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Articles 1 - 30 of 292
Full-Text Articles in Agriculture
Harmful Algal Blooms: Risks For Food In Utah, Jose Brandao, Sarah Erwin, Stephanie Vaughn, Clare Entwistle
Harmful Algal Blooms: Risks For Food In Utah, Jose Brandao, Sarah Erwin, Stephanie Vaughn, Clare Entwistle
All Current Publications
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a problem because they can produce toxins that make water unsafe for people, animals, and the environment. In recent years, HABs have emerged as a growing concern in freshwater systems throughout Utah, including irrigation canals, reservoirs, and livestock ponds. HABs in freshwater are caused by cyanobacteria, also called blue-green algae. These microorganisms can release dangerous toxins that can harm swimmers, pets, and the food supply. Unlike foodborne pathogens, these toxins cannot be removed by boiling, cooking, or washing the food. Therefore, regular monitoring is essential to detect HABs early and reduce exposure risks. This fact …
Tips For Growing Garden Vegetables In Utah: Soil Preparation, Gastone Makalaya, Josh Martin, Milena Oliveira
Tips For Growing Garden Vegetables In Utah: Soil Preparation, Gastone Makalaya, Josh Martin, Milena Oliveira
All Current Publications
To help Utah gardeners maintain healthy soils and enhance early vegetable production, this fact sheet provides practical guidance and tips on soil preparation for vegetable gardening.
Managing Prairie Dogs On Agricultural Lands, Cory Farnsworth, S. Nicole Frey
Managing Prairie Dogs On Agricultural Lands, Cory Farnsworth, S. Nicole Frey
All Current Publications
While prairie dogs are an important species in the region because their burrows provide shelter for many wildlife species, they are also preyed upon by many mammals and birds. However, because of the damage they can cause to cropping and range systems, their populations may occasionally need to be controlled. After you have identified which prairie dog species you are in conflict with and the scope of the damage, you will want to decide how to manage them. This fact sheet provides information on control options and the general ecology of the three prairie dog species in Utah.
Creating Sustainable School And Home Gardens: Gardening With Native Plants, Kathy Cabe Trundle, Lawrence Krissek
Creating Sustainable School And Home Gardens: Gardening With Native Plants, Kathy Cabe Trundle, Lawrence Krissek
All Current Publications
Native plants form the foundation for healthy local and regional ecosystems. By adding native plants to your gardening and landscape plans, you will contribute to nature’s best hope for the soil health, habitat resilience, and biodiversity we need for a brighter, more sustainable future.
Basket Flower Cut Flower Production In Utah, Kellie Webb, Melanie Stock, Amanda Pratt, Claudia Nischwitz, Nick Volesky
Basket Flower Cut Flower Production In Utah, Kellie Webb, Melanie Stock, Amanda Pratt, Claudia Nischwitz, Nick Volesky
All Current Publications
Basket flower is a versatile and visually striking plant valued by florists and gardeners alike for its unique texture, ease of cultivation, and environmental benefits. The large, fringed blooms in shades of pink, lavender, and creamy white add elegance and texture to floral arrangements, harmonizing well with other flowers and greenery. As a reliable mid-season, low-water annual, this crop thrives across soil types with minimal maintenance, making it an excellent choice for U.S. Intermountain West growers. Moreover, its ability to attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, enhances its ecological value, while its resistance to pests and diseases further contributes …
Gomphrena Cut Flower Production In Utah, Kellie Webb, Melanie Stock, Cheyenne Reid, Victoria Xiong, Benjamin Scow, Amanda Pratt, Claudia Nischwitz, Nick Volesky
Gomphrena Cut Flower Production In Utah, Kellie Webb, Melanie Stock, Cheyenne Reid, Victoria Xiong, Benjamin Scow, Amanda Pratt, Claudia Nischwitz, Nick Volesky
All Current Publications
