Extension News
Ask an Expert – June Gardening Tips and Checklist
To help make your yard and garden the best they can be this year, consider these tips from Utah State University Extension’s Gardeners Almanac.
USU Extension Remote Work Program Receives Award for Excellence in Community Development
A Utah State University Extension program designed to prepare rural residents for remote work opportunities recently received a national award for excellence in community development programming.
USU Extension Trains Adults to Prepare Youth for Emergencies
Utah State University Extension offers a course that teaches adults to prepare youth for emergencies, disasters, and assisting others.
Ask an Expert – Help Grandchildren Cultivate a Close Relationship with Grandparents
A close relationship between grandparents and grandchildren is mutually beneficial when it comes to the health and well-being of both. Grandparents provide acceptance, patience, love, stability, wisdom, fun, and support to their grandchildren.
Ask an Expert – Food Security and Nutrition Security: The Importance of Healthy Options for Utah’s Vulnerable
Food security and nutrition security are closely related but are distinctly different concepts. Food security ensures that people have enough food to avoid hunger. In contrast, nutrition security goes beyond having enough food to eat and focuses on food q...
Utah Among Three Lowest States for Mammograms, USU UWLP Reports
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for women in Utah. Mammography has been shown to reduce breast cancer mortality and is a critical screening tool that can increase the chance of early detection and treatment.
Ask an Expert – May Gardening Checklist
After digging out from a long, hard winter, we can finally start working in the garden and yard!
USU UWLP Sheds Light on Maternal Mental Health Challenges
The Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) recently provided a report that summarizes Utah data on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), a term that encompasses a range of disorders that can occur during pregnancy and up to one year postpartum.
Ask an Expert – Five Ways to Find Peace by Staying Present
It is easy to get caught up in the events of the past or the future. However, doing so only brings worry and causes you to miss out on the present. On the other hand, mindfulness – or focusing on the present moment – leads to better health, lower anxiety,...
New USU Extension Website Offers Flood Preparation and Recovery Resources
Due to the record snowfall this year, many areas of the state have experienced flooding, and other parts are bracing for it. To assist homeowners, businesses, and others, Utah State University Extension created a website with flood information.
USU Extension and College of Ag Honored with Seven Best of State Awards
Four Utah State University Extension programs and three College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences (CAAS) programs are recipients of the 2023 Best of State Awards.
Voles Creating a Furry Underground Fury
A small, furry rodent – the vole – is showing up throughout Utah as this year’s record amount of snow melts. Orchards, residential lawns, pastures, and golf course lawns are feeling the brunt of the vole’s activity.
Ask an Expert – April Gardening Checklist
The snow is finally melting, and soon it will be time to plant! Consider these tips to help you prepare.
USU Receives $1 Million Grant for Optimizing Agricultural Water Use
Utah State University recently received a grant to invest in the Ag Water Demonstration, Research, and Implementation Program (Ag-DRIP), designed to help increase agricultural resiliency to drought and conserve water in the Colorado River Basin.
USU UWLP Reports on Utah Women’s Fertility Trends and Changes
Utah’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has been consistently ahead of the national average for the last 50 years; however, the gap is narrowing as fertility rates in the state and nation begin to decline.
Ask an Expert – Five Tips to Help Beat the Winter Blues
As winter drags on into spring this year, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is becoming a challenge for many. SAD is a type of depression that occurs primarily during winter and is caused by various factors, including decreased exposure to sunlight and al...
USU Extension Presents “Friend of Extension Award” to Bastian Family Foundation
Utah State University Extension presented its “Friend of Extension Award” to the Bastian Family Foundation at Extension’s annual conference in early March.
Ask an Expert – How Sharing Family Stories Can Strengthen Relationships
How many family stories do you know? There may be stories of migration or comedies about great-grandma or uncle so-and-so that have been passed down. Family members may have survived natural disasters, served in the armed forces, or had a successful busin...
Cracking the Dilemma of Raising Backyard Chickens
In challenging economic times, many people ponder the purchase of chickens as part of their domestic safety net. Successfully raising chickens, however, requires thoughtful consideration and research.
USU UWLP Reports on Health Implications of Social Belonging for Utah Women
Social safety is a term that refers to reliable social connection, belonging, inclusion, recognition, and protection – essential human needs at all life stages.
Ask an Expert – Tips to Reduce the Chance of Flood Damage to Your Home
With Utah’s high amounts of snowfall this year, flooding is a possibility in many areas. For anyone who has experienced the impacts of water or mud inundating their home, this may induce a sense of helplessness.
Ask an Expert – Five Ways to Share the Mental Load in Marriage
There is a massive mental work load that people tend to carry in their heads. And by people, we mean mothers. Studies suggest that the bulk of “worry work” is mainly carried by moms – nearly 9 out of 10 of them say they feel solely responsible for organi...
Ask an Expert – March Gardening Checklist
It’s not too early to think about the gardening season! Consider these tips to help you prepare. Included are links from the Utah State University Extension Gardener’s Almanac.
USU UWLP Reports on Domestic Violence Among Utah Women
A recent U.S. survey estimated that one in three Utah women (33.6%) will experience some form of sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in her lifetime.
Ask an Expert – Six Tips to Help Jump-Start Your Savings
The week of February 27 to March 3, 2023, is both Utah Saves Week and America Saves Week. Since 2007, both have been held the last week of February to help people focus on saving money.
USU Extension Partners to Offer Free Professional Tech Sales Training
Registration is now open for a free certification course designed to train technology sales professionals. The new 45-hour Certified Tech Sales Professional course is a partnership between Utah State University Extension and MarketStar, a Utah-based leade...
Tips for Cold Weather Survival
With Utah’s frigid temperatures, it is essential to keep your family and pets safe from the cold. While we may not anticipate that the furnace could stop working or that the power could go out, these things are possible, so it’s important to be prepared....
USU Research Shows Slightly More Utah Women Serving in Politics in 2023
Utah has a rich heritage of women involved in voting, advocacy, and politics. However, for decades, Utah has lagged behind most other states in terms of women running for and serving in elected political roles.
Ask an Expert – How Can We Keep Our Marriage Strong as We Age?
As couples age, keeping a marriage strong can become a challenge. Children move away, mental and physical health challenges arise, complacency creeps in, and retirement can create more time together than you are used to.
Ask an Expert – Update on Avian Influenza in Utah
Nearly 2.2 million birds in Utah were lost to the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) between April 2022 and January 2023. This total includes eight non-commercial poultry flocks, 18 commercial egg layer and turkey flocks, and one commercial gamebird...
USU Study Finds Positive Impact on Women Who Serve Missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
A recent study published by the Utah State University Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) found that women who serve as missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints experience improved educational, personal, and professional outcome...
Utah Clean Air Marketing Contest Winners Announced at Community Art Day
Winners of the 2023 Utah High School Clean Air Marketing Contest will be announced at Utah State University’s Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art Community Art Day Saturday, February 11.
Ask an Expert – Winter Garden Planning Tips
If the spike in gardening interest the last few years is any indication of what 2023 will be like, now is the perfect time to start planning! Consider these tips and links from the Utah State University Extension Gardeners Almanac.
USU Extension 4-H Robotics Club Wins Region, Takes on State
A Utah State University Extension 4-H robotics club from Washington County recently won the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Utah Regional Championship and will be moving on to the FIRST World Championship in Houston in Ap...
New Utah Food Security Council Based at USU
One in 10 Utah households experience food insecurity, and more than 102,000 Utah families do not have the resources to buy enough food, according to the “Household Food Security in the United States” annual report for 2020.
Ask an Expert – Relax and De-stress with Meditation
It can be a challenge to make the time to rest our minds, relax, and find peace. But it is definitely worth the effort.
USU Extension Co-sponsors Utah Marriage Celebration
Utah State University Extension co-sponsors the Utah Marriage Celebration held online Friday, Feb. 10, from 4 to 9:30 p.m.
Ask an Expert – Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting for a Healthy 2023
With many illnesses circulating, including the common cold, flu, RSV, hand-foot-mouth disease, and the COVID virus, the new year is an excellent time to reevaluate hygiene habits.
USU UWLP Reports on Eating Disorders Among Utah Women
A recent U.S. study estimates that from 2018 to 2019, one person died every 51.5 minutes from an eating disorder (ED), and the study projected that 28.8 million people will suffer from an ED at some point in their lives.
USU Extension 4-H Helps Utah County Youth in Need This Holiday Season
With approximately 1,200 students in the Nebo Utah School District at risk of experiencing food insecurity, the meals they eat at school might be the only meals they get.
Ask an Expert – Relationship Resolutions for the New Year
As the year draws to a close, many people reflect on the previous year and anticipate the year ahead. Now is the perfect time to make “relationship resolutions” to become a better spouse or partner.
Ask an Expert – Holiday Lighting May Not Be So Jolly for Wildlife
The holidays are here, and festive lights are burning bright. Although this tradition of illumination brings joy to many, it can also be considered a source of light pollution.
Ask an Expert – How to Have Happy, Healthy Poinsettias for the Holidays and Beyond
The poinsettia is the most popular decorative plant of the Christmas season. However, the compact, bushy plant we are accustomed to is far different than the poinsettia in its natural form in the wild, where it can grow to be 13 feet tall and wide.
Utah’s Rate of Homeless Women Lower than National Rate, but Still Concerning
According to data from the Utah Department of Workforce Services Office of Homeless Services, 24,037 people accessed homelessness services in Utah in 2021. In 2020, 3,131 Utah residents experienced homelessness on any given day.
Ask an Expert – Combating Loneliness During the Holidays
The holidays bring mistletoe, caroling, eggnog, gift-giving, family, and friends. However, for some, the holidays can also bring loneliness.
Ask an Expert – Once You’re Done with Holiday Shopping, Stop Looking, Stop Spending
With inflation eating away at our budgets, starting the holidays with a spending plan is more important than ever. Have your family help you determine things that are most important this year, then look for ways to reduce, simplify, and save money.
USU Extension Create Better Health Announces Utah Partnership Awards
The Utah State University Extension Create Better Health (SNAP-Ed) program recently announced recipients of their 2022 Utah Outstanding Partner Awards.
Ask an Expert – How Much Caffeine Is Too Much?
Caffeine can provide a boost of energy, help you become more alert, and improve your mood. Sounds great, right? Unfortunately, many people don’t realize that caffeine is a drug that stimulates the nervous system and can cause negative side effects.
USU Extension Suicide Prevention Training Helping Heal Families and Communities
According to the Utah Department of Health, suicide is the eighth leading cause of death for Utahns, with an average of 657 suicides per year. The Utah suicide rate is consistently higher than the national rate, and more deaths result from suicide than fr...
Ask an Expert – Outside Factors Don’t Have to Take the Thanks out of Thanksgiving
It won’t come as a surprise that Thanksgiving dinner may require some adjustments this year. In addition to the inflation factor, many Utah turkey farms have been hit by avian influenza – especially those in Sanpete County.
Rising Avian Flu Cases Harm Producers, Poultry Prices
Wild and domesticated birds have faced a renewed risk from avian influenza this fall. While the virus was first detected in Utah in April 2022, experts warn that the strain of highly pathogenic avian flu (HPAI) is likely to spread even more rapidly this s...
Ask an Expert – Gearing Up for Holiday Baking
Though holiday baking is a few weeks away, now is a great time to take stock of and renew your baking supplies. This will ensure fresh, high-quality end products.
USU Program Reports on the Gender Gap in Utah Higher Education
Not surprisingly, evidence shows that college completion benefits individuals by providing financial and emotional well-being, families by providing stability and financial security, and the state by reducing the state-wide gender gap in education and wag...
Ask an Expert - November Yard and Garden Tips
With snow falling early in many areas of the state, gardeners may have been caught off guard. Make sure your yard is ready for winter by finishing the last few tasks. Consider these tips and links from the Utah State University Extension Gardeners Almanac...
