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The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) and the Wyoming Livestock Board have agreed to allow brands on cattle to be used as official identification for cattle moving between Utah and Wyoming. This is in response to the changes in official identification requirements by the USDA.

“We have a large number of cattle that move between Utah and Wyoming each year,” said Leann Hunting, UDAF Animal Industry Director. “This agreement has been made to lessen the burden placed on the many livestock producers who move cattle between our two states.”

Under federal law, official identification is required for dairy cattle, cattle going to a show, exhibition, rodeo, or recreational event, or sexually intact beef cattle over 18 months of age. Official identification aids state animal health officials in tracing exposed animals if disease outbreaks occur.

Under federal law, brands can only be used as the sole means of identification if:

• The brand is registered with the state
• There is an agreement (like this one) between the state of origin and state of destination
• The animals are accompanied by a brand inspection certificate

Cattle that require official identification and that are being transported to states without this brand agreement are required to be identified with one of the following official forms of identification:

• An official individual identification tag such as an “840” RFID tag or metal tag placed prior to November 5, 2024
• A registration tattoo, if accepted by the state of destination, or
• A group/lot identification number when allowed

This agreement does not change the import requirements for Utah or Wyoming. Producers should check the import requirements for Utah and Wyoming before making any such movements.

If producers or veterinarians have any questions about the requirements under this agreement or other identification requirements, please contact the office of the State Veterinarian at [email protected] for Utah or [email protected] for Wyoming.

A virtual informational meeting will be held for producers on Friday, March 21, 2025 at 9:00am. Interested media partners may contact Bailee Woolstenhulme for the meeting link.

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) is seeking grant proposals for the 2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant. This funding is available for projects designed to enhance the competitiveness of Utah-grown specialty crops; specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and horticulture and nursery crops; a full list of specialty crops is available here.

“Utah is the nation’s second leading producer of tart cherries and climate produces some of the most desirable stone fruit in the nation, all of which are specialty crops that are vital important to our state,” said Kelly Pehrson, UDAF Interim Commissioner. “The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food is proud to administer this grant program and looks forward to innovative developments in the state’s specialty crop industries.”

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) is a competitive grant program operated by the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food to administer federal funds from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. This grant is open to producers, private businesses, schools, trade associations, non-profits, farming and ranching co-ops, etc. headquartered in Utah. Applications for grant funds should describe how the project potentially affects and produces measurable outcomes for the specialty crop industry and/or the public rather than a single organization, institution, or individual.

The application window will be open through April 9, 2025.  With current federal funding freezes, this funding could be reduced or cancelled, but UDAF is collecting applications with the hope that this funding will still be available. For more information, contact Allison Ross at [email protected] or visit https://ag.utah.gov/specialty-crop-block-grant-program.

Governor Cox has appointed Kelly Pehrson to serve as Interim Commissioner of the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF), effective March 8,  2025. Pehrson’s appointment follows the retirement of Commissioner Craig Buttars.

“I am honored for the opportunity to serve as Interim Commissioner as I have loved working with  Utah’s farmers and ranchers as Deputy Commissioner, and I look forward to continuing to  support them and the vital work they do for our state,” said Pehrson.

Pehrson was appointed as UDAF Deputy Commissioner in April 2019 and has served under the last three commissioners. He also previously served as Interim Commissioner in 2020, giving him valuable experience in leading the department during times of transition. Prior to joining UDAF, Pehrson spent 12 years in public service in San Juan County, serving initially as City Manager in Monticello and later as the County Chief Administrative Officer.  

Pehrson will serve in this role until a permanent commissioner is selected by Governor Cox.

Commissioner Craig W Buttars with the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) has announced his decision to retire, concluding four years of dedicated service to the State of Utah.

“I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity I have had to serve as the Commissioner of the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food,” said Buttars. “My love for agriculture and Utah’s farmers and ranchers has only grown stronger as I have served my time in this role. I hope they feel that I have represented them well and have helped make a positive impact for agriculture and the State of Utah.” 

Appointed by Governor Spencer Cox in January 2021, Buttars has provided steady leadership and fostered innovation within UDAF. Under his direction, the department has made significant strides in efficiency, policy development, and program expansion to better serve Utah’s agricultural community and the people of Utah.

During his tenure, Buttars has spearheaded key initiatives, including: 

• creating the Utah Food Security Processing Grant, strengthening local food systems and expanding processing capacity; 

• expanding the Agricultural Water Optimization Program, helping farmers and ranchers improve irrigation efficiency;

• expanding and improving the Utah Medical Cannabis Program; 

• improving internal operations, saving taxpayer dollars and improving efficiency; 

• and ensuring the voices of Utah’s farmers, ranchers, and food businesses were represented in critical policy discussions such as Great Salt Lake strategies, public land management, and other state and national agricultural issues. 

Buttars’ retirement marks the culmination of a distinguished career in public service. Prior to his role at UDAF, Buttars served as Cache County Executive, a member of the Cache County Council, and as a representative for Utah House District 3. His commitment to Utah’s communities and agricultural industry has been unwavering.

Commissioner Buttars will finish out his appointment through the end of the 2025 Utah Legislative Session, after which, Governor Cox will appoint UDAF’s next commissioner.