Gomphrena, also known as globe amaranth, is a full-sun annual with clover-like, papery blooms. Plants thrive in the heat and prefer drier soils once established, making this crop a water-wise choice for Utah cut flower production. Blooms range from soft to fluorescent pink, white, orange, lilac, and red. Gomphrena is especially useful in detailed design work, such as boutonnieres and corsages, as the blooms do well out of water. Gomphrena is also an exceptional flower for drying. The versatility of selling gomphrena as both a fresh and dried cut flower increases its value for Utah growers. Grown primarily for field …
Strawflower Cut Flower Production In Utah, Melanie Stock, Ali Harrison, Lorin Harrison, Cheyenne Reid, Victoria Xiong, Benjamin Scow, Claudia Nischwitz, Nick Volesky
Strawflower Cut Flower Production In Utah, Melanie Stock, Ali Harrison, Lorin Harrison, Cheyenne Reid, Victoria Xiong, Benjamin Scow, Claudia Nischwitz, Nick Volesky
All Current Publications
Strawflower is a cut-and-come again, full-sun annual that performs well with reduced irrigation. Often called the “everlasting flower” and “paper flower,” the dry, daisy-like blooms range from earthy salmon and terracotta to white and dusky blush tones. Strawflower adds texture to floral design, and the diverse color palette is attractive to florists. This cut flower is also exceptional for drying, as it is nearly dried in the field when ready for harvest. The non-fussy growth, low resource use, branching habit, and easy harvest make strawflower an excellent field crop in the U.S. Intermountain West, though expected yields may be lower …
Irrigation Water Loss And Recovery In Utah, Bradley S. Crookston, Troy Peters, Matt Yost, Burdette Barker
Irrigation Water Loss And Recovery In Utah, Bradley S. Crookston, Troy Peters, Matt Yost, Burdette Barker
All Current Publications
When deciding which irrigation systems to adopt, permit, or promote, it is important to consider how their efficiency and losses affect the water balance of Utah’s watersheds and drainage basins. Irrigators have no control over precipitation and only limited control of surface waters entering and leaving the state, as most of those are controlled by legal agreements. However, Utah’s water managers, elected officials, and water users can consider how surface water flows and groundwater storage is affected by using more efficient irrigation systems. Sprinkler, surface, or drip irrigation systems each have trade-offs in irrigation application efficiency, cost, and other factors. …
Small Grain Forage Production Guide, Matt Yost, Megan Baker, Earl Creech, Justin Wyatt Clawson, Michael Pace, Kalen Taylor, Cory Farnsworth, Jacob Hadfield, Corey Ransom, Steven Price, Claudia Nischwitz, Clara Anderson
Small Grain Forage Production Guide, Matt Yost, Megan Baker, Earl Creech, Justin Wyatt Clawson, Michael Pace, Kalen Taylor, Cory Farnsworth, Jacob Hadfield, Corey Ransom, Steven Price, Claudia Nischwitz, Clara Anderson
All Current Publications
Small grain forages can be used for pasture, hay, and silage and have become more common in cropping systems in Utah and the western United States. The most common small grain species used for forage production are barley, oat, rye, triticale, and wheat. Although there has been an increase in the use of small grains for forage production in the western U.S., little published information is available on best management practices for small grain forage production. This guide will discuss the key production practices for small grains used for forage.
25 Rules Of Thumb For Field Crops, Matt Yost, Niel Allen, Grant Cardon, Earl Creech, Ryan Larsen, Rhonda Miller, Mark Nelson, Claudia Nischwitz, Matthew Palmer, Steven Price, Ricardo Ramirez, Corey Ransom, Benjamin Scow, Randall Violett
25 Rules Of Thumb For Field Crops, Matt Yost, Niel Allen, Grant Cardon, Earl Creech, Ryan Larsen, Rhonda Miller, Mark Nelson, Claudia Nischwitz, Matthew Palmer, Steven Price, Ricardo Ramirez, Corey Ransom, Benjamin Scow, Randall Violett
All Current Publications
This article is not a comprehensive list of the practices farmers need to be successful in their operations, but it represents an attempt to capture 25 common tips or “rules” from a wide range of Extension experts throughout Utah, from seedbed preparation, to harvesting guidelines.
