14th Annual Urban and Small Farms Conference

February 17-19, 2026

Animals

Tuesday, February 17

Time	Speaker	Session
9:00-9:45am	Chad Page, Utah State University Extension Sheep and Goat Specialist: Chad Page is an Assistant Professor and Extension Sheep and Goat Specialist in the Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Science at Utah State University. Since joining USU, his work has focused on strengthening sheep education, applied research, and extension programming that directly supports western range sheep production systems. His research and extension efforts are aimed at solving production challenges and supporting the continued growth of the Utah sheep industry.	Learn the skills and items in place to help your sheep and goats have a successful lambing and kidding season. we will go over tools and items you should have on hand and common challenges to be aware of with new born kids and lambs.
9:45-10:30am	Dr. Sabo, Utah Assistant State Veterinarian: Dr. Sabo has been serving as Utah’s Assistant State Veterinarian at the Department of Agriculture and Food for the past year, previously acting as one of the state's 3 field veterinarians since 2024. She grew up in rural Ohio and following her love of dairy cattle, moved to New York State for schooling, graduating from Cornell Veterinary School in 2015. She then hopped over to the western part of New York State to practice as a large animal veterinarian in a sprawling practice where she cared for everything from dairy cattle and horses to barn cats and honeybees. After a traumatic brain injury ended her time as an ambulatory veterinarian, Dr. Sabo moved to Utah and has shocked everyone by trading rural life to put down roots in the SLC area. Her current focus of work is disease and emergency response for Utah’s animals as well as promoting animal health and welfare throughout the state. In her spare time you can find Dr. Sabo playing in the mountains with her 2 yellow labradors Aspen and Spruce or volunteering with anything from teaching skiing, building beaver dam analogs to vaccinating homeless pets.	TBD
10:30-11:15am	Joseph Okoh, Utah State University Assistant Professor: Dr. Joseph Okoh is an Assistant Professor of Small Acreage Livestock in the Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences at Utah State University, where he joined the faculty in 2024. Raised in Otukpo, Benue State, Nigeria, his early hands-on experience raising livestock to support his education shaped a lifelong commitment to animal agriculture. He previously served as an Associate Professor of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Head of the Department of Animal Science at the Federal University of Kashere (2019–2023). Dr. Okoh’s academic training spans Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, the University of Agriculture Makurdi, Penn State University, and Virginia State University. His research focuses on livestock genetics and breeding, genomic evaluation of fertility in dairy herds, monogastric nutrition, small-acreage livestock production, poultry and breed characterization for genetic improvement. He is actively engaged in teaching, research, and extension and has published over 40 peer-reviewed articles and conference proceedings.	Practical Poultry Biosecurity: Preventing Disease Before It Starts
10:15am-12:00pm	Jake Hadfield, Utah State University Extension Associate Professor: Jake Hadfield is a Utah State University Extension faculty member focusing on agriculture education and serving Utah and Juab Counties. His work focuses on livestock pasture nutrition, dryland alfalfa research, livestock education programs, the implementation of cover crops in the Intermountain West, and agricultural mental health initiatives.	Integrating Cover Crops and Grazing in Small Farm Livestock Systems This presentation will explore the benefits and challenges of integrating grazing and cover crops in small farm systems. We will discuss common difficulties associated with grazing, as well as the advantages it can provide when incorporated with cover crops to improve soil health. The session will also detail different types of cover crops, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages for soil health and their potential impacts on grazing livestock

Water Quality Considerations & Resources for Small Producers

Tuesday, February 17
When water supplies are strained, understanding water quality becomes even more important. In one of the driest states in the nation, water is a shared resource that connects Utah communities and small-scale producers alike. This track offers practical, science-based principles and tools from USU faculty, partner agencies, as well as producers that support productive operations while protecting local water resources. Attendees will also learn of technical and financial resources that is available to help implement strategies that improve water stewardship, while also supporting site-specific goals of the producer.
Sessions will highlight how water quality influences productivity - and how informed management decisions can benefit both your operation and community.