Utah Young Women More Concerned about Barriers to College Than Young Men Are, Reports USU UWLP
Approximately 25,000 more males than females in Utah ages 18 and older have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher. Recent data shows that female secondary students actually plan on attending college at higher rates than male students, but for varying reaso...
Ask an Expert – Don’t be Spooked If Spiders Creep Indoors This Fall
As fall temperatures cool, spider encounters in homes become more common. This happens as spiders near the end of their life cycles and are searching for mates and places to lay their egg sacks.
Ask an Expert – Working Through Religious Differences in Marriage
Disagreements with someone you love can be challenging. The conversations can be uncomfortable, especially about firmly held beliefs. Differences in religious beliefs or spirituality can even become a source of pain and discontent if not addressed in a re...
The Challenges and Opportunities of Women-Owned Utah Businesses
In 1997, the Women’s Business Center of Utah partnered with multiple organizations to conduct a survey of Utah women business owners to understand the roles their businesses played in Utah’s economy.
Ask an Expert - October Yard and Garden Tips
Autumn is officially here, and there is much to look forward to – pumpkins on the porch, apple cider, cooler temperatures, and walks through crunchy leaves. But before you get too comfortable, don’t forget there are yard and garden end-of-season tasks to ...
USU Extension to Offer Free Professional Tech Sales Training in Partnership with Marketstar
Utah State University Extension recently received a $500,000 grant to fund a two-year program that trains rural Utah residents as technology sales professionals who can work remotely for MarketStar, a Utah-based leader in the outsourced business-to-busine...
USU Extension Co-Sponsors 2022 Free Roaming Equids and Ecosystem Sustainability Summit
In partnership with 20 organizations and agencies, Utah State University Extension co-sponsors the 4th Free Roaming Equids and Ecosystem Sustainability (FREES) Summit October 12-14 in St. George, Utah.
Ask an Expert – What to Do When Your Child Misbehaves
Determining how to manage a child’s misbehavior can be a parenting challenge. It is frustrating when children ignore what they are asked to do, or they do just the opposite. Consider this information that explains why commonly used strategies don’t work a...
Utah Women Pursuing Higher Education Face Challenges
Recent U.S. Census Bureau data show that slightly more Utah women are earning bachelor’s degrees than Utah men (23.4% vs. 22.6%).
USU’s Utah Marriage Commission launches “Stronger Marriage Connection” Podcast
The Utah Marriage Commission, hosted at Utah State University, launched the “Stronger Marriage Connection” podcast, with the first three episodes released Monday, Sept. 19. Subsequent episodes will be released weekly.
Ask an Expert – Make Family Meals a Priority In September – and Keep the Habit
American families who eat one meal together every day are among the minority. In today’s fast-paced world, eating Sunday dinner as a family is a great tradition, but it is a giant step away from more regular time spent eating and socializing around the ta...
STEM Sparks Rural County Youth Education
Young people in rural areas often do not have the same access to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education as youth in suburban areas of the country, according to the Hechinger Report, a national educational newsroom.
Ask an Expert – National Preparedness Month: Be Prepared to Create “A Lasting Legacy”
It is well known that preparation can help overcome fear, and since September is National Preparedness Month, now is a great time to evaluate your preparedness supplies and plans.
USU Extension Sponsors Utah Parenting Summit
Utah State University Extension sponsors the Utah Parenting Summit, a statewide virtual event held online Saturday, Oct. 8, from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Utah Suicide Rates High, Including for Girls and Women
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month – a time to increase awareness, spread hope, reduce stigma, and share important information. A recently released report by the Utah State University Utah Women & Leadership Project’s (UWLP) sought to better ...
Ask an Expert – Nine Tips to Help Youth Manage Screen Time
Not surprisingly, children are spending more time with screen media than ever before, and at younger ages. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the average 8-to-12-year-old child spends 4-to-6 hours a day watching or using...
Ask an Expert – Three Things to Consider with Student Loan Forgiveness and Delayed Repayment Plan
The long-awaited details of President Biden’s student-loan forgiveness plan have been officially announced. In summary, based on last year’s tax return, the plan cancels up to $10,000 of federal student loan debt for individuals making less than $125,000 ...
USU Extension 4-H Team Competes at National Forestry Competition
A Utah State University Extension 4-H team recently competed in the 42nd annual National 4-H Forestry Invitational in Weston, West Virginia.
Counties Celebrate “A Light to Remember” to Honor Those Lost to Overdose
International Overdose Awareness Day, held annually on August 31, recognizes those who have died from an overdose and acknowledges the grief of the family and friends left behind. The campaign focuses on ways to provide support, education, and understandi...
Ask an Expert – Four Back-to-School Tips for Parents
Summer is winding down, and many children are hitting the books instead of the snooze button. In addition to encouraging children to stay organized and responsible with their time and activities, it is important to have conversations about social tips tha...
USU UWLP Releases Report on Addressing Workplace Sexual Harassment
The Utah State University Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) released a report today, Addressing Workplace Sexual Harassment: Public Policy Solutions for Utah, to help raise awareness and provide recommendations.
Ask an Expert – Need Help Making Sense of Home Canning? Here Are Twelve Tips
While many people know and understand basic freezing and dehydrating methods for preserving foods, it becomes a different story when they contemplate bottling.
Sexual Assault Against Utah Women: A USU UWLP Research Update
In 2007, the Utah Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice conducted an anonymous survey and found that one in three Utah women experienced sexual assault in their lifetime, and one in six Utah women experienced rape (sexual assault with penetration). ...
Utah Marriage Commission at USU Provides Relationship Resources
The Utah Marriage Commission (UMC) has provided relationship and marriage resources to Utahns for over two decades. Originating through the Utah Governor’s office in 1998, the Utah State Legislature moved commission oversight and hosting to Utah State Un...
Ask an Expert – August Yard and Garden Checklist
The heat is on, and yards and gardens are trying to survive the high temperatures and drought conditions. Consider these tips from the USU Extension Gardeners Almanac to help your garden succeed.
USU Extension Hosts “Becoming an Outdoors Woman” Workshops
Utah State University Extension hosts the “Becoming an Outdoors Woman” (BOW) educational skills workshops August 25 – 27 at the Holmstead Ranch Resort in the Central Utah area.
Ask an Expert – Four Tips to Make Summer Safe
Many families are heading outdoors for one last outing before school starts. Whether in the water or hills, on the ballfield or in the backyard, it’s essential to keep family members safe from sun, insects, and injuries.
USU Extension Professor Receives National Crop Science Award
Kelly Kopp, Utah State University Extension turfgrass and water conservation specialist, was recently awarded the Crop Science Extension Education Award by the Crop Science Society of America.
Women in Leadership Roles Slightly Up in Utah Public Education
The Utah State University Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) released research on the status of women leaders in Utah education in 2014 and 2017. The reports focused on the status of women’s leadership in all Utah education sectors.
Ask an Expert – Three Tips for Preventing Injury in the Yard and Garden
Whether you’re a weekend gardener or spend time in the dirt daily, you have probably experienced working too hard and feeling sore. Soreness can stem from exerting a new or weak muscle, and it subsides after a few days.
Ask an Expert – Six Tips for Planning Menus around Farmers Market Selections
It can be emotional for children and parents alike when children leave the care and responsibility of one parent to be with the other parent. Establishing a routine for these transitions is beneficial for residential parents, nonresidential parents and ch...
New USU Extension Website Offers Inflation Resources
According to recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, inflation in Utah has increased 10.4% since May 2021. This number is even higher than the current national average. It means a typical family of four is spending $700-$800 more per month o...
Ask an Expert – Opioid Facts for Parents
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, opioids are the most commonly misused drugs by Americans over age 14. Opioids can be natural, such as heroin; semi-synthetic, such as oxycodone; and synthetic, such as fentanyl. Opiates, including morphin...
Utah American Indian Women: USU UWLP Reports on Status and Experiences
Researchers used the U.S. Census description for American Indian or Alaska Native, which is “a person having origins in any of North or South America (including Central America) and who maintains tribal affiliations or community attachment.” In 2010, 27,...
Ask an Expert – How Does Your Garden Grow? Tips for July
It can be a challenge to keep gardens growing as summer heats up, so Utah State University Extension provides a Gardener’s Almanac to help. The Almanac also includes links for tips and additional information.
Five Tips for Using Grocery Store and Fuel Apps to Combat Inflation
Inflation has increased 8.6% since May 2021, according to data released this month from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. An average family of four is spending about $700 more per month on the same things they purchased a year ago.
Ask an Expert – Seven Principles for Water-Wise Landscaping
Our landscapes provide us with beautiful surroundings, natural cooling, and the cleansing of our environment. Nearly 65% of the annual culinary water consumption in Utah is applied to landscapes.
USU UWLP Reports on the Status of Latina Women in Utah
As the diversity of the state increases, it can bring disparities between minority groups and the White population in terms of education, housing, and health outcomes. Information that aids in understanding the status and conditions within all social and ...
Ask an Expert – Tips to Help Navigate the Infant Formula Shortage
Few things cause more stress for parents than the fear of not being able to provide for their child’s needs. The infant formula shortage, due to supply chain issues and a product recall, has left many parents feeling concerned about their options for safe...
Ask an Expert – June Gardening Checklist
June is here, the sun is shining, and gardening is in full swing! Consider these tips from the Utah State University Extension Gardener’s Almanac to help make your yard and garden the best they can be.
Utah Women in STEM Careers Slowly Increasing, Reports USU UWLP
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Utah ranked in the top 10 states for tech job growth, net tech employment concentration, and net tech employment gains in 2020. In addition, Salt Lake City is ranked as the second-best city in the country ...
Ask an Expert – Youth Sports Engagement: What’s Right for My Child?
Sports participation and viewing have long been traditions in most cultures, bringing people of all backgrounds together. Participation in sports can build character in youth and benefit them in multiple ways, but parents who want to provide enriching opp...
Water Conservation Critical this Summer
Currently, 72% of Utah is experiencing extreme drought, with the remainder of the state in severe drought. With a dry summer likely and water restrictions already in place around the state, it is crucial that Utahns conserve the water we have.
New “Hidden Gems” Guides Released
Utah State University Extension recently launched new “Hidden Gems” Family Fun Adventure Guides. The guides were created to help strengthen family connections, support positive youth development, and help families have fun together.
Ask an Expert – Don’t Try to Outfox the Fox
Red foxes, although not native to Utah, are becoming more common in cities and suburban settings. In an effort to impress social media followers, some wildlife enthusiasts are attempting human/fox selfies and are getting too close, even offering them food...
Black Women in Utah: USU UWLP Reports on Status and Experiences
Information that increases understanding of the status, conditions, and experiences of all social and identity groups is crucial in helping Utah local and state decision makers address current needs.
Ask an Expert – Spending Time in Nature Boosts Mental Health
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, adults and adolescents in the United States spend over 90% of their time indoors, and the article, “Screen Time Statistics” in Comparitech says the average American spends more than seven hours a day look...
Exceptional Faculty Recognized by USU Extension
Utah State University Extension professionals from around the state gathered this spring for the 2022 Extension Annual Conference held at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi. Awards were given to faculty for outstanding programs and performance.
Research Reports Show Link Between Political Views and Spread of COVID-19
Two new studies from the Western Rural Development Center (WRDC) based at Utah State University show a connection between political views, vaccination levels, and COVID-19 per capita cases and deaths.
USU Extension Expert Discusses Wild Horse Gathers
Without active management to reduce on-range wild horse and burro growth rates, populations could exceed 160,000 within four years, according to Terry Messmer, Utah State University Extension wildlife specialist.
USU Extension Website Offers Drought Information and Resources
Due to drought conditions throughout the state, Governor Spencer Cox recently issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency for Utah. To date, 99% of Utah is in the severe drought category, and 43% of the state is experiencing extreme drought....
