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.

To assist homeowners, businesses, agricultural producers, stakeholders, government partners, and others, Utah State University Extension created a website in the spring of 2021 with drought information and resources. The website has been updated for 2022 and can be found at drought.usu.edu. It includes current information from county and campus-based faculty, and new information will be added as it becomes available.

“With a dry summer predicted, we are very concerned about the drought in Utah and how it will affect our homeowners and ag producers,” said Ken White, USU Extension vice president. “We have remarkable researchers who have been studying drought-related issues extensively over the years. This website provides a central location for their resources so that users have quick access to the help and information they need.”

Extension faculty members continue to present drought-related webinars and workshops, with more planned for this spring and summer. Links to their resources will be included on the website, as well as information about upcoming events.

Justen Smith, state agricultural Extension program leader, said Utah is the second driest state in the nation, and for many years, USU Extension has provided research-based, factual information on issues related to living in an arid state.

“USU Extension is well equipped to provide the information and resources related to water conservation and finding solutions to navigate the dry conditions ahead,” Smith said. “In addition to the volumes of great information that already exist, the new drought website should be checked regularly for new publications, educational videos, and links to resources from partner organizations.”

Website topics include: in-home water conservation, landscape water conservation, gardening, range and livestock drought resources, crops resources, economic resources available during a drought, and general information on water conservation.