Time	Speaker	Session
1:00-1:30pm	Paul Burnett, DWQ Nonpoint Source Program Coordinator	We All Live Down (& Up) Stream - The Big Picture for Water Quality Watershed basics & evaluating water on the large-scale (nutrients, contaminants, etc) How understanding water coming into/leaving your property supports production sustainability & community health. Role & resources from DWQ & local watershed coordinators
1:30-2:00pm	Sarah Erwin, Utah State University: Andree’ Andree’ Walker Bravo is a Professional Practice Associate Professor with USU Extension in Salt Lake County and a Master Beekeeper. Andree’ has a statewide administrative assignment but also provides Extension education programs pertaining to sustainability and urban homesteading topics. Andree’ manages 20+ beehives between her personal hives and the teaching and demonstration apiaries at Wheeler Historic Farm. Andree’ graduated from Utah State University with a BS in Environmental Studies and a MS in Watershed Science.	Knowing Your Source & Evaluating Your Water - When/how to test - soil & water Soil and water quality - concepts to understand & what to watch for in your production Precision nutrient management - maximizing impact, minimizing loss Emerging Concerns - “What’s HAB-ening?”: Cyanobacteria & food safety; PFAs Evaluating soil & water source
2:00-3:00pm	Elizabeth Cohen, USU Emily Bishop, UDAF Mike Wierda, USU Robert Beers, DWQ	Stewardship Practices & BMPs - Animals, buffers, pesticides, septic
3:00-4:00pm	Jake Hadfield, USU Jim Bowcutt, UDAF Conservation Program Director Local Producers	Stewardship Resources/Funding Opportunities

Cut Flowers

Wednesday, February 18

Time	Speaker	Session
8:30-9:00am	Kynda Curtis, Utah State University: Kynda Curtis is a Professor and Extension Specialist in the Department of Applied Economics at Utah State University (USU). She received her PhD in Economics from Washington State University in 2003. Her research interests include agriculture/food marketing, direct-to-consumer marketing, as well as consumer demand for value-added, specialty, and differentiated foods. As an Extension Specialist, Dr. Curtis assists small-scale growers in developing new markets for their products and assessing the feasibility of new food products and value-added processes.	Identifying Target Consumers and Pricing for Locally Grown Flowers
9:00-9:30am	Molly Payne, Utah Cut Flower Farm Association Mollie Payne is an urban cut flower farmer in Provo, Utah, currently in her seventh season growing on her home property. A member of the Utah Cut Flower Farm Association (UCFFA) for the past seven years, she now serves as President after five years of service on the board. She is deeply committed to strengthening small farms through education, collaboration, and a supportive grower community that champions locally grown flowers	Supporting Your Farm Through Education and Community: What the UCFFA Offers
9:30-10:00am	Calee Garn, Roo Crew Flower Farm Abbie Blazzard Jaydin Lott Calee Garn is the owner and operator of Roo Crew Farms, a specialty cut flower farm that also serves as a hands-on learning environment for high school students, like Abbie and Jaydin. Through daily farm operations, students gain practical experience in agriculture while developing responsibility, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Her work emphasizes both sustainable flower production on a wholesale scale and meaningful youth mentorship within the local community.	Sunflowers - The War on Weeds
10:00-10:30am	Stephen Workman, Picklinq Collective: Picklinq Collective has been at the forefront of local flowers in Utah going on 5 years. Stephen and Jessie's trailblazing vision has grown the accessibility to local flowers more than ever. They are excited to talk about the keys to their success as well as their innovative new sales system, Picklinq Solutions, that is specifically designed to help collective business models thrive and grow.	Picklinq's Secret Sauce
10:30am-11:00pm	Nick Volesky, Utah State University: Nick graduated with his M.S. in Plant Science at USU in 2025, where he studied extending delphinium and larkspur production and also developed an extensive background in IPM. He is now Extension Horticulture and Specialty Crops Field Specialist at South Dakota State University. Melanie Stock, Utah State University: Melanie is an Assistant Professor / Extension Urban & Small Farms Specialist in the Plants, Soils, and Climate Department at USU. As a soil scientist, her research targets improving cut flower production in the Intermountain West, small farm resource use efficiency – particularly soil fertility and water management, and urban soil contamination. She is also an avid urban homesteader.	Season-long Delphinium and Larkspur Production
11:00-11:20am	Alex Rodriguez, Utah State University: Alex is an M.S. student in the USU Small Farms Lab working with perennial cut flowers, surface mulches, and irrigation. With a background in nutrient management for vegetable production in California, Alex focuses on irrigation and mulch strategies to improve crop production and conserve water across Utah. He manages over 1,300 plants across a quarter-acre field during the growing season. Melanie Stock, Utah State University: Melanie is an Assistant Professor / Extension Urban & Small Farms Specialist in the Plants, Soils, and Climate Department at USU. As a soil scientist, her research targets improving cut flower production in the Intermountain West, small farm resource use efficiency – particularly soil fertility and water management, and urban soil contamination. She is also an avid urban homesteader.	Mulching Perennial Cut Flowers
11:20-11:40am	Chloe Seeborg, Utah State University: Chloe is from Draper, UT, where she loved gardening with her parents. After working at the Bridger Community Garden as a Cache County Extension Intern, she graduated with a B.S. in Conservation and Restoration Ecology with a minor in Soil Science in 2025. Now the data and writing technicnan for the USU Small Farms Lab, Chloe focuses on analyzing irrigation rates and sustainable water-saving practices for cut flowers. Melanie Stock, Utah State University: Melanie is an Assistant Professor / Extension Urban & Small Farms Specialist in the Plants, Soils, and Climate Department at USU. As a soil scientist, her research targets improving cut flower production in the Intermountain West, small farm resource use efficiency – particularly soil fertility and water management, and urban soil contamination. She is also an avid urban homesteader.	Determining Dahlia Water Needs Using (Free) Weather Station Data
11:40am-12:00pm	Claudia Nischwitz, Utah State University: Claudia Nischwitz is Associate Professor and Extension Plant Pathology Specialist at USU since 2010. She works on diseases of plants with focus on vegetable, cut flowers, grape, and alfalfa diseases and insect pests. In addition, she does diagnostics for the Utah Plant Pest Diagnostic lab.	New Disease and Pest Identifications in Cut Flowers in Utah