Ask an Expert – May Gardening Checklist
April showers bring May flowers – as well as a multitude of gardening tasks. The Utah State University Extension Gardener’s Almanac provides a checklist for each month as well as links for tips and further information.
USU Extension and College of Ag Honored With Six Best of State Awards
Three Utah State University Extension programs and three College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences (CAAS) programs are recipients of the 2022 Best of State Awards.
USU UWLP Reports on the Status of Asian Women in Utah
As the diversity of the state increases, it can bring disparities between minority groups and the White population in terms of education, housing, and health outcomes.
Ask an Expert – Move More in May: Five Reasons to Increase Physical Activity
In many parts of the country, the month of May is when the weather warms after a cold winter. That means it’s time to get up and move more!
Ask an Expert – Five Tips for Talking with Your Children about War and Conflict
One of the most important roles a parent plays in their child’s life is to keep them safe and secure, especially in times of turmoil. Here are five tips for talking with children about war and conflict and how to provide support to ease their fears.
Avian Influenza Detected in Utah
The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been detected this spring in many areas in the United States, Canada, Asia, Europe, and possibly other countries. This Eurasian strain is considered a foreign animal disease; however, detections began on th...
Ask an Expert – Tips for Being a Savvy Supermarket Shopper
As the rising cost of living is cutting into our budgets, it’s important to be savvy in our grocery shopping. Consider these tips.
USU Extension to Host In-Person Remote Teams Summit
The Remote Online Initiative (ROI), a Utah State University Extension program, will host the Remote Teams Summit: Building Excellence in Remote Teams on May 4 at the Utah Valley Convention Center in Provo.
USU UWLP Reports on the Status of Utah Pacific Islander Women
In 2021, 22 percent of Utahns were identified as those other than non-Hispanic White, according to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute. As the diversity of the state increases, the Utah State University Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) has created a...
Ask an Expert – Spring Pruning Pointers
Temperatures are warming, and it is time to get out in the yard again. One of the first orders of business is pruning shrubs, roses, fruit trees, and raspberries.
Just Because It Hasn’t Been Done Before Doesn’t Mean You Shouldn’t Try: Paul Hill’s Inaugural Professor Lecture
Paul Hill has been told more than once in his life that he couldn’t do something or that he shouldn’t try, but those comments are the very things that have spurred him on, both educationally and professionally. Hill was recently promoted to the rank of fu...
Utah Girls and Women Not Immune to Human Trafficking, USU UWLP Reports
Human trafficking is a global problem involving the exploitation of people for profit through force, fraud, or coercion. It can include forced labor, debt bondage, domestic servitude, and sexual exploitation. Unfortunately, it occurs in the United States,...
2022 Intertribal Opioid Wellness Summit Held in Vernal
The Tribal and Rural Opioid Initiative (TROI) was launched in 2018 by Utah State University Extension to provide effective resources to address opioid and other substance misuse among rural and Native American community members.
Seven Teachers, Team of Teachers Selected for the 2022 National Excellence in Teaching About Agriculture Award
A Maine teacher of fifth and sixth grade students who also sponsors a school garden club, a Utah fourth grade teacher who teaches students to solve agriculture challenges and six other teachers from around the country have been selected as the 2022 Nation...
Ask an Expert – Include Water-Efficient Practices in April Gardening Plans
Keeping water-efficient practices in mind, consider these tips as you prepare your yard and garden this year. Included are links from the Utah State University Extension Gardeners Almanac.
New Director Named for USU Extension Home and Community Department
Heidi LeBlanc has been named the new director for Utah State University Extension’s Home and Community Department. She replaces Margie Memmott, who recently retired after nearly 40 years of service to USU Extension.
USU Extension Carbon County Wins Awards for Impactful Educational Efforts
Utah State University Extension’s mission is to build knowledge and improve lives through evidence-based education and information. In Carbon County, three faculty members work to provide education on a range of topics including mental and physical health...
Ask an Expert – Establishing Smooth Transitions after Divorce
It can be emotional for children and parents alike when children leave the care and responsibility of one parent to be with the other parent. Establishing a routine for these transitions is beneficial for residential parents, nonresidential parents and ch...
USU Extension Empowering Financial Wellness Team Wins Multiple State Awards
Utah State University Extension’s mission is to build knowledge and improve lives by providing education and timely resources. Each February, the Utah Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences recognizes outstanding outreach efforts on behalf ...
Ask an Expert – Should You Raise Chickens? Eight Things to Consider
In difficult economic times, many people consider purchasing chickens as part of their domestic safety net. Raising chickens, however, is distinctly different than stocking up on food storage or bottled water. Chickens are living, breathing beings that ne...
Davis Heritage Festival Events Slated
Davis County and the Utah State University Botanical Center partner to provide the Davis Heritage Festival in 2022. The new community event celebrating the heritage of Davis County is intended to create a new venue to fill the gap left by the departure of...
Ask an Expert – The Benefits of Adult Friendships
An old poem states, “Make new friends, but keep the old; the new are silver, the old are gold.” Researchers are finding that friendships are worth even more than silver or gold. The benefits of friendship increase your sense of belonging and purpose, cont...
Washington County 4-H Youth Meet With State Legislators and Elected Officials
Thirteen youth from the Utah State University Extension Washington County 4-H program recently visited the state capitol to learn about how government works and meet with state legislators, elected officials, and lobbyists.
Ask an Expert – March Gardening Checklist
We are officially heading into gardening season! Consider these tips to help you prepare. Included are links from the Utah State University Extension Gardeners Almanac.
Comments that Stereotype and Undervalue Women Are Prevalent, Utah Study Shows
A Utah State University Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) study sought to understand Utah women’s experiences with sexist comments and remarks, which have become prevalent in conversation, public communication, and social settings.
USU Extension 4-H Robotics Club Wins State, Takes on Nationals
A Utah State University Extension 4-H robotics club from Washington County recently won the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Utah Regional Championship and will be moving on to the FIRST World Championship in Houston in Ap...
Ask an Expert – Six Tips to Help Get You Saving
This week is both Utah Saves Week and America Saves Week. Since 2007, both have been held the last week of February to help people focus on saving money. For some, it can be daunting to get started, but the americasaves.org website can help you set goals ...
Ask an Expert: Financial Health by the Decades
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, combined with a review of research and consultation with leading experts, found that financial well-being includes the following four elements.
USU UWLP Reports on Economic Circumstances of Sexual Minority Women in Utah
The Utah State University Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) released a research report today on sexual minority women in Utah and its effects on their economic status.
The Purpose and Benefit of Land-grant (Extension) Universities
A land-grant (or Extension) university or college is an institution that provides research-based programs and resources for residents within the state. There is at least one land-grant institution in every state and territory of the United States, as well...
Ask an Expert – The Importance of Routines
Having a routine helps keep us on track both mentally and physically, which can help make our days more positive and productive. According to Mental Health America, a routine is a tool used to improve mental health by organizing the overwhelming everyday ...
Ask an Expert – How Body Image Affects Mental Health
What is body image? According to the National Eating Disorder Association, it is defined as our thoughts, perceptions, and attitudes about our physical appearance, which can be negative or positive.
Research Shows Slightly More Utah Women Serving in Politics
Utah has a rich heritage of women involved in voting, advocacy, and politics. However, for decades, Utah has lagged behind most other states in terms of women running for and serving in elected political roles.
Ask an Expert – February Pre-gardening Checklist
There is much that can be done now to get a jump start on the growing season. These tips, with links from the Utah State University Extension Gardeners Almanac, can help get you going.
Director of New Agricultural Center Named
Josh Dallin, Utah State University Extension assistant professor of agriculture and range in Box Elder County, was named director of the recently announced Bastian Agricultural Center (BAC). He will begin his new responsibilities Feb. 1 at what has been k...
Ask an Expert – How Do I Know My Partner Will be Faithful?
Trust in a relationship is key to its success. Most people do not automatically trust someone they do not know. They often determine trust by giving a little at the beginning of the relationship, observing behavior, and then giving or rescinding it, based...
Ask an Expert – How Do I Know My Partner Will be Faithful?
Trust in a relationship is key to its success. Most people do not automatically trust someone they do not know. They often determine trust by giving a little at the beginning of the relationship, observing behavior, and then giving or rescinding it, based...
Updated Research on Utah Women and Poverty Shows Progress, but Need for Improvement
A new research study from Utah State University’s Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP), in conjunction with USU Extension, indicates that poverty numbers for women have improved since a 2016 study, but that progress is still needed.
Aggie Ice Cream to Celebrate Centennial
The year 2022 marks 100 years of business for Utah State University’s Aggie Creamery. To celebrate the centennial, the creamery is hosting a series of events as well as in-store and online monthly giveaways with prizes from local businesses.
Ask an Expert – Federal Student Loan Payment Pause Extended
Those who have borrowed federal student loans have received another extension on the repayment from the U.S. Department of Education. The payment pause has been extended through May 1, 2022, and takes effect for all qualifying borrowers, with no opt-in ne...
Largest Single Gift in USU History Paves Way for Bastian Agricultural Center in Salt Lake County
As more of Utah’s agricultural land is converted to commercial and residential developments, one family has made a gift of $41.25 million to Utah State University to honor and preserve the state’s farming past, present, and future. This gift represents th...
USU Extension Co-sponsors Utah Marriage Celebration
Utah State University Extension co-sponsors the Utah Marriage Celebration held online Friday, Feb. 11, from 4 to 9:30 p.m.
Ask an Expert – Cleaning Tips to Keep You Healthy
We all know it is important to clean and disinfect to reduce the risk of getting sick, but with many illnesses circulating, including the common cold, flu, RSV, hand-foot-mouth disease, and the COVID virus, now is an important time to reevaluate hygiene h...
Objectification of Women Happens in Utah, USU Study Shows
Although sexist comments and remarks are prevalent and normalized in daily settings and conversations worldwide, a recent study by the Utah State University Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) sought to understand Utah women’s specific experiences.
USU Utah Women & Leadership Project Sponsors Online Childcare Symposium
The Utah State University Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) sponsors a free childcare symposium held Tuesday, January 11, from 1 to 3 p.m. The Childcare Symposium: Practices, Policies, & Strategies to Move Utah Forward, will be held via Zoom and is f...
Ask an Expert – January Garden Planning Tips
If the spike in gardening interest the last two years is any indication of what 2022 will be like, now is the perfect time to start planning! Consider these tips and links from the Utah State University Extension Gardeners Almanac.
Ask an Expert – Cranberries: a Healthy Holiday Choice
The health benefits of cranberries, combined with their unique taste, versatility and ease of use, make them a wise fruit choice not only during the holidays but year round.
Ask an Expert – Combating Loneliness During the Holidays
The holiday season brings mistletoe, caroling, eggnog, gift giving, family, and friends. However, for a variety of reasons, it can also bring loneliness. A recent survey from the American Association of Retired Persons found that 31% of respondents said t...
Utah Women & Leadership Project Study: Sexist Comments Show Inequity and Bias
Although sexist comments and remarks are prevalent and normalized in daily settings and conversations worldwide, a recent study by the Utah State University Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) sought to understand Utah women’s specific experiences.
Ask an Expert – Tech Toys for Christmas?
Each holiday season brings new fancy games and technology gadgets targeted to children. Whether it is the latest cell phone model, the newest gaming system, or educational games for your toddler, it can be hard to make an informed decision.
Ask an Expert - Tips for Christmas Tree Selection and Care
Many Utahns will head to their local Christmas tree grower or tree lot to make this year’s selection. Proper selection and care for a live tree once it is home can provide for a happier and safer holiday season.
UWLP Analyzes Utah's Last-Place Ranking for Women's Equality
For the fourth year in a row, WalletHub has named Utah the worst state in the nation for women’s equality in a report released in August titled “2021’s Best & Worst States for Women’s Equality.”
