Matansuska Valley
Matanuska Valley, Alaska's main farming area. It lies along the Matanuska River in southern Alaska, beginning at the head of Knik Arm bay. The valley, roughly 60 miles (97 km) long and 10 miles (16 km) wide, is virtually enclosed by high mountains. Dairying is the main farming activity; the growing of hardy vegetables and grains is also significant.
Palmer, the valley's chief town (population 4,533) and the site of the Alaska State Fair, began as an agricultural experiment station in 1915. In 1935 the federal government sponsored settlement of some 200 families from Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin in the area.