Fruit

Wednesday, February 18

Time	Speaker	Session
1:00-1:30pm	TBD	TBD
1:30-2:15pm	Mae Culumber, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources	Orchard Floor Management How to manage an orchard floor, for both commercial and residential operations
2:15-3:00pm	TBD	TBD
3:00-3:30pm	Corey Farnsworth, Utah State University: Cory Farnsworth grew up working on his families ranch near Moab, Utah where they grew alfalfa, vegetables, and fruit, and raised livestock and of course managed pests. He earned a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in Agriculture Science and Industries from Southern Utah University, with emphases in Plant Science and Rangeland Management & Natural Resources. He is involved with the Utah Trappers Association and has partnered with the Utah Division of Wildlife to provide Furharvester Instruction courses for those seeking a trapping license. He works for Utah State University Extension, where he serves as Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Faculty and County Director in Grand County. Recently he was author and co-author on articles, “What to Do Now That You’ve Trapped a Nuisance Wild Animal”, and “Pocket Gophers”.	Vertebrate Pests in the Orchard How to manage vertebrate pests in your orchard or perennial berry patch
3:30-4:00pm	TBD	TBD

Vegetables

Thursday, February 19

Time	Speaker	Session	Resources
9:00-9:30am	Abigail Lazier, Utah State University: Abigail Lazier completed her bachelor’s degree in plant science from Utah State University in 2024 and is now pursuing her master’s degree in plant science. Her research began with a NASA-funded project to characterize dwarf crops for space agriculture, but more broadly applies to space-limited growers here on Earth, including urban and residential gardeners. Her overarching goal is to leverage the innovative power of dwarf crops and controlled environment agriculture to help address food insecurity and make gardening more accessible for everyone.	Dwarf crops for urban gardeners: How innovative genetics will change the way we grow food The use of compact, space efficient crop species is crucial to sustainable food production in urban areas where growing space is limited. Dwarf fruiting crops like tomatoes offer increased nutritional and psychological benefits compared to leafy greens, but modern dwarf genetics have been minimally characterized under relevant environmental conditions. This presentation will provide cultivar-specific recommendations and management strategies for dwarf tomatoes, aiding in the productivity of space-limited growing environments for urban and residential gardeners.
9:30-10:00am	David Fidler, Utah State University: David is retired from the Army and has recently completed a second bachelors in Agricultural Studies at Utah State University with an emphaiss on small farm and homestead operations. He owns and operates Ammonite Farms in Box Elder County, Utah, working to develop it into a profitable small farm. David is currently working on his Master's degree in Plant Science with a focus on Agriculture. He is focused on developing sustainable and natural methods to improve vegetable and fruit productions in Utah and the intermountain west.	Use of wool pellets and other natural amendments to improve vegetable production The purpose if the amendment trial is to identify readily available nutrient sources for gardeners through farmers that can improve their production and quality of yield in a sustainable and cost-effective way. This presentation will offer some initial insights into the study conducted with multiple soil amendments.
10:00-10:30pm	Dayla Ulrich, Owner & Farmer, Sweet Pea Farm & Orchard, LLC; Adjunct Professor, Southern Utah University: Dayla Ulrich is the owner and farmer of Sweet Pea Farm & Orchard, a diversified small-scale farm rooted in the Parowan Valley of southern Utah. With nearly a decade of hands-on farming experience, Dayla approaches agriculture as both a craft and a responsibility—combining practical skill, education, and deep care for land and community. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from Southern Utah University and a Master’s degree in Sustainable Food Systems from Green Mountain College. Dayla’s work centers on building a healthy and sustainable farm and creating farm systems that are resilient, beautiful, and community-focused. Her teaching and speaking emphasize real-world decision-making and farming practices that balance the ideal with reality.	Soil health is the foundation of a productive farm. In this session, Dayla will share how small, intentional management choices can improve soil and improve overall field performance on diversified farms. Drawing from nearly a decade of hands-on farming, she will share how stewardship, and simple practices can help build healthy soil over time without overcomplicating the process.
