USU Extension highlights local ag research, SNAP‑Ed and youth programs to Utah County commissioners

My name is Sean Bettis, a county resident and an employee of Utah State University Extension, told the Utah County Commission that extension programs aim to provide research‑based information and fill roles traditional government does not. “extension tries to fill roles that traditional government does not,” Bettis said.

The presentation summarized several ongoing and pilot projects. Bettis described a pilot for “fenceless” livestock management that uses GPS or satellite‑linked collars to move cattle to grazing or watering areas without permanent fences. He said the approach is early in testing and could reduce labor and protect water and forage resources if it proves feasible.

Bettis also described work testing seedless table grapes and cold‑hardy hybrid wine grapes near Genoa. He said local growers have sold grapes at farmers markets for about $3.75 to $4 a pound and that, on a per‑acre basis, grape revenue could be roughly $20,000 — noting that this does not account for infrastructure or labor costs. Bettis framed grapes as a potential supplemental crop that, by his estimate, can use roughly 50% less water per acre than alfalfa.

On turf and water conservation, Bettis said the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food has approved sterile hybrid bermudagrass varieties. He said those hybrids spread vegetatively, use about half the water and require roughly half the fertilizer of traditional lawns; USU Extension has planted test plots to study establishment and homeowner performance.

Cindy Jenkins, who identified herself as part of the home and community department at USU Extension, discussed a loneliness‑prevention initiative that relies on community events and volunteers. Jenkins said last year the project logged about $50,000 in in‑kind volunteer hours and served roughly 200 participants; a recent event with about 60 attendees yielded 27 post‑event surveys of which “97% of them agreed and said this event helped me feel connected to my community.” She said the program aims to expand to serve about 300 people and continue leveraging volunteers.

Jenkins described the Create Better Health SNAP‑Ed education program, which she said is funded by USDA. She said SNAP‑Ed provides nutrition education statewide and that Utah County partners with local food banks and community centers to give attendees recipes and hands‑on instruction so donated food is used rather than wasted. Jenkins also said a local “Level Up” initiative is increasing the number of weekly activities from one or two to three or four as staffing allows; she said Create Better Health served about 418 participants last year and local partners provide a share of programming for Spanish‑speaking residents.

Heather Thompson, a Utah County 4‑H coordinator, described 4‑H’s national “Beyond Ready” initiative and local 4‑H achievements. Thompson said 4‑H programming fosters leadership and community service and highlighted a cowboy camp that brought more than 100 youth from 37 states and two Canadian provinces to Washington, D.C.; she said 98% of participants in a post‑evaluation “felt inspired to advocate for our culture and help others understand its importance.” Thompson said local 4‑H raised roughly $19,000 in donations last year and awarded educational scholarships to youth.

Commissioners did not take formal action on the presentation; staff said they would accept questions and follow up as needed. The presenters said staff would be available for additional details and invited commissioners to ask questions at the end of the briefing.

The presentation combined research trials (grapes, turf, livestock collars), nutrition and volunteer programs and youth education under the county’s cooperative agreement with USU Extension. Presenters emphasized local pilot results, volunteer contributions and an intention to scale programming where possible.