Announcing the first episode of our brand new UDAF Animated Series.  We’re excited for this new platform to share what we do, our goals, new stories and have a little fun!

Watch the first one here:

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) Brand Inspection Program is a critical asset to Utah’s livestock industry, the state’s largest agricultural sector. UDAF unequivocally supports the Brand Inspection Program and the importance of third-party, in-person brand inspections. 

As expanding agricultural and food processing infrastructure is a priority of the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF), we are pleased to learn that Utah will soon be home to the nation’s only commercial wool testing laboratory — Wasatch Wool Laboratories, a new wool testing laboratory based in Midvale, Utah.

Reliable laboratory testing is critical to the success and marketability of local wool production. Adding this infrastructure to Utah will be a boon to Utah’s wool industry, making Utah the nation’s epicenter of wool testing. Since the closing of Colorado’s Yocom-Mcoll Testing Laboratories, wool producers nationwide were required to send samples overseas for commercial testing, primarily to facilities located in New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.

“One of the Department of Agriculture’s priorities right now is developing agricultural and food processing infrastructure. It’s important for us to support all aspects of infrastructure that assist our producers in preparing their products to be marketed to the public.” — UDAF Commissioner Craig W Buttars. Utah is the fourth largest producer of wool in the nation, shearing 2,140,000 lbs in 2019 alone — about 10% of the nation’s total wool production.

“The Utah Wool Growers Association is excited about the prospect of having supportive infrastructure for the wool industry in Utah. Adding this will allow us to take an environmentally friendly product and make it even more sustainable by reducing the product’s carbon footprint by not having to send it overseas for testing. Each class of wool is excellent for something specific; there are different uses for different products. Wool testing allows you to target your sales to specific audiences, for example coarse wool for outer layers and fine wool for luxury goods.” — Sierra Nelson, Executive Director of the Utah Wool Growers Association.

“One of the things we’re doing is affirming the sheep industry’s presence in Utah. Wool from across the nation will come through this new testing facility. Having a testing lab creates emerging markets for wool to be established in Utah.” — Alberty Wilde, a 6th generation Utah rancher and partner with GRIP6, a local manufacturer, in Wasatch Wool Labs.

To learn more about the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food’s ongoing economic development initiatives contact Linda Clark Gillmor at [email protected].

For more information about Wasatch Wool Labs, email [email protected] or join their open house Thursday, April 8, at 12:30 pm at 7037 Hightech Dr. Midvale, UT 84047.

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As many families bring fresh Christmas trees into their homes this time of year, the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) would like to issue a reminder to watch for evidence of invasive species, particularly indicators of the gypsy moth and pine shoot beetle. Though there are a number of fresh tree lots throughout Utah, the majority of those trees are brought in from out of state. Whenever trees, firewood, or greenery are transported, there’s a risk for the transportation of pests. While many insects are beneficial, those on UDAF’s invasive species watch list are not.

Invasive species are known to cause between 50-80% of agriculture crop losses per year and the impact on urban forests can be devastating. “Most people don’t think about pathways for invasive species. They see a beautiful Christmas tree or piece of wood furniture and don’t realize it could be a carrier for an unwelcome insect,” said Kristopher Watson, UDAF Insect Program Manager and State Entomologist. UDAF has published a list of current insect quarantines and other helpful information from the Insect and Pest Program here.

UDAF would like to emphasize the importance of purchasing trees from reputable sources who work with our team of inspectors and comply with regulations and quarantines designed to stop the spread of invasive pests. Managing insects is essential to the Department’s mission to promote the healthy growth of Utah agriculture, conserve our natural resources and protect our food supply. According to Watson, only one gypsy moth has been found in Utah in the last few years, and no pine shoot beetles have been detected, which he credits to public awareness and UDAF’s regulatory responsiveness. “Our method for regulating invasive species is strict enforcement of a robust inspection program,” said Watson. “That means working with vendors to create an environment where everyone wins so we can maintain the social, environmental and economic integrity of our state’s overall agricultural wellness.”

As with many agricultural products and commodities, UDAF reminds consumers to look for local options. Utah State University has a helpful page with Utah-grown Christmas tree farms and vendors along with information on cut-your-own tree permits from land management agencies found here. For those considering cutting and bringing home a wild tree, helpful information from the U.S. Forest Service can be found here.