10:30-11:00am	Wesley Crump, Utah State University: Wesley Crump is a USU Extension Assistant Professor in Wasatch and Summit counties focused on horticulture. A few of his interests (not necessarily his strengths!) include fruit trees and other perennial crops, plant breeding, native plants, native dyes, and all things home-gardening. Cody Zesiger, Utah State University: Cody Zesiger is in his seventh year with USU Extension. He worked previously as a secondary science teacher in Weber County. Cody's Utah roots run deep. He was born and raised in Davis County where he developed a passion for plants and the natural word. Cody's research interests include precision agriculture, specialty crop production, and human land use. He enjoys spending time outdoors in public gardens and wild spaces.	2025 Utah Veggie Review Update: What Veggie Varieties Were Utahns Growing in 2025? Utahns seeking to know what varieties perform best in their unique environment are often left with fragmented or limited answers from online interest groups and seed vendors, or neighbors and friends. Any helpful answers received through these avenues are severely limited in reach. Utah Veggie Reviews aim to become a centralized source of backyard gardeners’ vegetable reviews in an effort to document the varieties that grow well in the various climates found throughout Utah. 2025 was the Reviews inaugural year. We will present the data collected from the survey in 2025, show results from the companion project “Home Grown Tomato Trial”, and discuss future plans. We would love to hear your feedback about the survey and our plans moving forward. We will post results from the survey following the conference.	Utah Veggie Reviews Survey Utah Veggie Reviews Idea Input Survey
11:00-11:30am	Josh Martin, Utah State University: Josh Martin works for Utah State University Extension as an Assistant Extension Professor of Horticulture, in Iron County Utah. Josh works with all types of plants in the landscape but is especially enthusiastic about finding better ways to grow veggies in our rugged intermountain west environment. A few of the systems he works with include high tunnel production, organic production, using alternative nutrient sources, and small acreage systems.	High Tunnel Soil and Nutrient Management High tunnels are some of the most valuable growing spaces in any vegetable production system. Because of this the soils can become depleted through intensive growing systems and needs to be managed with particular care. This presentation will focus on building and maintaining soil organic matter, overall soil health and keeping up with nutrient needs in this intensively used space.
11:30am-12:00pm	Dr. Milena Oliveira, Utah State University: Dr. Oliveira grew up on a small farm in the semiarid region of Brazil. She has experience working with fruits, vegetables and ornamental plants across a broad spectrum of production systems. She has M.S. in Plant Physiology, PhD in Agronomy/Horticulture, Brazil and postdoctoral studies in Agriculture and Biotechnology of Drylands, Israel as well as Dryland Cropping Systems from the University of Nebraska Lincoln, NE. The overarching goal of her extension and research-based efforts is to identify/develop sustainable strategies to improve crop performance in terms of yield and quality of vegetable crops.	Vegetable grafting to improve yield, vigor, and stress tolerance USU’s Vegetable Production Program continues its commitment to supporting growers across Utah, now with a new Specialist leading Extension and research-based efforts. This session will introduce the fundamentals of vegetable grafting commonly used on small farms. Topics will include rootstock-scion selection, grafting techniques, healing and transplant management, costs and benefits, and where grafting fits best in small-farm production systems.

Agriculture and Food Business Management

Thursday, February 19

This track session will provide useful information for managing agriculture and food related businesses. Session content will focus on defining the types of insurance available and when each may be needed, managing cash flow and investments during times of business expansion or grant funded activities, UDAF programs and resource updates, and USU research results and outreach programs. Additionally, the session will include producer speakers relating their experiences using grant programs to expand their businesses, including how they prepared, managed cash flow, and the factors that contributed to their success.

