August 3, 2026
Utah Food Systems Study Assesses Utah Local Food Access, Finds Opportunities for Growth
The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) is announcing the release of a commissioned study on Utah’s local food production industries, as directed and funded by the Utah legislature under H.B. 510. The study reports on local food availability, economic conditions and opportunities, barriers to entering the agricultural workforce, and food supply chain gaps. Key takeaways include a comprehensive
July 22, 2026
UDAF Launches Historic $11 Million Food Security Grant to Strengthen Utah’s Food System and Expand Access to Local Food
The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) is now accepting applications for the expanded Utah Food Security Grant (UFSG). This initiative will invest millions of dollars into projects designed to strengthen the state’s food supply chain and increase access to locally grown and raised food in rural communities. Through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Rural Health
July 17, 2026
UDAF Publishes Study with UOT on Surge in Agritourism Interest, Economy
Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) and the Utah Office of Tourism (UOT) announced the release of the 2026 Utah Agritourism Study. The comprehensive report, funded by an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant through the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration, quantifies the industry’s value and guides the long-term development of Utah’s rural and agricultural tourism sectors.
June 5, 2026
UDAF Prepares As New World Screwworm Confirmed in Texas
The Utah Department of Agriculture & Food (UDAF) has been notified that USDA-APHIS identified a confirmed case of New World screwworm (NWS) in Texas near the southern border. It is currently the only confirmed case in the United States. There are not yet any confirmed cases in Utah. New World screwworm is a fly whose larvae invade warm-blooded hosts via
June 2, 2026
Dairy HPAI Detected in Cache County: UDAF Enacts Mandatory Surveillance
On June 1, 2026, officials with the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) were notified of a sample from a dairy in Cache County that tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). As a result, UDAF is enacting mandatory weekly surveillance for HPAI in dairies in Cache County. Federal funding is available to cover the cost of this
May 28, 2026
Mastering Conservation Easement Appraisals
Live Virtual Program: Wednesday, August 12, 2026 10am-6pm ET/9am-5pm CT/8am-4pm MT/7am-3pm PT Level: Basic to Advanced This program is unique in the nation. It will address how to value conservation easements (CEs) and prepare qualified appraisals for tax-deductible CE donations. Attendees will be provided with extensive materials—including relevant laws, regulations, cases, and sample appraisal provisions—to use as a desktop guide. The five
March 25, 2026
Backyard Poultry Diseases – USU Extension – Urban Homestead Series
Let’s talk about poultry diseases that could be a threat to your flock! Join UDAF’s Dr. Sabo to learn how to recognize, prevent and address common backyard bird diseases including bumblefoot, coccidiosis, and bacterial and viral infections. The focus will be on practical housing, feeding and other husbandry practices backyard flock owners can follow to ensure healthy and productive birds.