When you think of the value of farmers markets, what likely comes to mind is fresh, local produce, where you can meet the people who grew it just down the road from where it’s sold.

And, sure, it’s commerce, so there’s money involved. But shoppers might not be thinking about everything they’re supporting when they buy that zucchini or jar of jam.

In honor of Aug. 4 through 10 being national Farmers Market Week, let’s take a look at the economics of farmers markets.

The Native inhabitants of the Kenai Peninsula before Western contact were masters at adapting to this land. Dr. Alan Boraas, anthropology professor at Kenai Peninsula College, presented “Yaghanen, The Time Before,” a discussion about the lives of the Dena’ina people who have lived and thrived here for a thousand years, to the Kasilof Regional Historical Association.

Kenai River Brewing shares its plans for reopening Kenai Joe's in a special, live segment of the show. And speaking of reopening, Barnaby Brewing in Juneau tells Bill about recovering from a fire that shut them down for about a year.

It's the heart of fishing season on the Kenai Peninsula. On this week's Kenai Conversation, we'll talk with Ben Mohr,  executive director of the Kenai River Sportfishing Association about the state of that industry, and what issues they're paying attention to on the Kenai River and beyond.

On this week's Kenai Conversation, we talk with Maggie Winston of the Independent Living Center about the Disability Pride Rally coming up Saturday at Soldotna Creek Park from noon to 4 p.m.

Ms. Winston stays with us as we welcome Kenai City Manager Paul Ostrander and Leslie Rohr of Love INC to discuss homelessness in Kenai.

Cheers to July! On this month's show, Bill has a preview of the Kenai Peninsula Beer Festival, celebrates the pilsner style and discusses a controversial tap room decision to ground tasting flights and refuse outside growlers.

More information on the Kenai Peninsula Beer Festival can be found here.

On this month's Drinking on the Last Frontier, Bill gets the lowdown on summer highlights from Midnight Sun Brewing and 49th State Brewing, plus a feature on the history of beer gardens and the return of beer gear.