Holistic Approach to Problem Solving Helps Keep Balance
Matt Palmer, Utah State University Extension faculty in Sanpete County, was promoted to full professor in July. In celebration, he recently presented a summary of his career at a reception held at Snow College in Ephraim.
EFNEP, a Great Place to Be a “Foodie” and a Full Professor
Paula Scott, Utah State University Extension Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) state director, was recently promoted to full professor and celebrated with friends and family at the Kaysville Education Center last month.
Healthy Eating for Happy Holidays
The average American will consume about 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving Day when taking into consideration pre-meal snacking, the actual dinner, dessert, then evening leftovers.
USU Extension Receives Grant to Help Refugee and Native American Farmers
Utah State University Extension recently received a grant to fund programs that will enhance farming opportunities for refugee and Native American farmers in Utah. The grant comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food...
USU Extension HEART Initiative Wins Award for Rural Education Efforts
Utah State University Extension’s Health Extension: Advocacy, Research, & Teaching (HEART) Initiative recently received the Rural Education Partner of the Year Award from the Rural Health Association of Utah (RHAU) at their conference this month.
CDC Shows Record-Breaking Increase in Overdose Deaths Nationally, but Utah Fares Better
The Centers for Disease Control released a report this week stating that for the first time, the number of overdose deaths in the United States was over 100,000 in a 12-month period.
Ask an Expert – Make a Marvelous Thanksgiving Meal – with or without the Turkey
Turkeys may not be as easy to purchase this year as they have been in previous years. According to the USDA, frozen turkey inventories are 24 percent below their three-year average volumes, and production of turkeys is down compared to the average year.
Ask an Expert – Show Gratitude for Your Partner This Season (and Always!)
This month, we celebrate the joy that comes from sharing gratitude. According to research from Harvard Health, gratitude can truly make a person happier. In recent years, psychologists have focused on the benefits that come to individuals when they create...
Ask an Expert: The House Mouse – Not Your Storybook Christmas Mouse
In recent weeks, many homeowners have reported seeing mice droppings in cupboards, basements, food storage areas, bathrooms, bedrooms and garages. Mice can spread diseases through their urine, droppings, saliva and nesting materials.
Utah Native Aspen Trees Affected by Invasive Insect
Oystershell scale, an invasive insect that can weaken and kill aspen trees, has recently been confirmed in native forests in Utah.
Sexist Comments Prevalent, Utah Study Shows
A recent study by the Utah State University Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) showed that sexist comments and remarks are prevalent in Utah and normalized in everyday conversation, public communication, and social settings.
Ask an Expert – Plant Bulbs Now for Color Explosion this Spring
Spring-blooming bulbs are popular because of the beauty they add to the landscape and their ease of growing. Now is a good time to plant them, and many local retailers offer a wide variety. Consider these popular selections.
Utah Women Decreased in Rate of Voting, but Civic Engagement Remains High
Women in Utah have a strong history of political engagement. In fact, Utah women were the first in the United States to vote under an equal suffrage law in 1870. Utah was also the first state to elect a female state senator (elected over her own husband i...
USU Extension Launches AG Wellness Programs to Address Mental Health Needs in Agriculture
Utah State University Extension recently launched Ag Wellness, a program focused on addressing the mental health needs of Utah farmers, ranchers and others involved in the agricultural industry.
Ask an Expert – Top Three Spooky Spiders in Utah May Not Be So Scary
Spider encounters in Utah increase in the fall as spiders near the end of their lives and search for mates and lay egg sacks. These behaviors often occur indoors, causing more spider encounters and increasing the number of unnecessarily feared or killed s...
Ask an Expert – 10 Things You Should Do Before Saying “I Do”
Being in love is exciting and wonderful, and for some people, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of romance. Many people spend more time planning for a wedding than they spend planning for a marriage. Before deciding to tie the knot, consider the...
Ask an Expert – Prevent Your Carved Creation from Becoming a Fungal Fiasco
Carving pumpkins into jack-o’-lanterns is an art form that comes in all shapes, sizes and levels of difficulty. The final product (usually) makes the pumpkin carvers proud and anxious to display their work. However, often just a few days later, the pumpki...
USU Research Compilation Shows Utah Gender Wage Gap Among Highest in the Nation
Utah State University’s Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) recently released a report that is a compilation of research pulled from 60 sources regarding the gender wage gap. The report shows that Utah women earn approximately 30% less than men, rankin...
USU Extension 4-H Youth Celebrate National 4-H Week
Utah State University Extension 4-H youth from across the state celebrate National 4-H Week from October 3 to 9 with a variety of positive youth activities and opportunities.
Ask an Expert – Time for Yard and Garden End-of-Season Tasks
Autumn is officially here, and there is much to look forward to – pumpkins on the porch, apple cider, cooler temperatures and walks through crunchy leaves. But before you get too comfortable, don’t forget the yard and garden end-of-season tasks.
Ask an Expert – Tips for Living in Cougar Country
Reports of cougar sightings have increased across Utah this year. This may be related to both the ongoing drought, as habitat conditions deteriorate, and increased outdoor activity, as humans seek solace from COVID-19.
USU’s UWLP Sponsors Free Fall Women’s Leadership Forum
The Utah State University Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) sponsors a fireside chat with Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson on women and leadership. The second annual Fall Women’s Leadership Forum is held Friday, October 1, from noon to 1:15 p.m. on the USU ...
Ask an Expert – Tips for National Family Meals Month
Are you among the minority of American families who eat at least one meal together every day? In today’s fast-paced world, eating Sunday dinner as a family is a great tradition, but it is a giant step away from more regular time spent eating and socializi...
Recent Study Shows Connection between Political Views and COVID-19 Rates
A new study from the Western Rural Development Center (WRDC) based at Utah State University shows a connection between political views and COVID-19 per capita cases and death rates.
Ask an Expert – Prepare to Protect: September is National Preparedness Month
National Preparedness Month is held each September to raise awareness about preparing for disasters and emergencies. The 2021 theme is “Prepare to Protect. Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love.”
USU Extension Sponsors Celebrating Women Conference
Utah State University Extension sponsors the 2021 Celebrating Women Conference Saturday, September 18, streamed live on Zoom.
Ask an Expert – Back to School Tips for Parents
The first few weeks of school set the tone for the rest of the year, and there are things parents can do, starting from day one, to help their kids succeed. Consider these tips.
USU Extension Water Quality Program Leads Statewide Trails and Waterways Cleanup
Utah State University Water Quality Extension leads Pack It Out Utah, Utah’s second statewide trails and waterways volunteer cleanup, Sept. 11 to 19. Local governments, nonprofits, organizations and volunteers across Utah will partner to remove garbage fr...
Ask an Expert – Checklist for September Yard and Garden Tasks
Fall is in the air, which may make you want to hang up the rake. Don’t give up just yet, though – we’re coming in the home stretch! Consider these fall tips from the USU Extension Gardeners Almanac.
Ask an Expert – Do Wasps Get a Bad Rap?
All wasps can sting, right? Well, not exactly. While we tend to group them all into the stinging insect category, paper wasps, yellowjackets and aerial yellowjackets (hornets) do most of the stinging.
Resiliency Aided Utah Women During COVID-19
A recent study from the Utah State University Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) outlined specific challenges women in the workforce faced during COVID-19.
Ask an Expert – Bats Making Recent Appearances
If you have spotted bats near your home or nearby structures, you are not alone. Bats are migratory and may take up residence in chimneys, structures and homes when they can find an opening.
Ask an Expert – Safely Cleaning Your Home After a Flood
Many parts of the state have recently experienced flooding. It is important to properly clean and sanitize wet and muddy household furnishings, carpets, clothing and surfaces as quickly as possible to avoid damage and contamination.
Ask an Expert – Twelve Tips to Help Make Sense of Home Canning
While many people know and understand basic freezing and dehydrating methods for preserving foods, it becomes a different story when they contemplate bottling.
Study Shows Physical Activity Levels Low for Utah Girls and Young Women
The benefits of physical activity are clear, yet thousands of Utah girls and women participate at significantly lower levels than boys and men.
Ask an Expert – August Yard and Garden Checklist
The heat is on, and yards and gardens are trying to keep up with high temperatures and drought conditions. Consider these tips from the USU Extension Gardeners Almanac to help your garden succeed this month. Also included are links for further information...
Ask an Expert – Celebrate Park and Recreation Month by Spending Time Outdoors
Research shows that spending time in nature promotes physical and emotional health. Since July is National Park and Recreation Month, consider celebrating it by spending more time outdoors.
USU Extension Sponsors “Buy Produce for Your Neighbor” Food Drive
The Utah State University Extension Create Better Health (SNAP-Ed) program sponsors “Buy Produce for Your Neighbor,” a food drive designed to help those in need of fresh produce.
USU Extension Offers Water Storage Tips
The average human body is 65 percent water — an element essential for survival. Water helps blood flow and carries oxygen and nutrients to cells, flushes waste products from the body, cushions tissues and joints and is a critical component for digestion....
Ask an Expert – With Proper Care, Drought Won’t Permanently Damage Yards
Utah is currently in one of the worst droughts since recording began in the late 1800s. Many reservoirs are at an all-time low, and some are drying up completely.
Utah Women and Work: Caregiving Challenges During Covid-19
A recent study from the Utah State University Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) outlined specific challenges women in the workforce faced during COVID-19, including the negative impacts on working mothers, challenges with childcare and managing a bro...
Davis Heritage Festival Announced
Davis County and the Utah State University Botanical Center partner to provide the Davis Heritage Festival in 2022. The new event celebrating the heritage of Davis County replaces the Davis County Fair and will be planned and hosted by the USU Botanical C...
Ask an Expert – Five Tips to Help Trees Thrive During Drought
Trees provide cooling shade that helps reduce temperatures and energy bills, and they are an essential part of our landscapes. As the drought persists and we continue to cut back on lawn watering, it is critical that we remember to take care of our trees....
USU Extension ROI Program Receives National Award
Utah State University Extension’s Rural Online Initiative (ROI) program received the Creative Excellence Award from the National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals (NACDEP) at their 2021 annual conference in May.
Ask an Expert: Four Tips for Summer Safety
Many families are heading outdoors for recreation and activities. Whether in the pool or park, the ballfield or backyard, take precautionary measures so all family members are safe from sun, insects and injuries.
Ask an Expert – How Does Your Garden Grow? Tips for July
It can be a challenge to keep gardens growing well as summer heats up, so Utah State University Extension provides a Gardener’s Almanac to help.
Does the Media Create Sexism Toward Women in Politics?
Research spanning the past several decades indicates that women politicians continue to be at a disadvantage in the way they are covered by the media, and that women are often dissuaded from entering the political realm because of gendered media reporting...
U.S. Dept. of Commerce Awards USU Extension $1.1 Million for Remote Work Training
The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) recently announced a $1.1 million CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant to Utah State University Extension to develop the Remote Online Initiative (ROI).
Ask an Expert – Stop the Hate: Seven Tips to Help Youth Respond When They Encounter Online Hatred
In today’s fast-paced, free-speech online world, chances are high that your child will encounter some type of hate and/or discrimination. This can be against race, religion, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disabili...
Ask an Expert – Six Tips for Planning Menus around Farmers Market Selections
Farmers markets are known for offering an ever-changing variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Although variety is a benefit of shopping at local farmers markets, it can be difficult and overwhelming to come up with a menu for the week without knowing wh...
Ask an Expert – Will We Have Better Access to Home Canning Supplies This Year?
Not only did 2020 have a negative impact on small businesses, employment and school schedules, it also had a negative effect on home food preservation supplies.
USU Extension Offers New Online Health Classes
Utah State University Health Extension offers three new virtual classes focused on stress management, suicide prevention and pain management.
