recommend keeping it on your radar for next year. It’s a chance to see research in action and to witness how it’s being used to enrich the lives of Alaskans across the state.
