Becoming a Farm Ionia's long-term dream and next step is to become a working organic farm. We have researched and developed varieties of grain from all over the world that mature well in our short growing season. We have found the pathways to healthy soil in the Peninsula's unique conditions. Together, learning about the land, the grain, and our own abilities, we have successfully grown small fields of barley, wheat and oats. The heart of the Ionia Farm will be the barn. It will provide shelter for the tractor and farm equipment, straw, and fertilizer ingredients. It will allow the harvest to be processed in a timely manner. Residents are building the barn using 6' 2" sided logs from our sawmill. The barn construction is funded through matching grants from the Rasmuson Foundation, the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, MJ Murdock Charitable Trust, Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, and local donations. The farm will introduce agricultural therapy and appropriate energy technologies to the Central Peninsula and statewide, and expand Ionia's capacity to grow much of our own food. BEGIN TOUR VIEW THUMBNAILS