Ask an Expert – Slithering Snakes Spotted in Parks and Lawns
In response to the drought, many snakes are out in search of food and water, and some have recently been spotted slithering through moist areas such as city parks and yards.
Responsible Water Use Imperative This Summer
With a dry summer predicted, drought concerns prompting a state of emergency for Utah and water restrictions already in place in many areas, it is more important than ever that Utah citizens are conscientious about their water use.
Ask an Expert – Coexisting with Wildlife During a Drought
Just as humans must learn to adapt to changes in water availability during a drought, so must wildlife.
USU Extension Professor Contributes to New Wellness App
Dave Schramm, USU Extension family life specialist, partnered with a mental wellness company, Impact Suite, to create Climb, a science-based tool to help individuals improve their lives through comprehensive training, real-time analytics and interactive s...
Utah Wellbeing Project Tracks Perspectives on Life in Utah
Utah communities are changing rapidly, and to help support local planning efforts, members of the Utah State University Extension Utah Wellbeing Project recently surveyed residents about their overall wellbeing and their perspectives on life in their comm...
Ask an Expert – Landscape Now to Help Prevent Wildfire Destruction Later
Recent drought concerns in Utah have prompted Governor Spencer Cox to issue an executive order declaring a state of emergency. To date, 100% of Utah is in the moderate drought category, and 90% of the state is experiencing extreme drought.
June Gardening Checklist
June is here, the sun is shining, and gardening is in full swing! Consider these tips from the Utah State University Extension Gardener’s Almanac to help make your yard and garden the best they can be.
“Hidden Gems” Out and About Family Adventure Guides Launched
Utah State University Extension recently launched the “Hidden Gems” Family Fun Out and About Adventure Guides, created to help strengthen family connections and support positive youth development while helping families have fun exploring the world around ...
Childcare, Homeschooling Cause Strain for Utah Women During Pandemic
A publication from the National Women’s Law Center reported that during the pandemic, women dropped out of the workforce at four times the rate of men.
Ask an Expert – Six Tips to Help Children Cultivate a Close Relationship with Grandparents
A close relationship between grandparents and grandchildren is mutually beneficial when it comes to the health and well-being of both. Grandparents provide acceptance, patience, love, stability, wisdom, fun and support to their grandchildren.
Extension Climate Change Action Forum Brings Federal, State Leaders Together
Utah State University Extension joined forces with the Extension Foundation, the Western Rural Development Center and the University of California to host “Climate Change in Extension: Elevating and Amplifying Action.”
USU Extension Releases New Pocket Vegetable Gardening Guide
Utah State University Extension recently released “The Pocket Gardener - A Quick Reference Guide to Planting, Growing, and Harvesting Vegetables.” The guide can be found at pocketgardener.usu.edu.
USU and UIRA Announce Critical Supply Chain Database
Utah State University recently partnered with the Utah Industry Resources Alliance (UIRA) and the state of Utah to create an online supply chain database to help Utah’s manufacturing sector engage with the broader marketplace.
Ask an Expert – How to Prioritize Home Irrigation During a Drought
Due to drought conditions throughout the state, Governor Spencer Cox recently issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency for Utah. To date, 100% of Utah is in the moderate drought category, and 90% of the state is experiencing extreme drough...
Farmers Feeding Utah Food Distribution Blitz Held in Seven Locations
A recent donation from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the Farmers Feeding Utah program will help aid those in need through a statewide food distribution blitz held Wednesday, May 19, at seven locations in Utah.
Ask an Expert – Seven Tips for Container Gardens that Thrill, Fill and Spill
Container gardening has become popular as planting areas in the landscape have become smaller. Some containers are used to grow vegetables or specimen shrubs, while others display a beautiful splash of color.
Tribal Opioid Wellness Summit: Bridging Harm Reduction and Recovery
The Utah State University Extension Tribal and Rural Opioid Initiative Resource Center in Roosevelt announces the 2021 Intermountain Tribal and Rural Opioid Wellness Summit: Bridging Harm Reduction and Recovery in Rural Communities.
Ask an Expert – Five Ways to Find Peace by Staying Present
It is easy to get caught up in the events of the past or the future. However, doing so only brings worry and causes you to miss out on the present.
COVID-19 Has Negative Impact on Women’s Career Advancement
In a recent women’s study conducted by the Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP), 59.1% of respondents stated that COVID-19 has negatively impacted their career advancement opportunities.
Equine Herpesvirus Emerges Briefly in Utah
A case of equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM) was confirmed in March at the Golden Spike Events Center in Ogden.
Ask an Expert – May Gardening Checklist
April showers bring May flowers – as well as a multitude of gardening tasks. The Utah State University Extension Gardener’s Almanac provides a checklist for each month as well as links for tips and further information.
Kathy Riggs Receives USU Extension’s Top Award
Kathy Riggs, Utah State University Extension professor in Iron County, was recently named the recipient of Extension’s top honor, the E.G. Peterson Extension Award.
The Art of Self-Care
The term “self-care” is often misunderstood. This might be because it is often leveraged as a marketing gimmick. Advertisements promise us health, happiness and contentment if we just purchase the product they’re selling under the guise of self-care.
Ask an Expert – Four Tips to Help You Avoid Food Waste and Save Money
The average American throws away nearly 275 pounds of food each year. The USDA estimates between 30 to 40 percent of America’s food supply is wasted.
Women Leaders in Utah Higher Education on the Rise
New research from the Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP), in conjunction with Utah State University Extension, Utah Valley University and Dixie State University, provides an update to previous UWLP studies on the status of women leaders in Utah educat...
Ask an Expert – Home Sweet Home: Is It Best to Rent or Buy?
Paying rent each month isn’t just for college students or young families not yet settled in a career. Overall, home ownership in the U.S. has declined for the past 10 years since peaking in 2009. At the end of 2020, the rate hovered around 65%.
USU Extension Website Offers Drought Information and Resources
Due to drought conditions throughout the state, Governor Spencer Cox recently issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency for Utah. To date, 100% of Utah is in the moderate drought category, and 90% of the state is experiencing extreme drough...
April Is Month of the Military Child
The children and youth of military families sacrifice much, including multiple relocations, having their parents deployed, uncertainty and more. To celebrate these young heroes, April is designated as the Month of the Military Child.
Ask an Expert – Establishing Smooth Transitions after Divorce
Household transitions, when children leave the care and responsibility of one parent to be with the other parent, can be emotional for children and parents alike. Establishing a routine for these transitions is beneficial for residential parents, nonresid...
USU Extension Presents Friend of Extension Award to Former Sen. Lyle Hillyard
Utah State University Extension presented its Friend of Extension Award to Lyle Hillyard, former member of the Utah State Senate, at the Extension annual conference held in March.
Financial Literacy a Focus in April
April is National Financial Literacy Month, established in 2003 to teach Americans the importance of creating and maintaining healthy financial habits that lead to fiscal resiliency.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Utah Women and Work
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on all Utahns; however, recent research suggests it has been especially challenging for women, whose employment and careers have been disproportionately impacted.
Ask an Expert – April Gardening Checklist
April showers (and work in the garden) bring May flowers (and plants). Consider these tips to help you prepare! Included are links from the Utah State University Extension Gardeners Almanac.
USU Extension Presents Friend of Extension Award to Rep. Carl Albrecht
Utah State University Extension presented its Friend of Extension Award to Rep. Carl Albrecht, Utah House of Representatives District 70, at the Extension annual conference held this month.
Ask an Expert – Seven Tips for Raising Responsible Children
A common response is that parents want to help their children grow into responsible adults. This may include smaller goals such as helping them have the skills necessary to be productive members of society and helping them be healthy, happy and able to ta...
Ask an Expert – When to Plant? That Is the Question
Determining when to plant a garden can be especially confusing in Utah’s unpredictable, varied climate where last-frost dates can vary by many days within just a few miles.
Ask an Expert – Corned Beef and Cabbage Not Just for March Meals
Corned beef and cabbage, Ireland and leprechauns – all part of the St. Patrick’s Day celebration, right? Actually, these foods often associated with the holiday are not tied to Irish history at all.
USU Create Better Health Announces Partnership Awards
The Utah State University Extension Create Better Health (SNAP-Ed) program recently announced the recipients of their 2020 Outstanding Partner Awards.
USU Extension Releases Marketing Guide to Encourage SNAP Shoppers at Farmers Markets
The Utah State University USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program team recently published a best practices guide on how to create a social marketing campaign to promote farmers markets that accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Ask an Expert – March Gardening Checklist
We are officially heading into gardening season! Consider these tips to help you prepare. Included are links from the Utah State University Extension Gardeners Almanac.
Ask an Expert – Celebrate America Saves Week – by Saving!
America Saves Week has been an annual event since 2007. It is held the last week of February and focuses on helping people save money. Most people would like to put more money in savings, but it can be daunting to get started.
Ask an Expert – The Dirt on Laundry: How Often to Wash?
How often do you wash your pajamas and pillowcases? Or how about your coats and comforters?
USU Sponsors Virtual Workshop on Building Body Image Resilience
The Utah State University Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP), in conjunction with USU Extension, sponsors the virtual workshop, “More than a Body: Building Body Image Resilience.”
Ask an Expert – Tips to Keep the Spark in Your Relationship All Year
Though it’s February and relationships are on people’s minds, it doesn’t have to be Valentine’s Day to consider ways to strengthen your relationship with your partner. Consider these six tips to help keep the spark going all year.
USU Sponsors Forum on Stopping Violence Against Utah Girls and Women
The Utah State University Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP), in conjunction with USU Extension, sponsors the virtual Spring Women’s Leadership Forum, “Stopping Violence Against Utah Girls and Women.”
Ask an Expert – February Pre-gardening Checklist
There is much that can be done now to get a jump start on the growing season. These tips with links from the Utah State University Extension Gardeners Almanac can help you get started.
Seeds Planted on the Path to Becoming Professor Creech
Although Earl Creech grew up on what his father called a “true” family farm — no hired help from outside the family and no one doing an off-farm job for income — he didn’t know until he was in college that being a scientist who helps farmers could be a jo...
New Research Tracks the Status of Women in Utah Politics
These rankings prompted the Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP), in conjunction with Utah State University Extension and Utah Valley University, to track women's status in politics to determine why Utah fared poorly.
Ask an Expert – Relax and De-stress with Meditation
It can be a challenge to make the time to rest our minds, relax and find peace. But it is definitely worth the effort.
Ask an Expert – Backyard Chicken Ranching, Rodents and COVID-19
In response to social distancing guidelines, innovative Utahns have found activities that allow them to be with family and also explore new adventures. In 2020 during COVID-19, Utah state park visitation rates increased by 36% during recreation months com...
Research Suggests Potential for Growth in Utah’s Beef Industry
In a report released Jan. 20, 2021, researchers from Utah State University Extension and the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) assess the potential for expanding meat processing capabilities in Utah and examine the potential demand for Utah b...
USU Conducts Survey on COVID-19 and Women in the Workplace
National research has found that while women and men have both struggled to find and keep employment during the COVID-19 pandemic, women have been more negatively impacted than men.
Ask an Expert – Three Steps for a Happier Life in 2021
Despite the dark, hanging cloud of the coronavirus, there is still much happiness to be had. Though 2021 still holds uncertainty, it can be as good as we make it.
USU Extension Co-sponsors Utah Marriage Celebration
Utah State University Extension co-sponsors the Utah Marriage Celebration held online Friday, Feb. 19, from 4 to 9:30 p.m. Designed as a date night for those who want to prepare for or strengthen their marriage, the marriage celebration features workshop...
Perceptions of Elected Women Officials in Utah
In recent years, strides have been made to increase the number of women serving as elected officials in Utah, but there is still significant work to be done.
Ask an Expert – January Garden Planning Tips
If last year’s spike in gardening interest is any indication of what this year will be like, now is the perfect time to start planning! Consider these tips with links from the Utah State University Extension Gardeners Almanac.
