Alaska’s 2026 “Farm Family of the Year” is Al Poindexter and his family, who own and operate Anchor Point Greenhouse, LLC. The Farm Family of the Year award was established in 2000 by the Alaska Division of Agriculture and the Alaska State Fair, with sponsorship provided by Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union, to honor an Alaska farm family that best epitomizes the spirit of the industry, and to show appreciation for the hard-working Alaskans committed to agriculture.
Anchor Point Greenhouse, LLC was established in Anchor Point in 1976, making this year its 50th anniversary! The operation is located on 10 acres of family property in Anchor Point on the Kenai Peninsula. It consists of a production facility that produces the famous Fishy Peat potting soil and Alaska Earth; a greenhouse that grows a variety of vegetables, starts, flowers, and herbs; and an on-farm store that also carries local eggs and farm and garden supplies.
Al and his wife Grace Poindexter are lifelong residents of Alaska. Al started farming as a young boy on his family farm in Seward, where they ran Totem Eggs with 17,000 chickens, and later ranched cattle in Caribou Hills. His parents brought the family to Anchor Point, where they started Anchor Point Greenhouse. His father Charles Poindexter developed the recipe for Fishy Peat, which Al has since continued manufacturing and perfecting.
Al and Grace are parents to Chad, Crystal, Jennifer, and Cameron and grandparents to Audrey, Gigi, Charles, Thelma, Meira, and Athena. All the children and grandchildren have had a major hand in developing the farm and have had a heavy influence on its direction, with Audrey interning now and possibly continuing its legacy.
In addition to their farm, Al and his family have had a significant impact on agriculture within their community and the state. Like his father Charles, Al became an agricultural educator, teaching the Natural Resources Education Program at Homer High School. He is responsible for starting and leading the local Future Farmers of America Chapter serving Homer and Anchor Point for several years, where the program thrived. Afterward, Al became the Executive Director of the Alaska Association of Conservation Districts, working to support efforts of the Soil and Water Conservation Districts around the state to advance Alaskan agriculture. He has been involved for many years with the Alaska Farm Bureau’s Kenai Peninsula chapter. He and his family used to participate regularly in the Seldovia Village Tribal Clinic’s “Thriving Thursday” workshops by offering full farm tours for people. Al has also been a pioneer in Alaska’s rhodiola industry.
Al is known in his community for always being willing to share his knowledge, inspiring youth to become involved in agriculture, leading Alaska’s agriculture industry, and producing thousands of pounds of food annually to feed his community.
Al said: “The independence, the challenge, and the service to the community and state are what I like most about farming in Alaska.”
Anchor Point Greenhouse recognizes their loyal employees:
- Pauline Benson (a transplanter who is 90 years old and still farming!)
- Michael Wells (grower)
- Marcy Madsen (basket designer and lab tech)
- Trapper Poindexter (soils and maintenance)
- Elisa Thompson (waterer)
- Janet George (cashier)
- Audrey Leonetti (intern)
“I became acquainted with Al 12 years ago when he served on the State Farm Service Agency Committee in 2017,” said Alaska Division of Agriculture Director Bryan Scoresby. “Al is a vocal supporter of Agriculture Education in Alaska schools to teach the next generation about where their food comes from. He also spent several years serving on the Board of Agriculture and Conservation for the Agriculture Revolving Loan Fund at the Alaska Division of Agriculture.”
“For 50 years, the Poindexter family has been feeding Alaskans fresh vegetables and eggs, and ensuring local farmers have the supplies they need to grow their own food,” said Governor Mike Dunleavy. “I applaud Al and his family for their dedication to offering a variety of healthy produce and protein options over the years, and for increasing food security in the state with their commitment to supporting Alaska’s agriculture industry.”
“The Alaska State Fair, along with the Division of Agriculture, looks forward to celebrating Anchor Point Greenhouse as 2026’s Farm Family of the Year,” said Blake Allen, Chief Executive Officer for the Alaska State Fair. “Al Poindexter and his family have positively impacted the local community through practical, sustainable, and responsible farming practices and truly embody the spirit of Alaska’s agricultural heritage. Their success is not only gauged by the harvest they produce, but also in the values that they cultivate.”
Nominations for the Farm Family of the Year are submitted by the public annually during the open nomination period. The nominations are then peer reviewed and selected by leaders in Alaska’s agriculture industry. Al Poindexter and his family received eight nominations!
The Alaska Farm Family of the Year for 2025 was Mike Mosesian and his family, who own and operate Mosesian Farms of Alaska, Inc. (also known as Bell’s Nursery and Gifts).
For a complete list of previous winners, please visit: https://dnr.alaska.gov/ag/ag_FFY.htm
Press release provided by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources. DNR’s mission is to develop, conserve and maximize the use of Alaska’s natural resources consistent with the public interest.
