AGRICULTURE PROJECTS FUNDED IN
UTAH
by USDA's
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program
1988-2025
UTAH
by USDA's
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program
1988-2025
Utah has been awarded $9,212,488 grants to support 101 projects, including but not limited to, 37 research and/or education projects, 12 professional development projects and 25 producer-led projects. Utah has also received additional SARE support through multi-state projects.
Some grant programs may have been started or ended, or both, within the selected date range. Complete information may not be available for all grant programs prior to 2016.
| RESEARCH AND EDUCATION GRANTS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project # | Project Title | SARE support | Project Leaders | |
| SW23-948 | Can soil carbon help fund rangeland management? | $349,795 | Megan Nasto Working Lands Conservation/Multiplier | |
| SW23-950 | Impact of including sprouted grains in the ration of beef cattle relative to animal performance, quality and nutritive value of meat, and economic via | $349,974 | Dr.Kara Thornton Utah State University Brady Blackett Blackett Cattle Company Kelly Crozier Raise'm Right Ranch Dr.Matthew Garcia Utah State University Dr.Korry Hintze, PhD Utah State University Dr.Clay Isom Utah State University, Dept. of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sc Dr.Ryan Larsen Utah State University, Dept. of Applied Economics Jason Morgan Morgan Ranching Company Dr.Stephan van Vliet Utah State University | |
| SW22-941 | Identifying Stacked Conservation Practices that Optimize Water Use in Agriculture: Phase II | $350,000 | Matt Yost Utah State University Dr.Earl Creech Utah State University Neil Hansen Brigham Young University Dr.Bryan Hopkins BYU | |
| SW22-942 | Using grazing-duration to balance: livelihoods, clean water, sage-grouse habitat, and sustainable forage in semi-arid rangelands | $328,329 | Dr.Kris Hulvey Working Lands Conservation Taylor Payne Utah Department of Agriculture's Grazing Improvement Program | |
| SW21-923 | Developing sustainable strategies for nutrient and pest management on small-acreage strawberry farms | $349,736 | Dr.Jennifer Reeve Utah State University Dr.Brent Black Utah State University Dr.Kynda Curtis Utah State University Dr.Robert Schaeffer Utah State University | |
| SW21-927 | Dry Matter Intake and Feed Efficiency of Four Dairy Breeds in a Pasture-Based Heifer Development Program | $299,935 | Dr.Blair Waldron USDA-ARS Dr.Earl Creech Utah State University Dr.Clay Isom Utah State University, Dept. of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sc Dr.Ryan Larsen Utah State University, Dept. of Applied Economics Dr.Rhonda Miller WSARE Dr.Kerry Rood, MPH, DVM Utah State University, Dept. of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sc | |
| SW19-905 | Can we manage public rangelands for producers and the environment?: Using grazing-duration to balance livelihoods, clean water, sage-grouse habitat, and sustainable forage | $349,979.32 | Dr.Kris Hulvey Working Lands Conservation Taylor Payne Utah Department of Agriculture's Grazing Improvement Program | |
| SW19-909 | Identifying Stacked Conservation Practices that Optimize Water Use in Agriculture | $349,977 | Matt Yost Utah State University Niel Allen Utah State University Dr.Earl Creech Utah State University Neil Hansen Brigham Young University Matthew Heaton Brigham Young University Dr.Bryan Hopkins BYU Ross Spackman Brigham Young University-Idaho | |
| SW18-058 | Establishing a protocol for receiving cattle that are at-risk of having a mineral deficiency | $206,209 | Dr.Kara Thornton Utah State University | |
| SW17-046 | Grass-birdsfoot trefoil mixtures to improve the economic and environmental sustainability of pasture-based organic dairies in the western U.S. | $214,123 | Dr.Blair Waldron USDA-ARS | |
| SW17-077 | Best Management Practices for Regionally-Distinct Populations of the Blue Orchard Bee | $246,910 | Theresa Pitts-Singer USDA Agricultural Research Service | |
