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Articles 61 - 90 of 1884

Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences

Alternative Tree Species For Utah Syrup Production, Abigail Porter, Steven Price, Youping Sun, Darren Mcavoy Mar 2026

Alternative Tree Species For Utah Syrup Production, Abigail Porter, Steven Price, Youping Sun, Darren Mcavoy

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When thinking about producing syrup from trees, most people's minds go straight to maple trees. However, a variety of other species in the Intermountain West can be tapped for sap, including other maple species, birch, sycamore, aspen, and walnut. This fact sheet reviews alternative tree species for syrup production in Utah.

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Seeds Of Change - Building Community And Resilience With Plant Guilds, Roslynn Mccann, Liliane Dionne, Kevin White Mar 2026

Seeds Of Change - Building Community And Resilience With Plant Guilds, Roslynn Mccann, Liliane Dionne, Kevin White

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The goals of this Grade 6 living systems/biodiversity curriculum are to highlight Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) contributions to science, technology, and sustainable agriculture, with a focus on relational worldviews, permaculture practices, and respect for Mother Earth. Students will conduct plant experiments, learn Indigenous stories, make corn husk dolls, create a recipe, and enjoy eating their soup creation.

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Sunflower Cut Flower Production In Utah, Calee Garn, Alison Bingham, Melanie Stock, Claudia Nischwitz Mar 2026

Sunflower Cut Flower Production In Utah, Calee Garn, Alison Bingham, Melanie Stock, Claudia Nischwitz

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Sunflower is low-maintenance, full-sun crop that is well-adapted to Utah’s hot and dry conditions. Single-stem cultivars are most popular for cut flower production. This fact sheet provides information on sunflower production, including cultivars, site preparation, germination, irrigation, pests, and disease, nutrient management, harvest and storage, postharvest bed management, and economics.

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Utah Farmers Markets Impact Report: Strengthening Local Food Systems, Economic Resilience, And Community Well-Being, Jaclyn Pace, Steven Price, Roslynn Brain-Mccann, Joshua Cafferty, Blue Cook Mar 2026

Utah Farmers Markets Impact Report: Strengthening Local Food Systems, Economic Resilience, And Community Well-Being, Jaclyn Pace, Steven Price, Roslynn Brain-Mccann, Joshua Cafferty, Blue Cook

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Utah's farmers markets are more than places to shop — they are essential community infrastructure. With more than 60 markets in operation across the state, people rely on their local market for food, leisure, and community connection. From 2023–2025, the Utah Farmers Market Network (UFMN) and Utah State University (USU) Extension led a three-year, mixed-methods evaluation to document the economic and social contributions of farmers markets across the state. Over three market seasons, more than 230,000 customer responses were collected at markets in St. George, Cedar City, Hurricane, Ogden, Murray, Wheeler Farm, Millcreek, Downtown Salt Lake City, and Price — …

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Pest Management For Utah Cut Flower Production: Insects And Their Relatives, Nick Volesky, Marion Murray, Melanie Stock Feb 2026

Pest Management For Utah Cut Flower Production: Insects And Their Relatives, Nick Volesky, Marion Murray, Melanie Stock

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Pest management is important in cut flower production, marketability, and farm profitability. This fact sheet focuses on animal pests (insects, arthropods, mollusks, and vertebrates), not diseases or weeds, and has two parts. Part 1 applies Integrated Pest Management (IPM): using preventive techniques, pest thresholds, and best management practices with pests in cut flower crop production. Part 2 highlights the top 10 common pests of cut flowers in Utah and their management.

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Electric Pressure Cookers: What You Need To Know, Callahan Adams, Emily Smith Feb 2026

Electric Pressure Cookers: What You Need To Know, Callahan Adams, Emily Smith

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Electric pressure cookers (EPCs) offer convenience, versatility, and efficiency in everyday cooking. EPCs offer multiple cooking functions beyond pressure cooking, including sautéing, slow cooking, steaming, cooking rice, and preparing yogurt. They are not suitable for pressure canning, as confirmed by multiple Extension research studies and national guidelines. When used properly, EPCs provide a safe and effective way to prepare meals quickly while saving counter and storage space.

