Anchor Point family harvests 2026 Farm Family of the Year award

Published 5:30 am Thursday, August 13, 2026

An Anchor Point family has been honored for epitomizing the spirit of farming.

Al Poindexter and his family, who own and operate Anchor Point Greenhouse, were named the 2026 Farm Family of the Year — an award established in 2000 by the Alaska Division of Agriculture and the Alaska State Fair, with sponsorship provided by Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union, to show appreciation for the hard-working Alaskans committed to agriculture.

Established in 1976, Anchor Point Greenhouse celebrated its 50th anniversary this year, making the award even more special for Poindexter and his wife, Grace, who have been lifelong Alaska residents.

The greenhouse is located on 10 acres of family property on the Kenai Peninsula and operates a production facility that produces Fishy Peat potting soil and Alaska Earth, and grows a variety of vegetables, starts, flowers, and herbs. There is also an on-farm store that carries local eggs and garden supplies.

Al started farming as a young kid on his family farm in Seward, where they raised 17,000 chickens, and later ranched cattle in Caribou Hills. His parents then brought the family to Anchor Point and started Anchor Point Greenhouse, where his father, Charles, developed the recipe for Fishy Peat, which Al continues to manufacture and perfect.

“The independence, the challenge, and the service to the community and state are what I like most about farming in Alaska,” he said.

In addition to their farm, the Poindexter family has had a big impact on agriculture within the community, as Al became an agricultural educator just like his father, teaching the Natural Resources Education Program at Homer High School. He also started and led the local Future Farmers of America Chapter serving Homer and Anchor Point for several successful years.

Al then became the executive director of the Alaska Association of Conservation Districts and worked to support efforts of the Soil and Water Conservation Districts around the state to advance Alaskan agriculture.

He is also a pioneer in Alaska’s rhodiola industry, been involved with the Alaska Farm Bureau’s Kenai Peninsula chapter for many years, and has participated in the Seldovia Village Tribal Clinic’s Thriving Thursdays workshops by offering full farm tours alongside his family.

“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,” the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) stated.

Blake Allen, CEO of the Alaska State Fair, said that the fair and the Division of Agriculture look forward to celebrating Al and his family as this year’s Farm Family.

“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,” he said. “Their success is not only gauged by the harvest they produce, but also in the values that they cultivate.”

Nominations for the award are submitted by the public annually during the open nomination period.

The nominations are then peer-reviewed and selected by leaders in the state’s agriculture industry.

Al and his family received eight nominations.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy added that the Poindexter family has been feeding Alaskans fresh vegetable and eggs for 50 years, ensuring local farmers have the supplies that they need to grow their own food.

“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,” he said.

Anchor Point Greenhouse recognizes its loyal employees, including 90-year-old transplanter Pauline Benson. Other employees include grower Michael Wells, basket designer and lab tech Marcy Madsen, soils and maintenance worker Trapper Poindexter, waterer Elisa Thompson, cashier Janet George, and intern Audrey Leionetti.

Al and Grace have four children, Chad, Crystal, Jennifer, and Cameron, and six grandchildren, 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,” DNR added.