Year: 1948
Type: article
Abstract: A GRICULTURE in Alaska dates from the gold rush days of '98.,During the intervening fifty years enough evidence has been presented to convince the most doubting that a great variety of crops can be gro'wn within the boundaries of the Territory.The total land area of Alaska is approximately 586,000 square ,miles, more than twice the size of Texas.Because of the great range of latitude and longitude the climate of Alaska is widely divergent.For example the highest average annual precipitation of 248 inches occurred on Baranof Island in southeastern Alaska.The lowest, 4 inches, is recorded at Point Barrow the most northerly tip of Alaska.Temperature extremes are centred in the Yukon River area a t Fort Yukon which is on the Arctic Circle.There the maximum has been IOOOF.and a minimum of -71 "F.However, these extremes have no agricultural significance because the main farm areas are centred in the Tanana Valley, the Matanuska Valley and the Kenai Peninsula.The crops grown in these areas are substantial proof that climatically almost three-fourths of Alaska lies within the .northtemperate zone.Today in Alaska there are about 15.,000 acres actually prodiucing farm 'crops, out of an estimated 7,098,000 acres adjudged arable.Truly, Alaska is a vast and sparsely populated country.Alaskans invite and encourage settlement, preferably by those qualified to pioneer.'Agriculture as a business can prosper only if it develops rationaIly in step with increased population supported by various industkes.The production of farm crops for export is definitely not practicable.Food to feed those living within the Territorial boundaries is a full-time job for every farmer now living there and for several thousand.more.,
Source: ARCTIC
DOI: 10.14430/arctic4000
Author: G.W. Gasser
Language: English
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W1980370628