In the 80s Alaska had a farming homestead for land program. I doubt they gave up mineral rights with the plan but I remember reading about it. It is quite clear because my FIL came unglued when I told him about the progam ( i believe he thought I was serious enough to move his daughter there). At that time they were claiming vast acerage of fertile soil that had the ability to raise good crops of barley. Additionally the thoughts were that improved genetics would make growing other crops viable in a relatively short period. I thought some of the younger folks would find it interesting to see that there have been homestead programs that recent. Never been to alaska but have to wonder if someone were serious about farming there what could be... Soybeans, Barley ????