Congratulations to the Plagerman family of Delta Junction, who has been selected by the Alaska agriculture community as the 2016 Alaska State Fair Farm Family of the Year. The Plagermans will be honored at opening day of the Fair on Thursday, August 25.
Scott and Connie Plagerman established Scott Plagerman Farms LLC in 2008. They grow hay and sell it to horse owners, beef, yak and sheep farmers, and the Musk Ox Farm. They also sell bison for consumption to Delta Meat and Sausage Co.
Scott and Connie were raised in families who have farmed for many generations. Scott grew up on a Washington dairy farm and received a degree in dairy farming from the University of Utah. Connie grew up on an Iowa grain farm and has experience in pig farrowing and poultry laying operations.
At their farm in Delta Junction, Scott handles all of the equipment, sales and marketing, and Connie manages the finances, is a farm hand, and homeschools their three children, who also work on the farm along with one part-time employee.
The Plagermans say they enjoy the unique challenges and freedom Alaska farmers face. Future plans are to increase their bison herd and improve on their crop production.
When not working their farm, the Plagermans are involved with the Healing Hoofbeats 4-H club (a therapeutic riding program for special needs children and adults) and are members of the Delta Farm Bureau. Scott also serves as a board member of the Alaska Farmers Co-op.
During the holiday season the family opens their home to church and community friends so that all ages may enjoy horseback riding, hay and sleigh rides, and socializing with one another. “It’s a great way to raise a family and be outdoors working with nature,” Connie said.
The Farm Family of the Year award, sponsored by the Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union, was established by the Alaska State Fair in 2000 to honor an Alaska farming family and show appreciation for all the hardworking Alaskans committed to agriculture.
After reviewing nominations, an awards committee chaired by the Alaska Division of Agriculture selects the winning family based on production of quality Alaska Grown products, community and agricultural organization involvement, and overall image.
“Congratulations to all of the nominees and the Plagerman family. They are to be admired for the dedication and commitment to farming in Alaska and are setting a good example for the next generation of Alaskan agricultural producers,” said Jerome Hertel, the Fair’s general manager.
Recent Farm Family of the Year winners include the Pettit Family of Little Pitchfork Ranch (2015), Williams Family of EagleSong Family Peony Farm (2014), and Vern Stockwell and Becky Gardner of Stockwell Farm (2013).
