About Archipelago Farms

Archipelago Farms was established over a decade and a half ago in Fairbanks Alaska by George Aguiar. The farm revolves around producing high quality reindeer by focusing on conformation and performance. 


George grew up on a large farm in Central California. His work experience while going to school included raising goats and cattle while working in the veal and dairy industry. George came to the School of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Alaska Fairbanks as a transfer student where he began student employment with the Reindeer Research Program. After completing a Bachelor’s of Science in Natural Resource Management in the plant, animal and soil sciences option he went on to be a research technician and eventually a research professional for the Reindeer Research Program over a 14 year span. In this position George worked directly with Alaskan Native reindeer producers in remote sites all over the Seward Peninsula providing support to applied research projects for the reindeer industry mostly in the fields of meat production, range management, nutrition and husbandry. He worked directly with 4H, FFA and University of Alaska Environmental Risk Management and Safety to develop a market reindeer project which he then provided support and consult for students to eventually show and sell their reindeer for market at the Tanana Valley State Fair for multiple years. George has worked with reindeer producers all over the country and state to provide assistance and guidance in many aspects of reindeer husbandry including nutrition, performance, slaughter and facility design amongst others. George’s interests in Alaskan agriculture have taken him outside his employment with the University as well. In 2009 George imported reindeer from Canada and began his own reindeer farm. He currently provides direct marketing of carcasses to restaurants, sells breeding stock and is involved with the tourism market. He is involved in the agricultural community with organizations such as farm bureau, 4H and FFA. While working for the Reindeer Research Program, George took the opportunity to complete a Masters of Natural Resource Management and Geography degree which put emphasis on animal production and meat science related studies. His graduate work pertained to the effect of freezing and time on reindeer meat quality. He was able to take course work in Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points and Food Microbiology. George currently works as a lab manager for the Department of Veterinary Medicine with a small appointment to Cooperative Extension. At night and on the weekends he manages his herd and works towards expanding the operation. Throughout the years he has utilized his farm to provide education and experience to students interested in animal production. More recently he provides opportunities for veterinary students to partake in the calving season and obtain some handling experience.