By. Dr. Ruby Ward, USU

Drought conditions continue to worsen across the state with increased acreage moving into extreme and exceptional drought categories. This is likely to change on-farm and on-range decisions regarding feeding through the fall and into winter. The Utah State University Department of Applied Economics has various programs to provide information on an ongoing basis to Utah farmers; two of which are highlighted below. For additional details on these and other programs visit http://extension.usu.edu/APEC or follow us on social media.

Programs:

 

• Precip & Prices: In this monthly offering, Ryan Larsen and Ana Thayer will discuss current weather conditions in Utah and provide an update on agricultural markets relevant to Utah producers. In the first edition released on October 2, Ryan and Ana talked about how worsening drought conditions are expected to lead to crop loss and deteriorating range and pasture conditions. Further, drought conditions are expected to persist through the winter. In response, Ryan indicated that this could mean producers will have to remove cattle off of range or pasture sooner than normal. We are also seeing the December corn futures prices are above $4.00 which could indicate higher prices for feed going into winter. Finally, the Pasture, Range and Forage Insurance deadline is November 15, 2020 and could be a suitable option for some operations. Recordings and short written summaries are available.  The next one will post on November 6th — additional information can be found here: https://extension.usu.edu/apec/precipandprices

 

• Utah Agriculture Outlook Webinar – The next webinar will be on November 17 from 11am to 1pm.  This is a quarterly series providing highlights on the outlook for Utah agriculture markets as well as other timely topics.  

 

To get details and information on these and other programs:

• • Website: Extension.usu.edu/APEC
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AppliedUtah/
  • Twitter: https://twitter.com/AppliedUtah
  • Instagram: https://instagram.com/usuappliedeconomics

By. Dr. Kelsey Hall, USU

Accepting SNAP at Your Local Food Business

Utah State University Extension Sustainability is hosting a series of webinars that aim to provide direct marketing farmers and ranchers an opportunity to expand their potential customer base by implementing electronic benefit transfer/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (EBT/SNAP) for their CSAs, farm stands and farm stores. This series of webinars offers participants a chance to learn from USU Extension, USDA Food and Nutrition Service, farmers, and partner organizations that operate Utah’s Double Up Food Bucks program. Please consider registering, and forward this information along to any individual or organization that could benefit from participating.

Please note you must register for each webinar separately.

Accepting SNAP as a Direct Marketing Farmer in Utah

November 5, 2020, 12 pm-1:30 pm MST
Direct marketing farmers that accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and offer the Double Up Food Bucks incentive program are emerging to help low-income individuals access local food products. This webinar will provide research-based information on (1) the benefits of accepting SNAP and Double Up and (2) how to become a SNAP authorized direct marketing farmer. Register here.

How SNAP Works for CSAs

November 12, 2020, 12 pm-1:30 pm MST
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is one option for low-income individuals to use their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for buying local, seasonal fruits and vegetables. This webinar provides information on (1) how SNAP and Double Up Food Bucks works through a CSA model, (2) how to recruit SNAP members, (3) and what information SNAP members need to join a CSA. Register here.

How SNAP Works for Farm Stands and Farm Stores

November 19, 2020, 12 pm-1:30 pm MST
Farm stands and farm stores are great options for low-income individuals to use their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for buying local, seasonal fruits and vegetables. This webinar provides information on (1) how SNAP and Double Up Food Bucks work for farm stands and farm stores, and (2) how to advertise to SNAP shoppers. Register here.

Choosing, Using & Funding POS Equipment

December 3, 2020, 12 pm-1:30 pm MST
Growers in Utah have POS equipment options when accepting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This webinar provides information on (1) the options for equipment, (2) record keeping, and (3) resources for purchasing POS equipment. Register here.

Support for this webinar series is from Utah State University Extension, Utah Farmers Market Network, Utahns Against Hunger, and Utah Department of Health. The webinar series is funded by a Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) Grant from the USDA.

For more information contact Kelsey Hall at kelsey.hall@usu.edu or 435-797-3289