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Vines In The Landscape: Goldflame Honeysuckle, Saroj Burlakoti, Youping Sun, Shital Poudyal Feb 2026

Vines In The Landscape: Goldflame Honeysuckle, Saroj Burlakoti, Youping Sun, Shital Poudyal

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Goldflame honeysuckle is a moderately growing vine with a mature height of 10–15 feet and can spread around 3–6 feet in a single growing season. It grows well on fences, arbors, and trellises; however, canopy coverage is usually sparse and may not be suitable as a privacy screen. The vine grows well in full sun and well-drained soil, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies throughout the blooming season. It is hardy in USDA zones 5–9. Unlike Japanese honeysuckle (L. japonica), Goldflame honeysuckle is non-invasive and does not aggressively spread by runners.

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Utah's Value-Added Food Processing Options, Karin E. Allen, Kynda R. Curtis, Makaylie Langford Feb 2026

Utah's Value-Added Food Processing Options, Karin E. Allen, Kynda R. Curtis, Makaylie Langford

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This fact sheet provides an overview of the benefits of producing and marketing value-added foods and outlines key considerations for new ventures. It also details the two primary programs available to smaller-scale processing in Utah—the Cottage Food Program and the Homemade Food Act—assisting producers in evaluating their products, markets, and resources to choose the best path forward.

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Vines In The Landscape: Virginia Creeper, Saroj Burlakoti, Youping Sun, Shital Poudyal Feb 2026

Vines In The Landscape: Virginia Creeper, Saroj Burlakoti, Youping Sun, Shital Poudyal

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Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is a vigorous and aggressive deciduous vine in the grape family (Vitaceae), known for its rapid growth, dense foliage, and striking fall color. Some landscapers consider this plant a nuisance because of its aggressive growth, potential damage to weak structures, and difficulty in removing, but others love it for its potential for erosion control, rapid coverage, fall color, and as a bird and pollinator habitat.

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Thriving Hives, Beekeeping Monthly Calendar, Sheriden M. Hansen, Andree Walker-Bravo, Jaydee Gunnell Feb 2026

Thriving Hives, Beekeeping Monthly Calendar, Sheriden M. Hansen, Andree Walker-Bravo, Jaydee Gunnell

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This calendar was created in an effort to simplify and make beekeeping easier to understand and learn for the beginning beekeeper. The calendar offers a broad understanding of what is happening in the hive in addition to guidelines for basic beekeeping tasks on a monthly basis. The calendar also provides users with lists of in-bloom plants to look for in the landscape as the beekeeping season progresses. This can help beekeepers assess resources available for the bees in the landscape. In addition to the monthly tasks, suggested recipes for some of the feeding supplements and treatments mentioned in the calendar …

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Interseeding Cover Crops Into Corn In The Intermountain West, Matt Yost, Jenae Dean, Michael Pace, Tony Richards, Andrew Wallace, Jacob Hadfield, Steven Hines, Cody Zesiger, Jody Gale, Rhonda Miller, Earl Creech, Matt Palmer Jan 2026

Interseeding Cover Crops Into Corn In The Intermountain West, Matt Yost, Jenae Dean, Michael Pace, Tony Richards, Andrew Wallace, Jacob Hadfield, Steven Hines, Cody Zesiger, Jody Gale, Rhonda Miller, Earl Creech, Matt Palmer

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Interseeding cover crops into corn may provide many benefits, such as weed suppression, nitrogen fixation from legume covers, and, most importantly, soil cover and forage for livestock after corn harvest. It also has the potential to negatively impact corn production if competition with covers for water and nutrients is too high. The purpose of this guide is to discuss recent research and experience with interseeding cover crops in the Intermountain West.

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Optimal Drought Management Actions For Cattle Operations On The Uintah And Ouray Indian Reservation, Kynda R. Curtis, Tatiana Drugova, Man-Keun Kim Jan 2026

Optimal Drought Management Actions For Cattle Operations On The Uintah And Ouray Indian Reservation, Kynda R. Curtis, Tatiana Drugova, Man-Keun Kim

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In this fact sheet, we examine the drought management options available to cattle operations on the Uintah and Ouray Reservation, the largest Native American reservation in Utah. Specifically, we discuss the results of a study that evaluated the economic outcomes of two common drought response strategies: herd reduction and supplemental hay purchases. We also provide recommendations for ranchers on optimal strategies, i.e., those that maximize profits for two rancher types, differentiated by their willingness to accept risk (risk-neutral) or avoid it (risk-averse).

