Utah State University Extension

Justen Smith, director of the Utah State University Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Department, was recently named interim vice president for USU Extension. He has worked as an Extension professional for 27 years and has served as department director for the past nine years. Smith has secured more than $11 million in grants and external funding to support Extension initiatives and agricultural development. He also led the effort to secure $1.2 million for the construction of the USU Extension building in Davis County, creating a dedicated space for agricultural education and outreach. Smith values the land-grant university mission, which extends USU research and resources to all communities in Utah. USU Extension provides research-based education in the areas of agriculture, natural resources, 4-H and youth, gardening, food and nutrition, business and community, finance, and home and family. Smith’s contributions extend beyond Utah and the U.S. He has worked in 24 countries across Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and beyond, providing technical assistance to farmers and agricultural organizations. His work with USDA, USAID, and multiple international organizations has helped improve livestock production, enhance food security, and develop sustainable agricultural practices in diverse regions. Smith replaces Ken White, who is returning to his faculty role in the Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences Department.

We spent last week learning from specialists across Utah at the annual Extension conference. Our Extension educators came together to share the latest research and strategies to better serve communities across the state. We wrapped up the week by recognizing outstanding faculty and staff whose work makes a difference every day. Congratulations to our award recipients and thank you to everyone helping strengthen Utah communities! County Faculty of the Year - Emma Parkhurst Faculty Service Award - Shannon Cromwell Career Specialist Award - Rhonda Miller Spirit of Extension Award - Callie Adams Extension Innovator Award - Scott Hotaling Staff Service Award - Andrea Snarr E. G. Peterson Extension Award - Brent Black Friend of Extension - Joe and Paula Sargetakis

When it comes to food preservation, reliable information matters. With so much advice circulating online, it can be difficult to know what is evidence-based and what is simply trending. USU Extension’s fact sheet, “Can I Freeze-Dry That? A Practical Guide to Safe and Effective Freeze-Drying,” was developed by Jose Brandao, Assistant Professor and Extension Food Safety Specialist. His work focuses on translating current research into clear, practical guidance to help Utah families preserve food safely. For those considering investing in a freeze dryer, this publication outlines what can be freeze-dried safely, key food safety considerations, and best practices to ensure quality and reduce risk. Access the research-based fact sheet here: https://lnkd.in/eYhi9685

Jeff thought he needed a better budgeting tool. What he found through USU Extension’s Budget Mastermind course was renewed confidence, clearer communication with his spouse, and a budgeting system that fits their life today. By focusing on values, habits, and intentional decisions—not just numbers—Jeff and his wife rebuilt a plan that supports their future. His takeaway? The right tools, learned early, can be the difference between financial stress and financial freedom.

Local youth are turning big ideas into real businesses—thanks to a new partnership between the BIG Chamber of Commerce and Utah 4-H Entrepreneurs. This hands-on program teaches business planning, product development, budgeting, and customer service, then gives kids real opportunities to sell at community events. With support from Chamber members, educators, and USU Extension volunteers, participants launched their own small businesses and built confidence along the way.

The holidays are full of parties, big meals, and sweet treats. It’s easy to eat more and move less this time of year, but small choices can help you feel good, both now and later. Here are five simple tips to help you stay on track: 1. Eat what you love, leave what you like. Choose your favorite foods and skip the ones you don’t really care about. 2. Focus on people, not the food. Enjoy talking and spending time together. That’s the best part of any party! 3. Use the 80/20 rule. Fill most of your plate with healthier foods and save a little room for dessert. 4. Don’t skip meals. Eating nothing all day before a party will make you overeat later. Have light, regular meals. 5. Drink water and keep healthy snacks handy. Staying hydrated and eating healthy snacks will keep hunger in check so you don’t overeat. Small habits make a big difference. Enjoy the season and take care of yourself along the way! USU Extension Health and Wellness Team

Saving Water, Strengthening Yards: Bob’s Story Bob has lived in the Cottonwood Heights area of Salt Lake City for more than 70 years. He knows Utah’s dry climate well and how precious water is for everyone living here. When he heard about USU Extension’s Water Check program, he was excited. “Especially because it came from the university,” Bob said. “Not a private organization where they charge a lot of money. I thought it was really cool they came all the way down here.” During the water check, trained staff carefully examined Bob’s sprinkler system. They tested each zone, recorded notes, and set out small catch cups across his lawn. The results surprised him. “Some cups had no water at all, others had way too much, and they weren’t very far apart. That showed me just how uneven my sprinkler coverage was.” The final report detailed issues like tilted sprinkler heads, poor spray patterns, and overspray onto his driveway and cul-de-sac. “I never would’ve caught all of that on my own,” he said. The program also connected Bob with a list of USU-approved landscapers. He hired one to help design a more water-wise yard. While changes aren’t complete yet, Bob has two detailed bids in hand: one to repair his sprinklers and one to update his front yard with drought-tolerant landscaping. For Bob, the experience was both eye-opening and encouraging. “They were professional, respectful, and really serious about what they were doing. The report they sent me was in-depth and I learned a lot from it.  When asked how he’d describe USU Extension to a friend, Bob put it simply: “We live in the desert. Water is very precious to us. Everybody needs to conserve more. USU Extension gives us the tools to do that.” To learn how the water check program can help you, visit https://lnkd.in/g-HBvgyz

Climate change and invasive species are interconnected. Warmer conditions allow invasive plants, insects, and aquatic pests to spread into new areas. Dr. Mair Murray of USU Extension highlights strategies to reduce these impacts in her new fact sheet: https://lnkd.in/e4jgy3fX

September is Emergency Preparedness Month. This year’s theme, “Preparedness Starts at Home,” emphasizes simple, practical steps. USU Extension offers research-based resources to help households plan effectively for disasters and disruptions. https://lnkd.in/gC5z2TvX

San Juan County 4-H youth are gaining new opportunities thanks to a generous $8,996.16 donation from Clark’s Market, a locally owned grocery store. The donation came through the store’s Non-Profit Monday Program, where 5 percent of each Monday purchase between April 28 and May 26 was given to support 4-H. With help from a county commissioner who connected 4-H with the opportunity, Extension coordinator Kristin Black partnered with Clark’s Market manager Craig Stanley—who once worked alongside her at the store—to make it happen. The funds will directly support hands-on youth programs, including: Small and large livestock projects Teen Council LEGO robotics clubs Drone club Summer community activities “This donation came at the perfect time, and we feel incredibly lucky to be the recipients,” said Black. Thanks to Clark’s Market and community members who shopped to give back, local youth will have more chances to learn, lead, and thrive through 4-H programs in San Juan County.