Utah Professional Development State Program, 2021-24

Project Overview

WUT21-001
Project Type: PDP State Program
Funds awarded in 2020: $107,250.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2024
Host Institution Award ID: G382-21-W8616
Grant Recipient: Utah State University
Region: Western
State: Utah
State Coordinators:
Marion Murray
Utah State University
Co-Coordinators:
Mair Murray
Utah State University

Commodities

  • Agronomic: hemp, wheat
  • Fruits: apples, cherries, peaches
  • Vegetables: beans, broccoli, cabbages, carrots, cucurbits, greens (leafy), onions, peppers, sweet corn, tomatoes

Practices

  • Crop Production: cover crops, cropping systems, high tunnels or hoop houses
  • Education and Training: display, extension, on-farm/ranch research, workshop
  • Farm Business Management: farm succession
  • Pest Management: biological control, biorational pesticides, botanical pesticides, chemical control, cultural control, field monitoring/scouting, integrated pest management, row covers (for pests), trap crops
  • Sustainable Communities: analysis of personal/family life, quality of life

    Abstract:

    The 2021-24 Utah Western SARE Professional Development Program (PDP), also known as the State Implementation Program (SIP) provided resources and training to agricultural professionals and producers that promoted the goals of Western SARE. The program was guided by an Advisory Committee of six members. The Committee urged the Utah WSARE SIP to seek answers to the state’s challenges, such as being the 9th most densely urban and the 2nd most arid state in the nation, in a way that protects natural resources and human safety, and enhances the quality of life for our producers. Specific topics recommended by the committee for 2021-24 included improving local production and distribution of food, building soil health practices, increasing adoption of integrated pest management (IPM), and improving sustainable grazing.

    Project objectives:

    Three objectives targeted the overall goals for the Utah WSARE SIP in 2021-24 to increase local production and distribution of food, build soil health practices, increase adoption of integrated pest management (IPM), and improve sustainable grazing.

    1. Increase knowledge and skills of nine Utah Extension agricultural professionals and up to 300 producers through the award of approximately three mini-grants each year for travel or event-hosting (offered spring and fall of each year), measured by reporting and follow-up surveys of award recipients. (“Travel/Event Hosting Awards”)
    2. Facilitate adoption of sustainable agricultural practices of 900 professionals and producers through the support of four conferences and workshops offered in spring, summer, and fall of each year, as measured by retrospective surveys after each event. (“Support of Conferences/Workshops”)
    3. Increase knowledge and skills of up to 120 agricultural professionals and 500 producers in integrated pest management through on-going presentations and delivery of publications and guides, conducted throughout the duration of the award, and measured by paper or online surveys. (“General Outreach”)
    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. Government determination or policy.