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Optimal Drought Management Actions For Cattle Operations On The Laguna Pueblo And Zuni Pueblo Indian Reservations, Tatiana Drugova, Kynda R. Curtis, Man-Keun Kim Jan 2026

Optimal Drought Management Actions For Cattle Operations On The Laguna Pueblo And Zuni Pueblo Indian Reservations, Tatiana Drugova, Kynda R. Curtis, Man-Keun Kim

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In this fact sheet, we examine the drought management options available to cattle operations on the Laguna Pueblo and Zuni Pueblo reservations in New Mexico. Specifically, we discuss the results of a study that evaluated the economic outcomes of two common drought response strategies: herd reduction and supplemental hay purchases. We also provide recommendations for ranchers regarding optimal strategies, i.e., those which would maximize profits, for two rancher types, differentiated by their willingness to accept risk (risk-neutral) or avoid it (risk-averse).

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Biostimulant Applications In Watermelon Production, Evan A. Christensen, Milena Oliveira, Youping Sun, Grant Cardon, Dan Drost Jan 2026

Biostimulant Applications In Watermelon Production, Evan A. Christensen, Milena Oliveira, Youping Sun, Grant Cardon, Dan Drost

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Watermelon is a water-intensive vegetable crop that is sensitive to drought and requires adequate nutrient supply for good yield and fruit quality. It is an important vegetable crop grown on 142,000 acres in the United States and 586 acres throughout Utah. Utah experienced its driest year on record in 2020 during a five-year drought (2019 to 2023). This affected local ecosystems, including the Great Salt Lake, which experienced record-low water levels. The drought also negatively affected the agricultural sector, including watermelon growers. Higher-than-average fertilizer prices in recent years have also threatened watermelon production. Growing awareness of agriculture's water use and …

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Optimal Drought Management Actions For Cattle Operations On The Duck Valley And Pyramid Lake Indian Reservations, Kynda R. Curtis, Tatiana Drugova, Man-Keun Kim Jan 2026

Optimal Drought Management Actions For Cattle Operations On The Duck Valley And Pyramid Lake Indian Reservations, Kynda R. Curtis, Tatiana Drugova, Man-Keun Kim

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In this fact sheet, we examine the drought management options available to cattle operations on two Native American reservations in Nevada, the Duck Valley and Pyramid Lake Indian reservations. Specifically, we discuss the results of a study that evaluated the economic outcomes of two common drought response strategies: herd reduction and supplemental hay purchases. We also provide recommendations for ranchers regarding optimal strategies, i.e., those which would maximize profits for two rancher types, differentiated by their willingness to accept risk (risk-neutral) or avoid it (risk-averse).

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Grow Your Own Microgreens, Stephen Beck Jan 2026

Grow Your Own Microgreens, Stephen Beck

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This fact sheet reviews the steps and materials needed to grow microgreens, such as radish, broccoli, sunflower, or pea shoots. Microgreens are fast and easy to grow and a healthy addition to your diet.

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Can I Freeze-Dry That? A Practical Guide To Safe And Effective Freeze-Drying, Victoria Carlile, Morgan Wayment, Jose Brandao Jan 2026

Can I Freeze-Dry That? A Practical Guide To Safe And Effective Freeze-Drying, Victoria Carlile, Morgan Wayment, Jose Brandao

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Freeze-drying can preserve most everyday foods, but not all foods work well. Whether you are preparing for a long trip or are interested in long-term storage, it is important to know which food can be freeze-dried safely and which ones should not be attempted. This knowledge helps ensure food safety, quality, and success. This fact sheet provides information on how freeze-drying works, the risks involved, and which foods can be more challenging to freeze-dry.

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Creating Sustainable School And Home Gardens: Misconceptions About Bees, Kaitlin U. Campbell, Kathy Cabe Trundle, Rita Hagevik Jan 2026

Creating Sustainable School And Home Gardens: Misconceptions About Bees, Kaitlin U. Campbell, Kathy Cabe Trundle, Rita Hagevik

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Bees are fascinating creatures that play a crucial role in pollination and ecosystem health. However, misconceptions about bees are widespread. Understanding the facts about bees helps us appreciate their significance and take appropriate action to protect them. This fact sheet dispels common myths about bees and explains the facts behind the misconceptions.

