USU Extension presents 4‑H national showcase and warns of major fruit‑crop losses

USU Extension presented its annual report to the Utah County Commission on May 13, highlighting youth leadership work and agricultural outreach. Heather Thompson, a Utah County 4‑H coordinator, described the "Beyond Ready" pathway and said Utah County 4‑H ambassadors recently presented at Ignite by 4‑H in Washington, D.C.; youth participants reported leadership gains from the national event.

Tom Bettis, representing Extension, outlined pressing local agricultural issues: he said U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics place the county’s fruit industry at about $26,000,000 and reported widespread losses this season—some farms reported 30% harvests while others had essentially no fruit due to late frosts and drought stress. Extension is coordinating with the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) and pursuing low‑interest disaster loans and grant funding for affected growers.

Bettis also described Extension work on food security and water conservation education. As part of adaptation efforts, staff are exploring trials to apply treated biosolids from municipal water treatment as a soil amendment to improve water holding capacity, while acknowledging concerns about contaminants such as heavy metals and microplastics. Extension is pursuing grants and intends to report back with findings and potential savings measurements.

Commissioners and presenters discussed ways to broaden outreach to older farmers and expand Spanish‑language programs; the county’s communications office and Extension agreed to coordinate public information and educational materials. Commissioners thanked Extension for the report and invited a follow‑up presentation, with a likely repeat presentation in November.

Next steps: Extension will continue grant applications for drought relief programs, coordinate with UDAF on disaster declarations for affected growing areas, and return to the commission with updated findings and recommendations later in the year.