On-Farm Research Guide, Matt Yost, Jody Gale, Earl Creech, Megan Baker, Jeffrey Austin, Grant Cardon, Cody Zesiger
On-Farm Research Guide, Matt Yost, Jody Gale, Earl Creech, Megan Baker, Jeffrey Austin, Grant Cardon, Cody Zesiger
All Current Publications
Many growers want to increase crop productivity and farm profitability. On-farm research is a way growers can achieve this goal by discovering answers to important questions about the benefits of using specific products or practices they are uncertain about or are unproven. Validating the efficacy of already-implemented practices is another important reason to do on-farm research trials (Nielsen, 2008). Each farm is unique and can benefit from individualized on-farm research, especially since university and industry researchers cannot study every product or practice for every unique field or farm growing condition. This how-to guide covers benefits and best practices for conducting …
Sorghum-Sudangrass Production Guide, Dakota Boren, Matt Yost, Luree Johnson, Tina Sullivan, Earl Creech, Grant Cardon, Corey Ransom, Randall Violett, Cheyenne Reid, Cody Zesiger, Kalen Taylor, Jacob Hadfield, Michael Pace, Jody Gale
Sorghum-Sudangrass Production Guide, Dakota Boren, Matt Yost, Luree Johnson, Tina Sullivan, Earl Creech, Grant Cardon, Corey Ransom, Randall Violett, Cheyenne Reid, Cody Zesiger, Kalen Taylor, Jacob Hadfield, Michael Pace, Jody Gale
All Current Publications
Sudex is a warm-season forage crop that performs well in Utah’s dry climate due to its drought tolerance. It can be especially useful during drought years or when irrigation supplies are limited. As well as being a high-quality feed, Sudex has many benefits, including weed suppression and soil-building properties. Although there are concerns for prussic acid and nitrate poisoning, these concerns can be reduced and often eliminated with proper management. This fact sheet provides information to producers about using Sudex and best production practices. Much of the information may also apply to forage sorghum and a few of the major …
Irrigation, Crop, And Soil Management Impacts On Water Use In Pivots/Laterals, Tejinder Singh, Matt Yost, Masoumeh Hashemi, Burdette Barker, Cheyenne Reid, Rebekah E. Iverson
Irrigation, Crop, And Soil Management Impacts On Water Use In Pivots/Laterals, Tejinder Singh, Matt Yost, Masoumeh Hashemi, Burdette Barker, Cheyenne Reid, Rebekah E. Iverson
All Current Publications
In this fact sheet, we describe evapotranspiration (ET), introduce a new tool, the soil moisture evapotranspiration (SMET) model, and share results from multi-year trials across Utah evaluating different center-pivot irrigation technologies, deficit irrigation strategies, crop types, drought-tolerant crop genetics, and conservation agriculture practices. These findings highlight how Utah growers can improve water productivity and maintain profitable production under limited water supplies.
Guide To Drought Tolerance Of Utah Field Crops, Matt Yost, Tina Sullivan, Dakota Boren, Luree Johnson, Melanie Mills, Earl Creech, Boyd Kitchen, Randall Violett
Guide To Drought Tolerance Of Utah Field Crops, Matt Yost, Tina Sullivan, Dakota Boren, Luree Johnson, Melanie Mills, Earl Creech, Boyd Kitchen, Randall Violett
All Current Publications
Crop variety selection is one of the most important choices on the farm. Crop genetics determine a significant portion of the yield potential and resource use efficiency. Crop types and genetics that use water more efficiently will become increasingly important as water becomes scarcer. Throughout Utah and the Western United States, water availability is decreasing due to various factors, including reduced snowpack and rapid urban growth. Alfalfa, other hay, small grains, and corn are grown on more acres than any other crops in Utah and much of the Intermountain West. These crops all have varieties, hybrids, and cultivars with the …
Organic Management Of Pillbugs And Sowbugs In Strawberries And Other Fruits, Briger Carey, Marion Murray, Emilie Demard, Jennifer R. Reeve
Organic Management Of Pillbugs And Sowbugs In Strawberries And Other Fruits, Briger Carey, Marion Murray, Emilie Demard, Jennifer R. Reeve
All Current Publications
Pillbugs and sowbugs are collectively known as isopods that typically feed on soil organic matter, but under certain conditions, they can be a pest of many young plants and berries. This fact sheet reviews identification, life cycle, damage, and organic management strategies for pillbugs and sowbugs.
Sunflower Cut Flower Production In Utah, Calee Garn, Alison Bingham, Melanie Stock, Claudia Nischwitz
Sunflower Cut Flower Production In Utah, Calee Garn, Alison Bingham, Melanie Stock, Claudia Nischwitz
All Current Publications
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.
Utah's Value-Added Food Processing Options, Karin E. Allen, Kynda R. Curtis, Makaylie Langford
Utah's Value-Added Food Processing Options, Karin E. Allen, Kynda R. Curtis, Makaylie Langford
All Current Publications
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.