| SW15-003 | Training cattle to graze medusahead and avoid velvet lupine: A new tool to sustain the economic viability of livestock operations in the Western US | $249,909 | Dr.Juan Villalba Utah State University | |
| SW15-029 | Improving Tart Cherry Sustainability | $230,154 | Dr.Brent Black Utah State University | |
| SW14-015 | Integrated Byproduct Streams for Enhanced Viability of Combined Dairy Farm and Milk Processing Operations | $295,688 | Dr.Donald McMahon Western Dairy Center, Utah State University | |
| SW13-034 | Onion Systems Management Strategies for Crop Nutrition, Weeds, Thrips, and Iris Yellow Spot Virus | $169,299 | Dr.Diane Alston Utah State University | |
| SW10-088 | Grass-Legume pastures to increase economic and environmental sustainability of livestock production | $209,907 | Dr.Blair Waldron USDA-ARS | |
| SW08-076 | Cultural Management of Onion Thrips and Iris yellow Spot Virus | $133,441 | Dr.Jennifer Reeve Utah State University | |
| SW07-014 | Sustainable Vegetable Production: Screening Cover Crops for Water Use Efficiency | $118,411 | Dr.Daniel Drost Utah State University | |
| SW07-035 | High Value Crop Rotations for Utah High Tunnels | $144,495 | Brent Black PSC Department, Utah State University Dr.Brent Black Utah State University | |
| SW04-060 | Perennial Forage Kochia for Improved Sustainability of Grass-Dominated Ecosystems | $149,503 | Dale Zobel ADVS Dept., Utah State University | |
| SW02-013 | Sustainable Water Management for Irrigated Asparagus | $23,013.50 | Dr.Daniel Drost Utah State University | |
| SW01-001 | Value Added Opportunities from the Manufacture and Feeding of Silages Produced from Liquid Cheese Whey and Other By-products to Growing and Finishing Cattle and Beef Cows | $59,777 | Dale Zobel ADVS Dept., Utah State University | |
| SW01-020 | Production of Drought-adapted Intermountain Native Plants Through Low-cost, In-containers for Emerging Western Markets | $71,686 | Roger Kjelgren Utah State University | |
| SW01-023 | Biofumigants in Commercial Onion Production to Enhance Soil Nutrient Availability, Soil Quality, and Control of Weed, Nematode, and Disease Pests | $134,317 | Brad Geary Brigham Young University | |
| SW01-034 | Assessment of Value Added Milk from Pasture-based Dairies | $78,000 | Tilak Dhiman Utah State University | |
| SW00-040 | In-house composting in high-rise, caged layer facilities | $60,975 | Richard Koenig Utah State University | |
| SW00-063 | Impact Assessment of Western Region SARE Projects | $38,500 | Dr.Rhonda Miller WSARE | |
| SW99-024 | The Effects of Altering the Protein Efficiency of Lactating Dairy Cows on the Whole-farm Nitrogen Efficiency of Dairy Farms: Subcontract 1 | $19,184 | Allen Young Utah State University | |
| SW99-024A | The Effects of Altering the Protein Efficiency of Lactating Dairy Cows on the Whole-Farm Nitrogen Efficiency of Dairy Farms. | $89,571 | Allen Young Utah State University | |
| SW99-024B | The Effects of Altering the Protein Efficiency of Lactating Dairy Cows on the Whole-Farm Nitrogen Efficiency of Dairy Farms | $19,184 | RIchard Kohn | |
| SW98-058 | Reducing Chemical Inputs in Arid-Climates Through Sustainable Orchard Management | $261,044 | Schuyler Seeley Utah State University | |
| SW96-032 | Identification of Management Practices and Cultivars for Organic Hard-Winter Wheat Production | $93,911 | David Hole Utah State University | |
| SW95-006 | A Livestock Production System Less Reliant on the Use of Publicly Owned Lands | $60,000 | Randall D. Wiedmeier Utah State University | |
| SW95-015 | Public-Land Grazing Permittees Under Pressure: Sustainability of Coping Strategies on Private Land | $63,000 | D. Layne Coppock Utah State University | |
| LWD93-006 | Navajo Nation Whole Farm/Ranch Sustainable Systems Demonstration Project | $14,000 | Lyle G. McNeal Utah State University. | |
| LWD93-034 | Four Corners Navajo Nation Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Project | $100,000 | Lyle G. McNeal Utah State University. | |
