Dairy industry grants available

Chad Padgett, Alaska acting state director for USDA Rural Development has announced that $650,000 in grant funding is available to support and expand the state’s dairy industry. Complete applications must be received by 4:30 p.m. March 9 in the Alaska State Office of USDA Rural Development, 800 W. Evergreen, Suite. 201, Palmer, AK 99645. For information, contact Dean Stewart, 907-761-7722 or e-mail dean.stewart@ ak.usda.gov.

Junior Miss seeks contestants

Alaska’s Junior Miss state program takes place in Soldotna March 8-10. The deadline for applications is Feb. 23. The winner of this year’s program will travel to Mobile, Ala., in June to compete for the title of America’s Junior Miss and a share of more than $100,000 in scholarships. For information, contact Barbara Taylor, field director for Alaska’s Junior Miss, 800-256-5435 or e-mail Barbara@ajm.org.