High Tunnel Pollinators, Miranda L. Jones, Sheriden Hansen, Kelsey Graham, Robert Nelson Schaeffer, Brent Black
High Tunnel Pollinators, Miranda L. Jones, Sheriden Hansen, Kelsey Graham, Robert Nelson Schaeffer, Brent Black
All Current Publications
High tunnels are used to extend the growing season. Unlike greenhouses, high tunnels are semi-permanent and not heated or cooled by a climate-control system. Instead, they use plastic sheeting to trap solar heat, allowing for season extension in temperate climates around spring and fall. Bee pollination can improve yields for several valuable crop species grown in high tunnels. Because high tunnels are largely enclosed, bees are typically released and managed within the structure. This fact sheet provides information on how to obtain and manage bee pollinators in high tunnels.
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
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
All Current Publications
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.
Optimal Drought Management Actions For Cattle Operations On The Uintah And Ouray Indian Reservation, Kynda R. Curtis, Tatiana Drugova, Man-Keun Kim
Optimal Drought Management Actions For Cattle Operations On The Uintah And Ouray Indian Reservation, Kynda R. Curtis, Tatiana Drugova, Man-Keun Kim
All Current Publications
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).
Optimal Drought Management Actions For Cattle Operations On The Laguna Pueblo And Zuni Pueblo Indian Reservations, Tatiana Drugova, Kynda R. Curtis, Man-Keun Kim
Optimal Drought Management Actions For Cattle Operations On The Laguna Pueblo And Zuni Pueblo Indian Reservations, Tatiana Drugova, Kynda R. Curtis, Man-Keun Kim
All Current Publications
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).
Biostimulant Applications In Watermelon Production, Evan A. Christensen, Milena Oliveira, Youping Sun, Grant Cardon, Dan Drost
Biostimulant Applications In Watermelon Production, Evan A. Christensen, Milena Oliveira, Youping Sun, Grant Cardon, Dan Drost
All Current Publications
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 …
Optimal Drought Management Actions For Cattle Operations On The Duck Valley And Pyramid Lake Indian Reservations, Kynda R. Curtis, Tatiana Drugova, Man-Keun Kim
Optimal Drought Management Actions For Cattle Operations On The Duck Valley And Pyramid Lake Indian Reservations, Kynda R. Curtis, Tatiana Drugova, Man-Keun Kim
All Current Publications
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).
Optimal Drought Management Actions For Cattle Operations On Navajo Nation, Tatiana Drugova, Kynda R. Curtis, Man-Keun Kim
Optimal Drought Management Actions For Cattle Operations On Navajo Nation, Tatiana Drugova, Kynda R. Curtis, Man-Keun Kim
All Current Publications
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).
Creating Sustainable School And Home Gardens: Misconceptions About Bees, Kaitlin U. Campbell, Kathy Cabe Trundle, Rita Hagevik
Creating Sustainable School And Home Gardens: Misconceptions About Bees, Kaitlin U. Campbell, Kathy Cabe Trundle, Rita Hagevik
All Current Publications
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.
Assessing Utah's Agricultural Producer And Small Processor Interest In Value-Added Food Production, Kynda R. Curtis, Makaylie Langford, Karin E. Allen, Ruby Ward
Assessing Utah's Agricultural Producer And Small Processor Interest In Value-Added Food Production, Kynda R. Curtis, Makaylie Langford, Karin E. Allen, Ruby Ward
All Current Publications
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 …
Agricultural Producer And Food Maker Food Processing Operation Needs Assessment Overview, Makaylie Langford, Kynda R. Curtis, Karin E. Allen, Ruby Ward
Agricultural Producer And Food Maker Food Processing Operation Needs Assessment Overview, Makaylie Langford, Kynda R. Curtis, Karin E. Allen, Ruby Ward
All Current Publications
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 …
Target Consumers For Beef Jerky, Kynda R. Curtis, Makaylie Langford, Karin E. Allen, Ruby Ward
Target Consumers For Beef Jerky, Kynda R. Curtis, Makaylie Langford, Karin E. Allen, Ruby Ward
All Current Publications
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.
Exploring Biostimulant Efficacy For Onion Cultivation Under Limited Water And Nitrogen In Utah, Prakriti Nepal, Dan Drost, Youping Sun, Milena Oliveira
Exploring Biostimulant Efficacy For Onion Cultivation Under Limited Water And Nitrogen In Utah, Prakriti Nepal, Dan Drost, Youping Sun, Milena Oliveira
All Current Publications
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.
Thriving Hives: The Apiary - Beekeeping Essentials, Joseph Okoh, Andree' Walker Bravo
Thriving Hives: The Apiary - Beekeeping Essentials, Joseph Okoh, Andree' Walker Bravo
All Current Publications
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.