| LWD92-005 | Conference on the Science of Sustainable Agricultural Systems | $15,500 | David Bezdicek Washington State University | |
| LOCAL ED & DEMO (FORMERLY RGR) GRANTS | ||||
| Project # | Project Title | SARE support | Project Leaders | |
| RGR20-007 | Using the Wyoming Ranch Tools site to evaluate selected Western SARE research projects to assess economic sustainability for individual producers | $61,160 | Bridger Feuz Master Stockman Consulting | |
| PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM GRANTS | ||||
| Project # | Project Title | SARE support | Project Leaders | |
| WPDP23-008 | Expanding cut flower production education supports agricultural professionals and small farms | $99,979 | Dr.Melanie Stock Utah State University Dr.Kynda Curtis Utah State University Claudia Nischwitz Utah State University Nick Volesky Utah State University | |
| WPDP22-002 | Training Agriculture Educators in Utah using the Wyoming Ranch Tools site and Western SARE research projects. | $83,892 | Bridger Feuz Master Stockman Consulting Hudson Hill Master Stockman Consulting LLC. | |
| WPDP22-014 | Educating and training community leaders to implement water recycling approach in Utah’s landscapes and nursery industry | $93,568 | Dr.Shital Poudyal Utah State University Dr.Kelly Kopp Utah State University and CWEL Katie Wagner Utah State University Extension Josh Zimmerman Utah Department of Natural Resources | |
| WPDP21-012 | Assisting Extension professionals in assessing profitable and sustainable agricultural enterprises with producer clientele | $99,969 | Dr.Kynda Curtis Utah State University Dr.Ryan Larsen Utah State University, Dept. of Applied Economics Dr.Anastasia Thayer Utah State University Ruby Ward Utah State University | |
| WPDP19-14 | Enhancing Enterprise Diversification Assessment for Native American Farmers to Enhance Economic Sustainability | $67,650 | Ruby Ward Utah State University Vicki Hebb Trent Teegerstrom University of Arizona | |
| EW15-023 | Sustaining the Future of Navajo Rangelands via Mobile Learning Tools to Promote Enhanced Vegetation Management | $62,260 | Dr.Gerald Hawkes New Mexico State University | |
| EW14-017 | Building Business Management Capacity for American Indian Agricultural Businesses | $75,000 | Ruby Ward Utah State University | |
| EW13-005 | Economic Evaluation of Agricultural Diversification through Agritourism for the Intermountain West | $74,492 | Dr.Kynda Curtis Utah State University | |
| EW09-007 | Economic Evaluation of Alternative (low-water use) Crops for the Great Basin | $99,723.50 | Carol Bishop University of Nevada Cooperative Extension Dr.Kynda Curtis Utah State University | |
| EW06-005 | Entrepreneurial Sustainable Agriculture: Alternatives for Processing, Packing, Labeling and Marketing in Internet/Retail Environments | $58,755 | John C. Allen, PhD Western Rural Development Center | |
| EW06-018 | Disseminating Research-based Information to Improve Great Basin Rangelands | $21,605 | Summer Olsen Utah State University Mark Brunson Utah State University | |
| EW04-010 | Communication of Range Demonstration Project Results | $15,045 | Ken Mills Utah Association of Conservation Districts | |
| FARMER/RANCHER GRANTS | ||||
| Project # | Project Title | SARE support | Project Leaders | |
| FW25-009 | Weed Management in Commercially Grown Sunflowers as Cut Flowers | $24,984 | Calee Garn Roo Crew Farms | |
| FW24-019 | Effects of Breeding Ewe Lambs on Reproductive Performance Longevity. | $24,562 | Gene Peckham Peckham Livestock | |
| FW23-420 | Reduction Of Water Use On Peony Crops By Using Shade Cloth. | $9,067 | Britin Van Brocklin Cherry petals flower farm | |
| FW23-429 | Study of hydroponics in cut flower production to increase water conservation and crop quality | $25,000 | Anna Zack Zack Family Farms | |
| FW22-394 | The Economics of Early Weaning and Early Breeding of Range Ewe Lambs | $22,200 | Gene Peckham Peckham Livestock | |
