Delta Junction family wins state farming award

PALMER — Scott Plagerman and his family had no idea they were even nominated for the honor of Alaska Farm Family of the Year, until they received a call from the state telling them they had won.

On Thursday, introduced by the likes of Gov. Bill Walker and USDA Administrator Val Dolcini, the Plagermans accepted their plaque, given for their remarkable work on their hay and bison farm in Delta Junction.

“A local friend had nominated us. We weren’t expecting it,” Plagerman said. “We weren’t expecting it.”

Scott and Connie Plagerman opened their farm in 2008, and chose to produce hay and bison based on the circumstances surrounding them.

“The farm we purchased had already started on hay,” Plagerman explained. “Years prior they had been raising elk on it, so a lot of the facilities were out there to handle bison. We were selling hay to a small bison farm in Delta (Junction), he was retiring and so we bought them out and have been expanding ever since.”

Dolcini said that after visiting the Plagermans, it was easy to see how they fit the bill for the honor.

“Alaska is a unique place to farm and ranch,” Dolcini said. “It was a pleasure to visit with the Plagermans. They raise bison, grow hay, home school their kids, are involved in their church and their community. They really represent the best of us in many respects.”

As part of the award, the Plagermans receive day passes to the State Fair, an event they’ve never before made the drive from up north to attend.

“This is the first time we’ve made it to the fair,” Scott said. “Usually we’re quite busy in the field this time of year.”

Contact editor Matt Hickman at 352-2268 or matt.hickman@frontiersman.com