Ask an Expert – Tips for Surviving the Holidays with Family
We know the holidays will be different this year because of COVID-19. But one thing that won’t change is the importance of getting along with the family, whether it’s in person or over video chat.
Farmers Feeding Utah Partners to Help Salt Lake Elementary Schools
The need for food assistance in Utah has increased by 300 percent this year. This creates an abundance of families who don’t know where their next meal will come from.
Ask an Expert – Avoid Excess this Holiday
In general, there is a trend toward excess in our lives. We live in a world where both kids and adults have come to regard overload as normal, and anything less is boring. This time of year, the concepts of excess, over indulgence and over scheduling seem...
"Hidden Gems” Family Adventure Guides Launched
Utah State University Extension recently launched the “Hidden Gems” Family Fun at-Home Adventure Guides. The guides were created to help strengthen family connections and support positive youth development while providing family fun.
USU Extension Assists with Food Distribution Event on Saturday
A food distribution event sponsored by the Utah State University Cache County Extension office, the Cache Community Food Pantry and Cache Refugee and Immigrant Connection will be held Saturday, Dec. 19, at the English Language Center in Logan, 1544 North ...
4-H Youth Challenged to Serve Utah this Month
Utah State University Extension 4-H issued a challenge to all Utah 4-H programs to complete one service project in December, providing the entire state with service from 4-H youth this month.
Ask an Expert – Meaningful Christmas Gifts for 2020
Thanksgiving is behind us, and hopefully it was celebrated without you or members of your household contracting COVID-19. We now have a few weeks to prepare for the next series of 2020 challenges – what will Christmas look like this year?
Ask an Expert - December Gardener’s Almanac Tips
Though yards and gardens were put to bed some time ago, there are still outdoor tasks to consider and holiday gardening gifts to give. Here are some tips.
USU Extension Announces Remote Work Tech Scholarship
Utah State University Extension’s Rural Online Initiative (ROI) program recently announced the Remote Work Tech Scholarship sponsored by Broadcom Inc., a developer, manufacturer and global supplier of infrastructure software products.
USU Extension Receives Envision Utah’s “Common Good Award”
Utah State University Extension is one of two recipients of an Envision Utah Common Good Award, which will be presented virtually on December 3.
Research Shows Family-Friendly Policies Increase Workplace Satisfaction
Flexibility and family-friendly policies in the workplace increase employee productivity, engagement and overall satisfaction, according to a recent study by researchers from the Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP).
Healthy Eating for a Happy Holiday
The average American consumed about 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving Day when taking into consideration pre-meal snacking, the actual dinner, dessert, then evening leftovers. That is enough to gain a pound or two, which can be remedied, but how many more da...
Ask a Specialist – Cranberries: a Healthy Holiday Choice
The health benefits of cranberries, combined with their unique taste, versatility and ease of use, make them a wise fruit choice not only during the holidays, but year round.
Ask an Expert – Thinking Outside the Box for 2020 Thanksgiving
Recent recommendations from Governor Gary Herbert have stated that the Thanksgiving holiday must be different this year if we are to lower our record-high COVID-19 numbers. These recommendations can leave us wondering how to manage the changes while still...
Farmers Feeding Utah Launches “Miracle Projects” to Needy Families in Provo and Ogden
As families and individuals continue to struggle with food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Miracle of Agriculture Foundation’s “Farmers Feeding Utah” campaign will hold two more “Miracle Projects” to provide relief to farmers and families.
Ask an Expert – Four Tips to Help You Be a Savvy Holiday Shopper
Many retailers are promoting month-long Black Friday deals and will continue to flood us with advertising until Christmas. But before jumping the gun and diving in blindly to holiday spending, consider these tips to help you be a savvy shopper this season...
USU Awarded Two $5 Million Grants for Fatherhood and Relationship Education
Utah State University was recently awarded two $5 million grants from the U.S Department of Health and Human Services Office of Family Assistance.
Ask an Expert: Final Fall Pruning and Projects
Before giving up on gardening for the season, it’s important to finish strong by properly preparing your yard and garden for a long winter’s nap. Consider these tips.
Pathway to Leadership a Steep One for Women in Government
Although women comprise half of the government's workforce, a new research study found that women continue to experience barriers, challenges and prejudice that impact their leadership paths, despite regulations legislated to reduce bias.
USU Extension to Provide Online Training for Rural Utah Businesses
Utah State University Extension recently partnered with the Southeastern Utah Association of Local Governments (SEUALG), with support from the Utah Association of Counties (UAC), to provide online training for rural Utah businesses.
USU Extension Receives Grant for Mental Health in Rural Communities
Utah State University Extension recently partnered with 13 states and four territories on a Western Region Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network Grant.
Utah County 4-H Mentoring Awarded Two Federal Grants
Utah State University Extension’s 4-H Mentoring program in Utah County has been awarded two grants by the United States Department of Justice’s Office of Justice and Juvenile Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). The award was one of eight statewide programs aw...
Ask an Expert – Tips for Staying Positive and Healthy During the Pandemic
For many people, the pandemic has caused disarray and uncertainty, and it is easy to become anxious and skeptical. However, there are many things we still have control over, and one of those is our attitude.
Ask an Expert – Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treating in 2020
As your family considers whether or not to participate in trick-or-treating this year, talk with neighbors and those you intend to visit and decide how to best keep everyone safe.
USU Extension Leads Utah's First Statewide Trails and Waterways Cleanup
Utah State University Water Quality Extension leads Utah’s first statewide trails and waterways volunteer cleanup Oct. 31 through Nov. 8. Local governments, nonprofits and volunteers across Utah will partner to remove garbage from public lands and help im...
Ask an Expert – Tips for Living in Cougar Country
In recent weeks, reports of cougar sightings have increased across Utah, including in urban areas and on hiking trails. The cougar, Puma concolor, is known as the mountain lion, puma, screamer or panther. They are readily recognized by their tawny color, ...
Ask an Expert – Prevent Your Carved Creation from Becoming a Fungal Fiasco
Carving pumpkins into jack-o’-lanterns is an art form that comes in all shapes, sizes and levels of difficulty. The final product (usually) makes the pumpkin carvers proud and anxious to display their work.
USU Extension 4-H Youth Celebrate National 4-H Week
Utah State University Extension 4-H youth from across the state celebrate National 4-H Week, October 4 to 10, with a variety of positive youth activities and opportunities.
Population Not Always Reflected in Municipal Leadership
Considerably fewer women leaders serve in municipal governments than in county or state leadership, concludes a research study’s third and final segment on women holding government leadership positions in Utah.
Ask an Expert - October Yard and Garden Tips
Autumn is officially here, and there is much to look forward to – pumpkins on the porch, apple cider, cooler temperatures and walks through crunchy leaves. But before you get too comfortable, don’t forget there are still yard and garden end-of-season task...
USU Extension’s New PowerPay Money Master Course Launched
Utah State University Extension recently launched PowerPay Money Master, an online financial education course that provides tools and information to teach real-life money smarts.
Ask an Expert – Back to School Self-Care for Educators
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused stress and challenges for people across the world. As the new school year begins, emotions can run from excitement to fear and from relief to stress.
September Is National Family Meals Month – It’s Worth the Effort
It can be a challenge to juggle responsibilities, schedules, meetings and events so the family can eat together each day. But research shows it is definitely worth the effort.
Ask an Expert – What Should I Do If I Can’t Find Canning Lids?
Due to COVID-19 and a higher demand for canning supplies this season, many people have found it difficult to find new boxed lids for canning. Here are some answers to our most frequently asked questions regarding the lid shortage.
Tooele County Recovery Day Held with Drive-through Event During National Recovery Month
The Tooele Rural Opioid Healthcare Consortium, a community-based network of providers, organizations and interested community members addressing the issues of opioids and overdose in Tooele County, sponsors Recovery Day on Saturday, September 26.
Farmers Feeding Utah Launches Fourth “Miracle Project” to Needy Families in the Uinta Basin
As impacts of the health pandemic continue throughout the state, the Miracle of Agriculture Foundation’s Farmers Feeding Utah campaign is launching its fourth “Miracle Project” to provide relief to farmers and families.
Ask an Expert – September Is National Preparedness Month: Be Prepared and Informed
Winds, wildfires and flooding have been plentiful in Utah this month. Add in the pandemic, and feelings of anxiety and unrest can spike.
Ask an Expert – What to Do When the Freezer Goes out
The recent wind storms have left many people without power. The potential loss of food in refrigerators and freezers is a cause for concern. Consider these tips.
Utah Women & Leadership Project Hosts Fall Women’s Leadership Forum
Utah State University’s Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP), in conjunction with USU Extension, hosts the Fall Women’s Leadership Forum, “Exploring the Intersectionality of Race and Gender,” Friday, Sept. 18, from noon to 1:30 p.m. via Zoom.
Ask an Expert – Smartphones and Wildlife a Bad Combination
In recent weeks, curious but misguided wildlife watchers in national parks have had unfortunate encounters with wildlife. In one case, the meeting resulted in someone taking a trip to the emergency room after an American bison took issue with being the ce...
Who Is Included – and Excluded – When Making County Policies?
A research study conducted by Utah State University’s Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP), in conjunction with USU Extension, reports that women hold 42.5% of leadership positions within county governments in Utah.
Ask an Expert – Checklist for September Yard and Garden Tasks
Fall is in the air, which may make you want to hang up the rake. Don’t give up just yet, though – you are coming in the home stretch. Consider these fall tips from the USU Extension Gardeners Almanac. Also included are links for further information.
USU Extension Receives $2.3 Million Grant to Reduce Opioid Harms
Utah State University Extension recently received the Opioid Impacted Family Support Grant, a $2.3 million award for peer support training and apprenticeships to help reduce opioid harms on Utah's impacted families.
USU Extension Sponsors Celebrating Women Conference
Utah State University Extension sponsors the Celebrating Women Conference Saturday, September 26, streamed live on Zoom. Designed as an event to promote wellness and balance in the lives of women, the conference features workshops presented by profession...
Ask a Specialist - The Benefits of Family Routines in Uncertain Times
What have the last several months looked like for your family? Remote work, remote learning, teaching and tutoring children at home during the pandemic have, at times, tested both students and parents to their limits.
Ask an Expert – Tips for Creating a Successful Blended Family
The term blended family highlights the unique challenge of finding acceptable ways to blend the lives, experiences, expectations and dreams of parents who remarry and the children involved. The ratio of people in the United States who live in blended fami...
Ask an Expert – Is Crabgrass Making You Crabby? Six Tips to Help
We often label any weedy grass as crabgrass; however, not all of them are crabgrass. For example, if you have weedy grass growing in April and May, it is not crabgrass. Crabgrass seed germinates when soil temperatures are around 55 F, usually after forsyt...
Ask an Expert – Making Sense of Home Canning
It’s food preservation season – that much-anticipated time when home gardeners and farmers market enthusiasts get to preserve the harvest. While many people know and understand basic freezing and dehydrating methods for preserving foods, it becomes a diff...
A Connection to Our Food – From Seeds to Canning
What gives people a feeling of power? An anonymous author wrote, from least to most important: money, status and growing a tomato.
Groundbreaking Study of Women in Leadership Positions in State Government Shows Progress, but Need for Improvement
A new research study from Utah State University’s Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP), in conjunction with USU Extension, reports that state government leaders are implementing strategies to diversify gender leadership, but there are still opportunitie...
Ask an Expert – August Yard and Garden Checklist
The heat is on, and yards and gardens are trying to keep up with the temperatures. Consider these tips from the USU Extension Gardeners Almanac to keep your garden thriving this month.
2020 Intertribal Opioid Wellness Summit Offers Hope, Healing and Resiliency
The Utah State University Extension Tribal Opioid Resource Center in Roosevelt announces the 2020 Intertribal Opioid Wellness Summit: Hope, Healing and Resiliency July 28 through 31.
