Guiding Commercial Vegetable Production in Utah
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The USU Extension Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Production Horticulture programs published the fifth edition of the Utah Vegetable Production Guide. The guidebook is designed for commercial and small-scale vegetable producers who farm specialty crops to be sold via wholesale, produce stands, farmers markets, CSA subscriptions, or pick-your-own operations. The latest USDA Census of Agriculture reported that Utah commercial vegetable production encompassed 5,885 acres, a 9% decrease from 6,468 acres in 2017. However, the number of farms has increased 13% from 673 to 763. Much of this is due to urbanization and land subdivision, allowing for a growing number of intensive smaller acreage vegetable farms operating farms 1 and 9 acres.
Regardless of farm size, Utah presents unique production challenges to farmers such as a short growing season, large daily temperature fluctuations, intense solar radiation, alkaline soils, and limited water availability. Therefore, the need continues for the Utah Vegetable Production Guide as it provides production and pest management recommendations outlined for specifically for the region. All the chapters cover specific crop groups and their soil, nutrient, and water management, cultivation practices, along with integrated pest and disease management strategies.
The latest edition of the Utah Vegetable Production Guide contains a chapter on legume crops (peas and beans) along with new insect and plant diseases problems included for other crop groups as they have become prevalent in recent years. The pesticide tables for each chapter have been updated for product availability including insecticides, miticides, fungicides, and bactericides for commercial applicators (those obtaining a license to purchase and apply products in larger quantities) and small-scale use products that can be purchased at garden nurseries, home improvement, or farm stores.
The Utah Vegetable Production Guide can be accessed digitally as a PDF online or purchased through the USU Extension online store for $20. Limited copies will also be available at county USU Extension offices. Additionally, the content from the guidebook is currently being converted to a website to allow users access on their computers and mobile devices.