| FW22-400 | Economic and Yield Potential of Hemp Waste Material in Specialty Mushroom Substrate | $24,282 | Natasha Quinones-Rodriguez Intentional Growth | |
| FW19-343 | Can barley fodder be fed in place of grass hay to dairy goats and dairy sheep and what effect will it have on milk production and composition. | $19,407 | Anita Wilson Milky Hollow Creamery | |
| FW07-315 | Bramble Variety Trials in Utah to Reduce Disease, Increase Production and Enhance Profitability | $23,250 | Rick Heflebower Utah State University | |
| FW06-012 | Interseeding Forage Kochia in Established CRP Land for Enhanced Livestock and Wildlife Utilization | $7,621 | Ron Harper | |
| FW06-027 | Commercial Artichokes in the Intermountain West | $5,180 | James Haggarty Sun River Farms | |
| FW06-327 | Integrating Annual Crop Residues, Perennial Pastures, and Livestock Management to Extend the Grazing Season and Minimize Losses of Soil Nitrogen | $10,000 | Thomas Griggs Utah State University | |
| FW05-022 | Increasing the Profitability of Raspberries by Extending the Growing Season | $2,310 | Clark Willis | |
| FW04-014 | Goats as a Weed Control Alternative in Small Acreage Ranchettes | $3,382 | Kyle Christensen | |
| FW04-037 | Tomato Disease Prevention and Production Enhancement | $2,095 | Aviva Maller-O’Niel Rick Heflebower Utah State University | |
| FW04-314 | Organic Dairy Transition in Northern Utah | $7,500 | Clark Israelsen Utah State University Cooperative Extension | |
| FW03-201 | Winter Cover Crop Experiment | $1,120 | Aviva Maller-O’Niel | |
| FW03-306 | Season Extension Experiment | $1,250 | Rick Heflebower Utah State University | |
| FW00-019 | Medusahead Control and Revegetation in Southern Cache County, UT | $6,414 | Guy Pulsipher | |
| FW00-054 | Southern Utah Forest Products Association Cooperative Marketing Act | $4,835 | Brian Cottam | |
| FW00-317 | The Original Cache Junction Families Popped Wheat | $2,801 | Wes Roundy | |
| FW99-080 | Composting Poultry Waste Inside High Rise Layer Houses | $4,992 | Mike Shepherd | |
| FW99-117 | Hovenweep Burn Reseeding and Demonstration Area | $4,000 | Mary Tso | |
| FW97-038 | Increased Forage Production during Alfalfa Rotation Years in Johnson Canyon, Utah. Biological Control of Scotch and Bull Thistle on Disturbed Alfalfa Pastures | $2,900 | Michael E. Noel | |
| FW97-065 | Alternative Cropping For the Navajo Reservation | $4,300 | Mark Maryboy | |
| FW95-084 | Pasture Aeration and Fertilizer Study | $2,480 | Ken Carter | |
| GRADUATE STUDENT GRANTS | ||||
| Project # | Project Title | SARE support | Project Leaders | |
| GW25-013 | Utilizing Clover as a Cover Crop for Enhanced Weed Management and Soil Health in Barley Production | $30,000 | Dr.Mirella Ortiz Utah State University Olanrewaju Adeyemi Utah State University | |
| GW24-008 | Developing 4 Mason Bee Species for Pollination of Berry Crops | $30,000 | Dr.Robert Schaeffer Utah State University Dr.Kelsey Graham USDA ARS Miranda Jones Utah State University | |
| GW24-010 | The effect of finishing strategy and "terroir" on the phytochemical richness of bison meat in Western rangelands | $29,968 | Dr.Stephan van Vliet Utah State University Joseph Vinod Varre Utah State University | |
| GW22-230 | Evaluating the Effectiveness of Range Riding at Reducing Conflicts Between Livestock and Native Carnivores Across the American West | $30,000 | Dr.Julie Young Utah State University Rae Nickerson Utah State University | |
| GW22-244 | Evaluating the Impact of Wheat Straw Amendments on Dryland Organic Wheat Systems | $29,995 | Dr.Astrid Jacobson USU Dr.Jennifer Reeve Utah State University Preston Christensen Utah State University | |
| GW21-221 | Enhancement of Samurai Wasp [Trissolcus japonicus (Ashmead)] for Biocontrol of Invasive Brown Marmorated Stink Bug [Halyomorpha halys (Stål)] in Utah | $30,000 | Dr.Diane Alston Utah State University Curtis Rowley Cherry Hill Farms Dr.Lori Spears Utah State University Kate Richardson Utah State University | |
