Growing Ventures
Anticipated Budget Summary
Salaries and Benefits - $249,400
Supports three program coordinators to lead livestock, horticulture, and storefront efforts.
Summer Interns - $16,200
Funds three college student interns to assist local programs.
Staff Operating Funds - $35,000
Local and out-of-state travel, computers, office, and monthly cell phone stipend.
Program Supplies - $24,400
Materials to support youth projects such as grow boxes, animal pens, plant material, and other.
The challenge of feeding an increasing population is concerning. Utah produces only about 50% of its own meat, 40% of its dairy, and 3% of its vegetables, importing everything else. This lack of self-sustainability could be dire for the state’s future.
Why Growing Ventures?
- The program is the beginning of sustainable solutions to agricultural education and food security.
- Based on already-expressed interest that would double-to-triple the youth participation at the Bastian Center alone.
- The hub and spoke model will allow the program to flourish across the Salt Lake Valley, allowing 4-H youth opportunities that were never offered before.
- The USU Extension professionals hired will provide expert programming and learning. It will also allow adjacent high schools to broaden the impact of their FFA programs.
2023 Program Highlights
More than 40 youth participated in an experiential livestock and vegetable and fruit production program.
- Youth were mentored and educated in their projects by USU Extension professionals.
- Youth learned responsibility and true grit.
- All animals raised at the center were purchased by the Bastian Family Foundation, and every pound of meat produced was donated to the Salt Lake County Food Bank.
More than 5,000 youth were educated at the Bastian Agricultural Center through field trips, field days, and farm visits.
“Without this program, I wouldn’t have been able to experience raising a livestock animal because of where I live.”
– Youth Participant