Time	Speaker	Session
1:00-1:30pm	TBD	Insurance Overview This session will cover the general types of insurance. It will also discuss why and who might need various types of insurance. An overview of what to consider in selecting and using insurance.
1:30-2:00pm	Scott Marchant, WesternAg Credit	Managing Cash Flow and Loan During Expansion As agriculture and food businesses expand, cash flow pressures and overall capital needs often increase. In addition to financing equipment and facility expansion, businesses typically face higher working capital requirements. While grants may help cover equipment purchases, they are usually reimbursed after the expense is incurred. This session will address cash flow needs during business expansion, the role of loans in supporting liquidity, and strategies for managing cash flow when grants cover all or part of equipment costs.
2:00-2:30pm	Kynda Curtis, Utah State University: Kynda Curtis is a Professor and Extension Specialist in the Department of Applied Economics at Utah State University (USU). She received her PhD in Economics from Washington State University in 2003. Her research interests include agriculture/food marketing, direct-to-consumer marketing, as well as consumer demand for value-added, specialty, and differentiated foods. As an Extension Specialist, Dr. Curtis assists small-scale growers in developing new markets for their products and assessing the feasibility of new food products and value-added processes. Karin Allen, Utah State University: Karin Allen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Sciences at Utah State University and serves as the Food Quality and Entrepreneurship Specialist for Cooperative Extension. Dr. Allen works with small food producers (both on and off the farm) to address food processing issues including labeling, safety, and regulatory compliance, as well as issues specific to agritourism and community supported agriculture operations.	Utah Food Business Center Updates: Research, Resources, and Funding This session will highlight recent center value-added food marketing research on consumer demand for specialty-labeled foods. Participants will also learn about the center’s new publications, tools, and resources, along with updates on center grant funded projects.
2:30-3:00pm	Carolyn Hargraves, Utah Department of Agriculture and Food Jaclyn Pace is passionate about community engagement, social justice, and local food systems. She previously worked with UFMN co-facilitating the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Community of Practice (CoP) with market managers across the state. Originally from New York, she earned her BA in Education Studies from Eugene Lang College of the New School University in Manhattan. She has been out West for nearly two decades now and earned her MA in Sustainable Communities from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ. She lives in St. George and has been involved with the Downtown Farmers Market in many capacities, where she ran SNAP and Double Up Food Bucks, collected booth fees, developed and ran a youth program focused on diversity and sustainability, and packaged and delivered pickup and delivery orders during the pandemic. She is eager to strengthen existing relationships with markets and stakeholders and build new relationships throughout the network. She is dedicated to supporting farmers markets as vital community hubs for local food, art, and economy. Furthermore, she is committed to helping make Utah’s markets welcoming spaces for all.	UDAF Updates and Resources Food Systems Study UDAF resources Ag tourism
3:00-3:40pm	Local Producers	Producer Experiences with Grants
3:40-4:00pm	Jaclyn Pace, Director of the Utah Farmers Market Network: Jaclyn Pace is passionate about community engagement, social justice, and local food systems. She previously worked with UFMN co-facilitating the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Community of Practice (CoP) with market managers across the state. Originally from New York, she earned her BA in Education Studies from Eugene Lang College of the New School University in Manhattan. She has been out West for nearly two decades now and earned her MA in Sustainable Communities from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ. She lives in St. George and has been involved with the Downtown Farmers Market in many capacities, where she ran SNAP and Double Up Food Bucks, collected booth fees, developed and ran a youth program focused on diversity and sustainability, and packaged and delivered pickup and delivery orders during the pandemic. She is eager to strengthen existing relationships with markets and stakeholders and build new relationships throughout the network. She is dedicated to supporting farmers markets as vital community hubs for local food, art, and economy. Furthermore, she is committed to helping make Utah’s markets welcoming spaces for all.	Farmers Markets as Community Infrastructure: Evidence from a 3-Year Utah Statewide Data Project (2023–2025) This session presents findings from a three-year statewide evaluation of Utah farmers markets conducted by the Utah Farmers Market Network and USU Extension. Using customer counts, surveys, and community feedback, the project documents the economic and social impacts of markets across urban and rural communities. Results demonstrate that farmers markets function as critical community infrastructure, supporting local spending, food access, and social connection. Practical implications for farmers, vendors, and market managers will be discussed.