Utah State University 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

We have some of the best agents in the country, and we’d like to feature them! We’re excited to introduce Brooke Holgate from Duchesne County! ? What do you do for Extension and people in your county? I serve as the Agriculture and Natural Resources Faculty for Duchesne County. Every day is different, and I answer questions ranging from livestock and trees to insects and alfalfa. It’s a job that requires constant learning, and I collaborate with a network of experts to find the best solutions for our community. I'm passionate about supporting our county’s agricultural heritage and helping it thrive. ?? Why do you love working in Extension? I love that every day is a chance to learn something new and work with the community to solve problems. Seeing the people around me grow, help each other, and keep agriculture alive is incredibly rewarding. I feel so lucky to be back in the county I grew up in, contributing to its future. ?? Tell us a fun fact about you! I’m a twin, and I absolutely love to read!

With all the hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires around the country, now is a good time to think about your own emergency plan. In Utah, we mainly prepare for two types of emergencies: those that make you leave your home and those that cause you to stay put. The first step? Make sure you have a plan for both! If you need to evacuate, where will you go? Do you have what you need to leave quickly with just the essentials? If you have to shelter in place, do you have enough supplies to last for days or even weeks without power or water? Get started by making a plan that covers both situations—be ready no matter what!

If your fridge is full (or even half full!), you have a farmer to thank! It's National Farmers Day! Thanks to all the farmers out there! We wouldn't be alive without them!

The Department of Kinesiology and Health Science is seeking an Assistant Professor to serve as an Extension Specialist focusing on Physical Activity and Mental Health.? ? This is a 12-month, tenure-track position based on the USU Logan Campus, with responsibilities extending statewide. We are looking for candidates with expertise in physical activity and mental health, particularly those who can contribute to addressing youth mental health, teen suicide prevention, and related public health needs. The role involves a combination of Extension, teaching, and service responsibilities, with a significant focus on developing and extending statewide outreach education and applied research.? ? Key responsibilities include:? - Leading Extension activities to improve community health and wellness.? - Collaborating with community-based Extension faculty and others to build impactful programs.? - Disseminating information to diverse audiences using varied teaching techniques.? - Publishing scholarly work and securing funding for outreach and research programs.? - Providing undergraduate and graduate instruction and mentoring students.? ? The review of applicants will begin on October 15, 2024, continuing until the position is filled.? ? For more details and to apply, please visit the job posting:? https://lnkd.in/ddCvk_iu? ? Inquiries can be directed to the search committee chair, Dr. Breanna Studenka, at 435-797-0109 or [email protected].? ?

We’re excited to introduce our new food safety specialist, Dr. Jose Brandao.?