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Optimal Drought Management Actions For Cattle Operations On Navajo Nation, Tatiana Drugova, Kynda R. Curtis, Man-Keun Kim Jan 2026

Optimal Drought Management Actions For Cattle Operations On Navajo Nation, Tatiana Drugova, Kynda R. Curtis, Man-Keun Kim

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In this fact sheet, we examine the drought management options available to cattle operations on the Navajo Nation, the largest Native American reservation in the U.S. Specifically, we discuss the results of a study evaluating the economic outcomes of two common drought response strategies: herd reduction and supplemental hay purchases. We also provide recommendations for ranchers on optimal strategies, i.e., those that maximize profits, for two rancher types, differentiated by their willingness to accept (risk-neutral) or avoid risk (risk-averse).

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Assessing Utah's Agricultural Producer And Small Processor Interest In Value-Added Food Production, Kynda R. Curtis, Makaylie Langford, Karin E. Allen, Ruby Ward Dec 2025

Assessing Utah's Agricultural Producer And Small Processor Interest In Value-Added Food Production, Kynda R. Curtis, Makaylie Langford, Karin E. Allen, Ruby Ward

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In 2024, Utah State University researchers conducted a study of Utah agricultural producers and food processors interested in value-added food production. This fact sheet provides an overview of the study’s results on respondents’ operational details, including years in business, number of employees, and annual sales, as well as their interest in and rationale for expanding into value-added food production. It also discusses their current or planned timeframe for processing operation implementation, the types of products and markets involved, processing locations, and sales projections. Finally, it highlights the resources, tools, information, and services respondents identified as most useful for their processing …

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Agricultural Producer And Food Maker Food Processing Operation Needs Assessment Overview, Makaylie Langford, Kynda R. Curtis, Karin E. Allen, Ruby Ward Dec 2025

Agricultural Producer And Food Maker Food Processing Operation Needs Assessment Overview, Makaylie Langford, Kynda R. Curtis, Karin E. Allen, Ruby Ward

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In 2024, Utah State University conducted a study of Utah's farmers, ranchers, and food makers related to value-added food production and processing. This fact sheet provides an overview of the survey results related to respondents, their operations, products, and marketing outlets. It also discusses respondents’ familiarity with key regulatory and resource organizations, the types of products and business resources they find difficult to obtain or access, and the primary obstacles to their processing operations. These results can be used by Extension faculty, policymakers, agricultural organizations, and local economic development agencies to guide targeted support for Utah’s farmers, ranchers, and …

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Target Consumers For Beef Jerky, Kynda R. Curtis, Makaylie Langford, Karin E. Allen, Ruby Ward Dec 2025

Target Consumers For Beef Jerky, Kynda R. Curtis, Makaylie Langford, Karin E. Allen, Ruby Ward

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This fact sheet describes the target market (consumer group) for packaged beef jerky, based on survey data collected from a Utah State University study in the fall of 2024. It includes details of the study and recommendations for beef jerky producers and retailers.

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Exploring Biostimulant Efficacy For Onion Cultivation Under Limited Water And Nitrogen In Utah, Prakriti Nepal, Dan Drost, Youping Sun, Milena Oliveira Dec 2025

Exploring Biostimulant Efficacy For Onion Cultivation Under Limited Water And Nitrogen In Utah, Prakriti Nepal, Dan Drost, Youping Sun, Milena Oliveira

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This fact sheet provides information on using biostimulants to address the challenges of growing onions in Utah's semi-arid climate. It covers the role of biostimulants, Utah State University Extension case studies in Utah, harvest, and provides suggestions to mitigate nitrogen and water stress in onion production.

