Utah State University Extension Director JD Gunnell presented an end-of-year report to the Cache County Council on Oct. 28, summarizing the office's programming and return on county investment.

Gunnell (a horticulturist) described the Extension's work across five broad program areas: horticulture and the Master Gardener program (more than 50 participants who donated more than 1,500 volunteer hours), agriculture and farm technology support (including drone assistance during livestock searches and biosecurity work for dairies), youth development through 4-H (more than 70 chartered clubs and the state's largest dog program), nutrition and home-preservation education (including diabetes workshops and senior outreach), and community public-health work (Narcan training and warming-center assistance).

He highlighted county fair metrics: nearly 600 horticulture and floriculture indoor exhibits, more than 1,000 4-H indoor exhibits, and robust junior-livestock activity that generated notable sale totals for participants. Gunnell told the council the Extension office receives county support (listed at $288,000 for the year) that is combined with university faculty appointments and other grants and donations to produce an estimated 7-to-1 return on investment for the county's contribution.

The council thanked the Extension staff for the work; Gunnell closed by offering to answer questions and to direct council members to program staff for technical questions.