Utah State University Extension

It’s National Women’s Month! We wanted to share some amazing stories of women in ag, right here in Utah as well as share how Extension impacts people every day. Jessica Lym grew up with a deep appreciation for hard work and resilience, values that now shape her life in agriculture. She and her husband, both USU graduates, are raising a family alongside their herd while also sharing their passion for agricultural education. Their ranch, located in Bridgeland, Utah, runs about 65 head of cattle every year with hopes to grow! This year they started Merry and Bright, an agritourism business that offers horse-drawn wagon rides through festive light displays during the holidays. Jessica also inspires young minds at her early childhood learning center, helping children find wonder in everyday moments and follow their dreams in the ag world. USU Extension has played a key role in supporting their journey, offering expertise and hands-on opportunities for both their business and their community. Whether through interactive workshops or agricultural resources, Extension helps ensure that people’s passions, hobbies, and careers have the support they need to grow.

At USU Extension’s Annual Conference last week,? Extension professionals from across Utah came together to strategize and plan for the future. USU Extension Senior Vice President Ken White presented awards, shared highlights, and emphasized Extension’s commitment to using innovative ways to serve the people in our state.

?? Who is JoLene? JoLene bleeds green! As one of Utah’s first 4-H Ambassadors, JoLene has dedicated her life to 4-H youth development and Extension. Her journey began as a 4-H member, continued as a scholarship recipient at Utah State University, and led to her dream job as a USU Extension professor specializing in family and consumer sciences and state 4-H ambassadors. ? What do you do for Extension and people in your county? JoLene works with the amazing youth in Utah County, guiding them to grow in confidence and leadership skills. She focuses on teen leadership programs like state 4-H ambassadors and other family and consumer sciences 4-H programs. JoLene loves seeing young people give back, lead others, and prepare for bright futures. ?? Why do you love working in Extension? “I love working with the most amazing youth and seeing them grow in confidence and skills that prepare them for amazing futures. Watching them give back and lead others is the best part of my job.” ?? Tell us a fun fact about you! JoLene’s entire family shares her love for 4-H! She was one of the first state 4-H ambassadors, and her husband served as a 4-H volunteer advisor for six years. All three of their children became state ambassadors, and JoLene finally received her green jacket in 2020 as the state ambassador's staff advisor. This past weekend, they celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary by taking a “legacy photo” in their green jackets—a moment JoLene had dreamed of for years. Thank you, JoLene, for your dedication and for inspiring Utah’s youth! ??

Feeling overwhelmed by all the uncertainty in life right now? USU Extension’s three-part series, “Skills to Support Mental Health in Uncertain Times,” has got you covered. Each article is packed with practical, research-backed tips to help you stay grounded and resilient. Topics in the series include: Being Open: Learn to accept tough emotions without getting stuck. Cultivating Awareness: Use mindfulness to stay present and reduce stress. Being Engaged: Align your actions with what really matters to you. Check out the full series and start feeling more in control. https://lnkd.in/gwUqWnaM

Thanksgiving wouldn’t be the same without the farmers and ranchers who make it all possible. This season, let’s show gratitude for their hard work. Happy Thanksgiving from USU Extension!

This holiday season, enjoy healthy, delicious meals without the extra stress. The Create Better Health Holiday Cookbook has recipes, tips, and ideas to help you plan, prep, and enjoy the holidays. Inside, you’ll find: Meal planning and shopping guides. Tips for food safety and smart storage. Creative ideas for leftovers and festive touches. Get your free copy now. Download here or visit your local Extension office to see if they have printed copies available. Make this holiday season your healthiest yet! https://lnkd.in/gCJatpXZ

We have some of the best agents in the country, and we’d like to feature them! We’re excited to introduce Jake Hadfield from Utah and Juab Counties! ? What do you do for Extension and people in your county? I serve as an Extension Faculty member specializing in agriculture and rangeland for Utah and Juab Counties. My work focuses on conducting applied research and delivering educational programs tailored to the needs of local agricultural producers and industry professionals. This ranges from organizing educational events like workshops and field days to providing one-on-one consultations on crop management, livestock production, and rangeland management. I collaborate with industry experts to ensure that producers have access to the most up-to-date information, helping bridge the gap between research and practical solutions. ?? Why do you love working in Extension? I love the opportunity to serve others and be an integral part of the community. Whether it’s through farm visits, county fairs, or field days, I get to connect with people directly and see the impact of my work. Working closely with local agricultural producers and helping them thrive through research, education, and practical advice is incredibly fulfilling. There’s something truly special about seeing the positive difference Extension can make in the lives of farmers and ranchers, and in the community as a whole. ?? Tell us a fun fact about you! My wife also works for Extension, and together we share a unique hobby: raising meat rabbits! It’s a fun side venture that allows us to work with animals on a small scale outside of our professional roles.

Utah State University Extension’s Empowering Financial Wellness (EFW) program recently earned first place in the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences’ awards for outstanding financial education. This recognition speaks to EFW’s commitment to financial literacy and its impact on helping Utah residents make smart financial decisions. EFW was launched in partnership with the Department of Workforce Services to empower limited-income households and educators across Utah with practical, research-backed financial knowledge. Through engaging webinars, workshops, and resources, EFW tackles essential topics such as budgeting, debt management, homeownership preparation, and planning for inflation. With over 21,000 participants across the state, EFW continues to make a meaningful difference, helping Utahns improve savings, reduce debt, and gain confidence in their financial futures. The program collaborates with partners like the Utah Financial Empowerment Coalition and the Utah Office of the State Treasurer, amplifying its outreach and effectiveness. Looking to gain financial confidence? Visit the EFW website to join a class or find resources that suit your goals! https://lnkd.in/gQAQzzTV

Are you prepared for an emergency at work? Many of us spend the majority of our day at the office, but we often forget about preparing for the unexpected while we’re there. Here are a few simple steps to help you stay safe and ready, just in case: Keep enough food and water at your desk to last a few days in case you need to shelter in place. Make sure your team has an evacuation plan so everyone knows what to do. Store a backup pair of shoes—running in heels isn’t fun for anyone! Have essential supplies like a flashlight and an emergency blanket within reach. Secure any tall shelves or cabinets to prevent them from tipping over if an earthquake hits. Taking a few small steps today can make all the difference tomorrow.

Do you want to learn how to grow your own mushrooms? Our new guide from Jacob Hawkes, Paul Grossl, and Melanie Stock will get you started on the interesting and nutritious world of growing mushrooms. This publication provides a simple guide for beginners interested in growing basic gourmet mushrooms at home for personal use with easily accessible, relatively inexpensive materials. https://lnkd.in/g_6mxcXc