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Rich County, Utah, Range Plants: A Condensed Field Guide, Elana Feldman, Katie Siesel, Reganne K. Briggs, Jan Reinhart, Staci Williams-Jones Dec 2025

Rich County, Utah, Range Plants: A Condensed Field Guide, Elana Feldman, Katie Siesel, Reganne K. Briggs, Jan Reinhart, Staci Williams-Jones

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This guide is meant for land managers, producers, and natural resource professionals in Rich County, Utah, who are new to plant identification. This guide helps in quickly identifying common range plants in Rich County, Utah, and provides useful information about each species to aid management decisions.

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Thriving Hives: The Apiary - Beekeeping Essentials, Joseph Okoh, Andree' Walker Bravo Dec 2025

Thriving Hives: The Apiary - Beekeeping Essentials, Joseph Okoh, Andree' Walker Bravo

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This fact sheet is designed to help honey bee producers optimize their beekeeping practices and improve management systems. It offers essential guidance on selecting an ideal apiary location, choosing the right beehive, and ensuring efficient colony management. Additionally, this document serves as a valuable training resource for aspiring beekeepers.

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Single Compost Application Benefits For Organic Dryland Wheat Production, Shikha Sharma, Matt Yost, Earl Creech, Jennifer R. Reeve, Astrid R. Jacobson, Idowu Ademola Atoloye Dec 2025

Single Compost Application Benefits For Organic Dryland Wheat Production, Shikha Sharma, Matt Yost, Earl Creech, Jennifer R. Reeve, Astrid R. Jacobson, Idowu Ademola Atoloye

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This research highlights the long-term value of compost in dryland wheat systems, where water scarcity and declining soil fertility limit productivity. A single, high-rate compost application (22 tons per acre) can improve soil moisture content, organic carbon content, aggregate stability, and microbial activity. All these benefits contributed to higher and more stable wheat yields, even more than two decades after application. These changes help to make the compost-treated wheat more resilient during dry years. While composting incurs a high upfront cost, its long-term benefits can significantly reduce the need for repeated fertilizer or soil amendments, offering cost and labor savings …

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Access To Healthy And Nutritious Food In Utah: Results From The 2024 Utah Wellbeing Survey, Heather H. Kelley, Palak Gupta, Courtney G. Flint Nov 2025

Access To Healthy And Nutritious Food In Utah: Results From The 2024 Utah Wellbeing Survey, Heather H. Kelley, Palak Gupta, Courtney G. Flint

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Every Utahn, regardless of income, ZIP code, race, age, or health status, deserves reliable access to affordable, nutritious, and culturally meaningful food. Yet, too many communities across the state face persistent barriers that limit their ability to eat well and live healthy lives. This fact sheet reviews results of a 2024 Utah State University (USU) Extension needs assessment that identified food and nutrition security as a high-priority issue in Utah. It explores the current landscape, identifies key challenges, and outlines strategic opportunities for USU Extension and its partners to enhance food security statewide.

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Preserve The Harvest: Canning Goat Meat At Home, Callie Adams, Andrea Schmutz Nov 2025

Preserve The Harvest: Canning Goat Meat At Home, Callie Adams, Andrea Schmutz

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Due to its lean composition and nutritional profile similar to those of other tested meats, goat is well-suited for pressure canning. Follow USDA and Utah State University (USU) Extension altitude guidelines. This fact sheet provides guidelines for selecting high-quality meat, using proper equipment, and adhering to tested methods. Home canners can safely preserve goat meat and enjoy its benefits year-round.

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Vermicomposting, Hayley Waldbillig, Roslynn Brain, Scott Kent, Roslynn Brain Mccann Nov 2025

Vermicomposting, Hayley Waldbillig, Roslynn Brain, Scott Kent, Roslynn Brain Mccann

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Vermicomposting, or worm composting as it is more commonly known, is the process of using worms to break down discarded food and other organic wastes and convert them into compost and liquid fertilizers.

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White Bryony (Bryonia Alba), Taun Beddes, Michael Caron, Jacob Hadfield, Cory Ransom Nov 2025

White Bryony (Bryonia Alba), Taun Beddes, Michael Caron, Jacob Hadfield, Cory Ransom

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White bryony is more than just a nuisance plant. It is an aggressive, perennial vine that threatens riparian ecosystems, agricultural lands, and residential landscapes by destructively smothering vegetation. Additionally, its toxicity poses risks to people, livestock, and pets. Early detection and consistent management are critical to reducing its spread in Utah.

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