Know How to “Go” When Nature Calls in Utah’s Outdoors
Summer is the perfect time to head outdoors, but more people camping, hiking and biking on public lands means more people who have to “go” in places without bathroom facilities.
Ask an Expert – Iron Chlorosis: Symptoms, Causes and Solutions
Many landscape trees planted in Utah are highly susceptible to iron chlorosis, which is caused by a lack of available iron in the soil and results in the yellowing of plant leaves.
Farmers Feeding Utah Launches Third Miracle Project
In partnership with Utah State University Extension, Utah Farm Bureau announces its third Farmers Feeding Utah miracle project. The project will take place in West Salt Lake on July 27.
USU Extension 4-H Hosts Virtual Mental Health Camp for Teens
Utah State University Extension 4-H hosts a virtual summer camp focusing on mental health and well-being for youth. Camp Thrive is designed for youth who have completed grades 7 to 10.
Ask an Expert – Staycations a Great Option This Summer
Family vacations are a great time to bond as a family and get away from work and other responsibilities. However, this year it may be wiser to use vacation funds to pay off debt or add to that “rainy day” fund (which may have already come in handy this ye...
Utah Women & Leadership Project Relocated to USU
The Utah State University Jon M. Huntsman School of Business is now home to the Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP), formerly located at Utah Valley University.
Ask an Expert – Nine Tips for Safe Summer Picnics
Summertime is here, and after a long spring, many people are eager to get outside and socialize. Although there is no current evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 through food or food packaging, there are definite precautions to take when planning...
USU Extension Opioid Prevention Program Receives Awards
The Utah State University Health Extension: Advocacy, Research, & Teaching (HEART) Initiative has received multiple regional and national awards for its innovate approach to addressing the opioid epidemic.
Ask an Expert - How Does Your Garden Grow? Tips for July
It can be a challenge to keep gardens growing well as summer heats up, so Utah State University Extension’s Gardener’s Almanac provides a checklist of tasks to help your garden, grass and plants grow well in July.
Ask an Expert – Ten Tips for Safe Recreation in Utah’s Wildlife Country
Outdoor recreation in Utah contributes more than $13 billion to the economy, generates over $800 million in tax revenues and provides jobs for more than 100,000 people, according to data from the Outdoor Industry Association.
Farmers Feeding Utah Looks to Give Northern Utah a Hand up through Second Miracle Project
Only two days after making the first delivery of what will be more than 100,000 pounds of food to Utah’s Navajo neighbors, Farmers Feeding Utah is launching its second miracle project: Miracle Project Northern Utah.
Ask an Expert: Seven Tips to Help You Take Stock before Restocking Food Storage
Whether you plan to preserve your garden produce or hit the seasonal case lot sales, take stock of what is still in your freezer, pantry or food storage room.
Ask an Expert – Five Frugal Gift Ideas for Father’s Day
Father’s Day gifts don’t have to be complicated or expensive. Simple but meaningful gift ideas that are easy on the budget and fun for kids often mean the most to fathers and grandfathers. Here are five frugal gift ideas for the father figure(s) in your l...
USU Extension Professionals Make Connections in the Philippines
In order to learn more about Extension abroad and make connections with program administrators, practitioners and academics in the field, Utah State University Extension faculty members travelled to the Philippines earlier this spring to participate in
USU Extension’s Rural Online Initiative Program Receives National and Regional Awards
Utah State University Extension’s Rural Online Initiative (ROI) program recently received two awards: the Innovation and Creativity Award from the National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals (NACDEP) and the 2020 Western Extensio...
Ask an Expert – Snakes Alive, It’s That Time Again!
Snakes are one of the slithery signs of late spring and summer. Of the 31 species found in Utah, seven are venomous. These are commonly called pit vipers because of the pit located between their nostrils and eyes.
Farmers Feeding Utah Looks to Give Northern Utah a Hand up through Its Second “Miracle Project”
Only two days after making the first delivery of what will be more than 100,000 pounds of food to Utah’s Navajo neighbors, with another delivery scheduled for Monday, Farmers Feeding Utah is launching its second miracle project: Miracle Project Northern U...
Ask an Expert – Coronavirus Precautions More Important Now than Ever
As the government encourages business openings, we must not end the preventative measures we each take to limit the spread of COVID-19. Unfortunately, behavior in communities since May 1 suggests that many think we are past the threat – fewer people are w...
Ask an Expert: How to Juggle Parenting and Working from Home – Seven Tips
As we continue to find ourselves in new territory with COVID-19, we face major changes to our routines – including parents having children at home while they work. While many parents have worked from home when their child was sick or out of school, the cu...
USU Extension Offers Courses for Fathers
The relationships we have with others greatly impact our personal health, professional effectiveness and quality of life. HealthyRelationshipsUtah.org, a Utah State University Extension initiative, provides free, research-based relationship education cour...
Ask an Expert: Timing Can Be Tricky for Spring Planting
Determining when to plant a garden can be especially confusing in Utah’s unpredictable, varied climate where last-frost dates can vary by many days within just a few miles.
Davis County 4-H Program Looks to Expand Programming
The Utah State University Extension Davis County 4-H program is working to expand the classes and clubs available to youth ages 5 to 18, including offering online resources for families to complete at home during times of social distancing.
Ask an Expert – Five Tips to Promote Mental Wellness at Work
Mental wellness at work is an essential part of overall well-being that is often overlooked. Any job can be stressful, even if you love what you do. Some stress can be healthy, such as motivation to perform well, but long-term and unmanaged stress can be ...
USU Extension Updates Online Home Buyer Education Course
Utah State University Extension has updated an online resource for future home buyers. Online Home Buyer Education is an online course designed to cover topics related to buying a home for the first time. The course is accepted nationwide and is one of on...
As Interest in Local Food Grows, Water Pollution Shouldn’t
As a result of recent events, including the earthquake and coronavirus pandemic, more Utahns than ever are interested in growing and producing their own food. While this is a great opportunity to become sustainable, it should not happen at the cost of Uta...
Utah STEM Action Center Funds Washington County School District Grants
The Utah STEM Action Center recently funded two computer science grants for the Washington County School District. The grants run for 3 years and will fund afterschool 4-H computer science and robotics clubs as well as summer computer science camps.
USU Students Provide Food to Aid Area Food Pantries
As individuals and families come to Utah State University’s Student Nutrition Access Center (SNAC) to meet their food needs in the coming weeks, they will get to enjoy the fruits of the labors of other USU students and community volunteers.
Ask an Expert: Monthly Checklist from USU Extension Gardener’s Almanac
April showers bring May flowers – as well as a wide array of gardening tasks. Utah State University Extension’s Gardener’s Almanac provides a checklist for each month as well as links for tips and further information. The May checklist follows.
USU Extension 4-H Youth 3D Print Face Shields for Utah Hospitals
Utah State University Extension 4-H youth have answered the call to help protect health care workers in rural Utah areas.
Help Kids With These Three Needs During the Pandemic
Parents should remember that we are all born with at least three fundamental needs for surviving and thriving in life. They include: Safety, Satisfaction, and Connection.
Help Kids With These Three Needs During the Pandemic
Parents should remember that we are all born with at least three fundamental needs for surviving and thriving in life. They include: Safety, Satisfaction, and Connection.
Tips to Make Food Last Longer
We’re trying to stay out of the grocery stores, but that means making the food you already have work for longer. With minimal tools and effort, you can keep your perishables around for longer.
Ask an Expert – Eight Stress-Relieving Activities to Give You a Break
Stress can be brought on by everyday hassles, but especially when there are larger issues like the ongoing public health concern of a pandemic.
Ask an Expert: Five Tips to Help Avoid Coronavirus Scams
Not surprisingly, scammers are taking advantage of the fears that surround the Coronavirus. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission has already communicated with several scammers who are selling phony Coronavirus “treatments.” Scammers have set up websites ...
Ask an Expert – Should You Raise Chickens? Eight Things to Consider
In difficult economic times, many people consider purchasing chickens as part of their domestic safety net. Raising chickens, however, is distinctly different than stocking up on food storage or bottled water.
Ask an Expert: Cleaning with the Coronavirus in Mind
Practicing good hygiene, washing hands for at least 20 seconds, covering a cough or sneeze and avoiding contact with others are all important steps to help thwart the spread of coronavirus.
Is it Safe to Eat Restaurant Foods During Coronavirus Concerns?
Currently, there is no evidence that the coronavirus spreads via foods. Instead, it is spread person-to-person. This includes spread via an infected person’s bodily fluids that are present in aerosols (coughs or sneezes) and on surfaces.
USU Extension Offers Online Courses to Assist Utahns
Utah State University Extension provides an array of research-backed online courses, many of which are free or offered at a discount, as a way to assist Utahns as they navigate the challenges of COVID-19.
ASK AN EXPERT: Tips for Controlling Fear and Anxiety in a Crisis
Are you feeling afraid, nervous or anxious about the coronavirus and other catastrophes? If so, you are not alone. A threat such as this may only happen once in a lifetime, and we may not feel prepared to deal with it and the associated emotional impacts....
What You Can do to Help Children Cope with a Disaster? (Or the Coronavirus)
USU Extension Expert Callie Ward provides guidance on how to help children deal with a disaster which includes dealing with the Coronavirus and earthquakes.
Ask an Expert: Tips for Earthquake Readiness
With the recent earthquake near Salt Lake City, many people are wondering how they can be prepared if there are more to come. Aftershocks following the initial earthquake may occur for hours, days or even months.
Discover 4-H At Home
While many are at home due to closures of Coronavirus, an extra load is placed on parents to help manage their home. Finding engaging and enriching activities can be a challenge. Thankfully, Discover 4-H curriculum began several years ago and has been dev...
USU Extension Offers Resources For Challenges of COVID-19
Utah State University Extension provides research-backed information to help Utah residents as they maneuver the challenges this new virus brings.
USU Extension and USU Libraries Launch Digital Library Focused on Opioid Crisis
The Utah State University Extension Health Extension: Advocacy, Research, & Teaching (HEART) Initiative, in partnership with USU Libraries, recently launched a digital library collection featuring stories from people affected by the opioid crisis.
Treat Co-Workers Like Family for the Best Work Culture
David Schramm, family scholar at Utah State University, has never taken a business class, but he believes his findings from a recent study should be shared with business students and CEOs alike. Schramm, assistant professor and Extension family life spec...
Stronger Relationships, Better Lives - USU Extension Professor Focuses on Relationship Education
We are constantly bombarded with information on how to make our lives better through the latest fad diet or exercise regime – but what about improving our lives by better connecting with those closest to us? Research suggests that love and intimacy impact...
Ask an Expert - Six Tips to Keep the Spark in Your Relationship
Though it’s February and relationships are on people’s minds, it doesn’t have to be Valentine’s Day to consider ways to strengthen your relationship with your partner. Consider these six tips that can keep the spark going all year.
Ask an Expert - Wild Animals Are Not Pets
A red fox pup was turned into a shelter by a family that had kept it in captivity. The fox became blind because it was not being fed properly. These are examples of people who attempted to make pets out of wildlife, and the unfortunate situations are not ...
Ask an Expert – Six Tips for Portable Emergency Food Storage
Winter weather can regularly create emergency situations such as massive power outages, dangerous road conditions or flooding across the nation.
Ask an Expert: Three Ways to Avoid Parenting Entitled Children
There seems to be a shift in recent decades regarding family culture and expectations.
USU Extension Co-Hosts Public Hemp Seminar
The Utah State University Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Department and the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) host Utah’s first ever public hemp seminar.
USU Extension Relationship Month Includes Utah Marriage Celebrations
Utah State University Extension celebrates the importance of healthy relationships during January and February.
