Alaska’s Farm Family of the Year: Bruce and Vickie Bush of Palmer

On the 25th anniversary of Alaska’s “Farm Family of the Year” award, Bruce and Vickie Bush, owners and operators of Bushes Bunches farm and produce stand in Palmer, have been named the 2024 honorees.

The prestigious award was established in 2000 by the Alaska Division of Agriculture and the Alaska State Fair to recognize Alaska farm families who epitomize the spirit of the state’s agricultural industry.

Bruce Bush’s connection to farming runs deep, with roots stretching back to 1956 when his father purchased the farm in Alaska’s Matanuska-Susitna Valley. Bruce began his agricultural journey at the age of eight, participating in 4-H and later developing the “Bushes Peanut Potato,” a popular variety featured at their Alaska State Fair booth. The family’s first foray into direct sales began with a small vegetable stand started by Bruce’s sister, Nancy, in the 1960s. Over the years, this modest operation blossomed into the thriving business that is Bushes Bunches today.

Bruce took over the farm in 1988 and expanded the operation, opening a farm stand near the Parks Highway. Although the stand had to be relocated in 1999 due to highway expansion, the family persevered and in 2014, they reopened the Bushes Bunches Produce Stand on the Old Glenn Highway, where it now operates year-round. The stand not only sells produce from their own farm but also features products from other local farms, reflecting the Bushes’ commitment to supporting the broader agricultural community.

Vickie, who moved to Alaska with her family in 1956, joined the Bush family farm after marrying Bruce in 2005. Her background in farming and her experience as a letter carrier in Palmer have made her an invaluable asset to the business, particularly in the areas of design, operations, bookkeeping, and marketing. Vickie’s passion for farming is evident in her dedication to the farm’s success. “The challenge, the science, providing a healthy, healing product for others to enjoy and reap the benefits,” she said, reflecting on what she loves most about farming.

Beyond their farming success, Bruce and Vickie Bush are active members of the community, contributing countless hours to advancing Alaska agriculture. Bruce is a former member of the Mat-Su Borough Assembly, and has served on numerous boards and committees, including the Alaska State Fair Board of Directors, where he was instrumental in creating the Farm Family of the Year award 25 years ago. Known as the “rhubarb king of Alaska,” Bruce also played a significant role in the creation of the state’s first farmland conservation easement, Heaven’s Hayfield.

“Bruce and Vickie being recognized this year as a second-generation Alaskan farm family is impressive when you consider that Bruce continued the family farm business and grew it for the past 36 years,” said Bryan Scoresby, Director of the Division of Agriculture. Gov. Mike Dunleavy also praised the Bushes, noting that their work supports food security in the state and serves as an inspiration to the next generation of farmers.

As the silver anniversary recipients of the Farm Family of the Year award, the Bushes join a distinguished list of past honorees, including last year’s winners, Marja Smets and Bo Varsano of Farragut Farm near Petersburg.