| GW20-215 | Identification of effective cover crop varieties and integrated management practices for weedy and invasive plant suppression in the Western US | $25,000 | Dr.Corey Ransom Utah State University Danielle Thiemann Utah State University | |
| GW18-106 | Brown Marmorated Stink Bug in Utah's Intermountain West | $24,999 | Dr.Diane Alston Utah State University Mark Holthouse Utah State University | |
| GW18-156 | Utilizing Tannin-Containing Forages and Holos Software for Sustainable Beef Production in the Intermountain West | $20,204 | Dr.Jennifer Reeve Utah State University Kathryn Slebodnik Utah State University | |
| GW17-060 | Navajo Spinach (Cleome Serrulata): Improving Seed Germination from Wild Populations Gathered across Native Lands of the Four Corners | $24,969 | Dr.Daniel Drost Utah State University Reagan Wytsalucy Utah State University | |
| GW15-046 | Improved simple on-site soil quality testing for soils in the Intermountain West | $24,844 | Dr.Jennifer Reeve Utah State University Esther Thomsen USU | |
| GW13-006 | Determination of gas emissions from manure sources in animal feeding operations | $25,000 | Scott B. Jones Utah State University Dr.Rhonda Miller WSARE Pakorn Sutitarnnontr Biological Engineering Department, Utah State University | |
| GW12-030 | Contributions to pest suppression through predator phenology and functional diversity | $13,095 | Dr.Ricardo Ramirez Utah State University Erica Stephens Utah State University | |
| ON FARM RESEARCH/PARTNERSHIP GRANTS | ||||
| Project # | Project Title | SARE support | Project Leaders | |
| OW24-004 | Developing New Osmia Species for Commercial Management and Pollination Diversification | $75,000 | Dr.Kelsey Graham USDA ARS Kimball Clark Nativebees.com Scott Pohlschneider Stahlbush Island Farm Mervin Weeks Weeks Berries of Paradise | |
| OW19-343 | Management strategies for Tomato spotted wilt virus and curtoviruses in Utah | $31,149 | Claudia Nischwitz Utah State University Dr.Diane Alston Utah State University Richard Heflebower Utah State University Extension - Washington County | |
| OW19-346 | Promoting crop diversification and soil health for cut flower production | $49,999 | Dr.Melanie Stock Utah State University Dr.Brent Black Utah State University Dr.Daniel Drost Utah State University Dr.Larry Rupp Utah State University | |
| OW18-007 | Supporting Natural Enemies of the Cabbage Aphid with Hedgerow Plantings | $48,554 | Laura Horn Wild Bee Project | |
| OW14-036 | Biochar Amendment to Enhance Tomato and Melon Productivity and Protect Against Phytophthora Root Rot Disease | $49,990 | Marion Murray Utah State University | |
| OW13-005 | Rangeland Restoration on the Channel Scablands of Eastern Washington | $49,931 | Dr.Kip Panter USDA-ARS-PPRL | |
| OW12-020 | Feedlot performance, feed efficiency, and profitability of cattle fed either a complete mixed ration or allowed to voluntarily select their diet. | $49,967 | Beth Burritt Utah State University | |
| PDP STATE PROGRAM GRANTS | ||||
| The following are non-competitive awards that fund the activities of the SARE state coordinator(s) within each state. | ||||
| Project # | Project Title | SARE support | Project Leaders | |
| WUT24-001 | USU-WSARE 2024 State Implementation Program (Western SARE PDP) | $120,000 | Justen Smith Utah State University | |
| WUT21-001 | Utah Professional Development State Program, 2021-24 | $107,250 | Marion Murray Utah State University Mair Murray Utah State University Justen Smith Utah State University | |
| WSP19-021 | Utah State PDP Program 2020 | $28,636 | Marion Murray Utah State University | |
| WSP18-015 | Utah 2018-20 PDP project | $28,636 | Marion Murray Utah State University | |
| WSP17-014 | 2018 Utah State University PDP Project | $37,973.60 | Marion Murray Utah State University | |
For further information on projects, contact Western SARE at (406) 994-4789 or wsare@montana.edu.
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) is funded by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).