Ask an Expert - Monthly Money Map for 2020
According to the National Endowment for Financial Education, 2,000 adults surveyed said they believe having someone to account to who understands their financial goals would help them be more financially successful.
Ask an Expert – Don’t Let Over Indulgence Be the Norm This Holiday
In general, there is a trend toward excess in our lives. We live in a world where both kids and adults have come to regard overload as normal, and anything less is boring. This time of year more than ever, the concepts of excess, over indulgence and over ...
USU Extension 4-H Teens Lead the Way at Stem Summit
Members of the Utah State University Extension 4-H youth program recently attended the National 4-H STEM Summit in Washington, D.C., where they participated in hands-on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics activities and taught workshops for ...
Ask an Expert – Avoid Holiday Hoaxes by Being a Savvy Online Shopper
While holiday shoppers are searching for the best online deals, scammers and identity thieves are searching for their next victims, specifically online shoppers, who are in a hurry and fail to protect their personal information. You can prevent much heada...
USU Professor Recipient of Excellence in Extension Award
David Schramm, Utah State University assistant professor and Extension family life specialist, recently received the Western Region Excellence in Extension Award for his commitment to programs in lifelong learning and contributions to improving communitie...
Ask an Expert – Five Reasons to Opt Outside on Black Friday
Although Thanksgiving is typically the kickoff to the holiday shopping season, more and more people are taking a different path. Rather than spending Black Friday in traffic, long lines or in a crowded store, many are choosing to forego the sales and head...
USU Extension Food $ense Program Broadens Focus
The Utah State University Extension Food $ense (SNAP-Ed) program has undergone a broadening of focus and a name change. The new name, Create Better Health, more fully reflects how the program has grown from a simple nutrition education program into a comp...
New Study Shows Impact of Technology on Relationships
It’s no surprise that technology can have a negative impact on relationships. But David Schramm, Utah State University assistant professor and Extension family life specialist, is particularly interested in how technology interferes with two of the most i...
USU Extension Receives Grant for Innovation Center in Garfield County
Utah State University Extension, Garfield County and Panguitch City recently received a grant from the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development to create a rural co-working and innovation center.
Ask an Expert: Let’s Talk Turkey! Preparation Pointers for Safety
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and it’s time to talk turkey! Food-borne illnesses often rise during the holidays because of the increased number of turkeys prepared. If not handled, thawed and cooked properly, turkey and all poultry can carry Sal...
Roasting Vegetables
Youtube video that shows you how to roast vegetables.
Ask an Expert – Cougar Sightings on the Rise
In recent weeks, reports of cougar sightings have increased across Utah, including in urban areas. The cougar, Puma concolor, is known as the mountain lion, puma, screamer or panther.
Ask an Expert – Five Tips for Busting Stress
Stress – we all have it, whether it’s at work, home or places in between. There are times when we feel especially stressed due to a bad interaction or everyday hassles like traffic. No one’s life is completely stress free, but regular negative stress can ...
Jack-o’-lanterns: Prevent Your Carved Creation from Becoming a Fungal Fiasco
Carving pumpkins into jack-o’-lanterns is an art form that comes in all shapes, sizes and levels of difficulty. The final product (usually) makes the pumpkin carver proud and anxious to display his or her work. However, often just a few days later, the ar...
Ask an Expert - October Yard and Garden Checklist
Fall is officially here, and it’s time to put the yard and garden to bed. Here are tips from the USU Extension Gardeners Almanac to help.
Ask an Expert – Beware of Consumer Real Estate Scams
Millions of dollars have been stolen from consumers through an email scam related to real estate transactions. Consumers are being tricked into wiring their real estate funds, including down payments and/or closing costs, into scammer’s accounts.
Ask an Expert – Five Reasons to Make Time for Family Meal Time
Are you among the minority of American families who eat at least one meal together every day? In today’s fast-paced world, eating Sunday dinner as a family is a great tradition, but it is a giant step away from more regular or daily time spent eating and ...
Ask an Expert: Be Prepared and Informed – September is National Preparedness Month
Wildfires, flashfloods and winds have been plentiful around Utah this year. Other parts of the nation and world face hurricanes, tropical storms and earthquakes. Watching the news and seeing others struggle, along with the unknown in our areas, can add to...
Ask an Expert - Checklist for September Yard and Garden Tasks
Fall is in the air, which may make you want to hang up the rake.
Ask an Expert: Why Are My Leaves Turning Brown?
Many of the trees grown in our landscapes are not native to the Intermountain West. They have been transplanted (like many of us) and struggle to adapt to Utah’s arid climate.
Ask an Expert – Four Back to School Tips for Parents
Summer is winding down, and many children are hitting the books instead of the snooze button. In addition to encouraging children to stay organized and responsible with their time and activities, it is important to have conversations about social tips tha...
USU Extension Awarded $1 Million Grant for Opioid Initiative
Utah State University Extension was recently awarded a $1 million grant for the Tribal and Rural Opioid Initiative from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
Ask an Expert – August Yard and Garden Checklist
The heat is on, and yards and gardens are trying to keep up with the temperatures. Consider these tips from the USU Extension Gardeners Almanac to keep your garden thriving this month. Also included are links for further information.
USU Extension Co-sponsors Celebrating Women Conference
Utah State University Extension co-sponsors the Celebrating Women Conference held at the Weber State University Davis Campus Saturday, September 21, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
USU Extension Gathers Research on Agritourism
In order to better serve the agritourism industry in the state of Utah, Utah State University Extension has developed a survey to gather research on the needs of agritourism organizations.
USU Extension Receives Opioid Prevention Grant from USDA
Utah State University Extension recently received a grant for $175,000 for opioid prevention, treatment and recovery opportunities under USDA’s 2019 Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program.
Ogden Botanical Gardens Celebrate 25 Years
The Utah State University Extension Ogden Botanical Gardens will be a quarter of a century old this year, and a celebration will be held Aug. 1 at the gardens from 4 to 8 p.m.
Ask an Expert: Be a Responsible Recreator in Utah’s Outdoors
A report released by the Utah Office of Outdoor Recreation touted that outdoor recreation in Utah contributes more than $12.3 billion to the economy and provides jobs from more than 100,000 people.
Upcoming Rural Opioid Summit Held In Price
The Tribal and Rural Opioid Initiative (TROI) was launched by Utah State University Extension in 2018 to provide effective resources to address opioid use among rural Utahns.
New Online Support Course for Memory Loss Caregivers
Caregivers for individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease or other forms of dementia often experience a range of challenging emotions and can become mentally, emotionally and physically fatigued.
ASK AN EXPERT – How Does Your Garden Grow? Tips for July
How does your garden grow? It can be a challenge to keep it growing well as summer heats up. Utah State University Extension’s Gardener’s Almanac provides a checklist of tasks to help your garden, grass and plants grow well in July.
Ask an Expert: Cool, Wet Spring Causing Leaf Diseases
Leaf diseases have become a concern this spring because of the cool, wet weather, and rain provides an efficient way for fungal and bacterial spores to spread. Fungal disease symptoms generally include irregular brown, yellow or black spots on leaves. If ...
Ask an Expert: Cool Wet Spring Causing Leaf Diseases
Leaf diseases have become a concern this spring because of the cool, wet weather, and rain provides an efficient way for fungal and bacterial spores to spread.
USU Extension 4-H Partners With Google To Expand Computer Science Education
The National 4-H Council recently announced a new $6 million collaboration with Google to bring computer science education to underserved youth across the country with a new Computer Science Pathway. Utah State University Extension’s 4-H program has been ...
Ask an Expert: Living in Snake Country – Six Things to Consider
For many, the sight of a snake is what nightmares are made of.
Celebration Scheduled for Future Agricultural Land Preservation Center
A multi-generational agricultural family in Salt Lake County plans to donate 100 acres to Utah State University Extension for the creation of a center dedicated to agricultural land preservation.
Gardener’s Almanac Checklist for June
It has been said that June is the gateway to summer.
USU Extension Partners with Latinos in Action for Youth Leadership
Utah State University Extension, in partnership with Latinos in Action, will host the second annual Leadership Boot Camp Conference for middle- and high school-aged student leaders on the Utah State University campus from June 4 to June 7.
Be Kind Utah Campaign Underway
Research continues to show that kindness is one of the most important qualities in marriage and parent-child relationships.
Ask an Expert: Landscaping Tips for Season-long Color
Color in the landscape adds visual appeal and seasonal splendor. Many homeowners try to select plants that will offer season-long interest, add consistency and tie the landscape design together.
Ask an Expert: Financial Health by Decades
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, combined with a review of research and consultation with leading experts, found that financial well-being includes the following four elements:
Study Finds Electric Pressure Cookers Not Consistently Safe For Canning
Preliminary research conducted by Utah State University Extension professors shows that using electric pressure cookers for small batch, low acid canning may not destroy the bacteria that is responsible for botulism poisoning.
Gardener's Almanac Provides Monthly Checklist
April showers bring May flowers – as well as a plethora of gardening tasks. Utah State University Extension’s Gardener’s Almanac provides a checklist for each month as well as links for tips and further information. The May checklist follows.
Fickle Climate Keeps Gardeners Guessing
Determining when to plant a garden can be especially confusing in Utah’s unpredictable, varied climate where last-frost dates can vary by many days within just a few miles. Many experienced gardeners have planted and later lost their plants to frost.
Financial Literacy a Focus in April
April is National Financial Literacy Month, established in 2003 to teach Americans the importance of creating and maintaining healthy financial habits.
USU Extension Hosts STEM Event for Elementary Schools, Families
Y of the STEM, a day-long event hosted by Utah State University Extension, will be held on April 12 at Red Mountain Elementary School in Ivins. Students from Red Mountain Elementary School and Lava Ridge Intermediate School will spend the day learning abo...
USU Extension 4-H Refugee Team Succeeds at Robotics Competition
A team of teenage refugees from Cottonwood High School, including a number of Utah State University Extension 4-H members, competed at the Regional FIRST Robotics Competition and won in the Rookie Category. They will go on to compete at the FIRST World Ro...
Ask an Expert: What is Zombie Deer Disease?
In recent weeks, reports of an infectious disease in deer and elk, known as chronic wasting disease (CWD), have been confirmed in 24 states including Utah. The media has subsequently dubbed CWD as “zombie deer disease.”
March Is National Nutrition Month – Make Healthy Lifestyle Goals
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics designates March as National Nutrition Month. It is a great time to focus on the basics of a healthy diet and set goals to be healthier. It is important to keep in mind that a healthy lifestyle doesn’t happen overnig...
Observe National Consumer Protection Week by Guarding Your Identity
National Consumer Protection Week is March 3 - 9 and is a time to help people understand their consumer rights and make well-informed financial decisions. One important way to do this is to take steps to prevent identity theft.
Nation-Wide Nutrition Education Program Celebrates 50 Years
The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), a nation-wide community nutrition education program, celebrates 50 years of operation this year.
USU Extension Food $ense Program Could Help Families Affected by the Government Shutdown
Utah State University Extension Food $ense SNAP-Ed, a research-based program meant to help recipients of food stamps and other low-income Utahns prepare affordable and healthy meals, can be an important resource after the longest government shutdown in Am...
Why Stress Management Strategies Work
Stress is a universally experienced phenomenon. Although there are many causes, the methods of managing it are generally the same. Research from varying professionals helps explain how coping strategies work, broken into three categories – physical, menta...
USU Extension Co-Sponsors Marriage Celebration
Utah State University Extension co-sponsors the Northern Utah Marriage Celebration held at the Weber State University Shepherd Union Building Friday, Feb. 8, from 4 to 9:30 p.m.
USU Extension Specialist Receives Grant for Agricultural Water Conservation Research
Matt Yost, a Utah State University Extension specialist, recently received a New Innovator Award from the Foundation for Food and Agriculture. This award is designed to give early-career faculty members the investment needed to establish scientific resear...