Local carnivores take note

Most agree that much of our summer was a bit on the cool and wet side while most of the Lower 48 sizzled in drought.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is projecting a 3 percent to 4 percent increase in grocery costs next year. Milk, eggs, beef, poultry and pork prices will all be affected because the drought has pushed up the cost of feed, eventually translating into higher prices for hamburger, steaks, pork chops and chicken.

Grocery costs are already higher in Alaska with prices projected to rise on many items. Raising livestock can be one way to impact the grocery bill and many Alaskans are already trying their hand at keeping livestock for milk, eggs and meat. Chickens are found in many backyards, sharing space with other poultry or larger livestock. However, obtaining and feeding animals in Alaska does not necessarily translate into cheaper food.

Potential livestock owners have a number of livestock management aspects to consider. First of all, do you have the time and space for livestock? Many subdivisions prohibit certain, if not all, livestock species. After the cost of the animal and possible transportation, is there adequate shelter and fencing? Are there sufficient resources as well as storage space for feed and provision for fresh water and health care needs? What about the manure produced? As winter approaches, these and other management aspects must be addressed. Workshops, publications, websites and even YouTube provide a wealth of information and choices at one’s fingertips. Talk to farmers and current livestock owners for tips and suggestions. Enroll children in a local 4-H or FFA group to learn about animal care.

An alternative to raising your own meat is to purchase it from a local farmer, either directly or at one of many farmers markets. Again, this may not translate into less expensive food, but it is certainly fresher and unlikely to contain hormones or other chemicals. In addition to the costs of raising animals, such as feed, facilities and health care, Alaska farmers may encounter costs in transportation, slaughter, butchering, packaging and marketing. Raising animals organically or with alternative feeds is also more expensive. You may want to visit with the farmer if you have questions on costs as well as the animal’s diet, health care regiment or other management aspects.

Some of our local farmers are 4-H members who raise an animal each year to sell at the 4-H Junior Market Auction at the Alaska State Fair. These youth invest time and money into raising an animal to show at the Fair, then hopefully sell it at the auction. Money raised at the auction is used to recoup costs in raising the animal, purchase other animals, and save to use for college and other expenses as well as 4-H educational scholarships. By purchasing local 4-H member animals, you can obtain quality local meat while supporting Alaska agriculture and positive youth development.

The 4-H Market Livestock Project and Auction is a popular and longstanding tradition in the Mat-Su/Copper River 4-H District and at the Alaska State Fair. Each year, many youth learn valuable lessons in entrepreneurship, animal care, health and nutrition, showmanship, public relations and many other areas. Many have gone on to establish breeding programs, further competitions, college study and even lifelong careers based on their experiences. The project also gives youth the opportunity for positive character building in the areas of responsibility, respect, caring, trustworthiness, sportsmanship and citizenship.

The 2012 4-H Jr. Market Livestock Auction, sponsored in part by Matanuska Federal Credit Union, will be held at the Farm Exhibits Building arena at the Alaska State Fair in Palmer at noon, Sept. 1. Preview is from 11 a.m. to noon. Don’t miss your opportunity to be a local carnivore.

Lee Hecimovich is an associate professor of extension, 4-H and youth development at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.