Latest news with #UDAF
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Relief loan applications open for Utah's farmers impacted by ongoing drought
SALT LAKE CITY () — Just under a month after over drought concerns, the state's farmers have access to a $2 million loan fund. The state of emergency declaration was made after – only 44% of Utah's normal snowpack. At the time of the declaration, Cox urged Utahns to be 'extremely mindful' of their water use and find every possible way to conserve. But for Utah's farmers, the ongoing drought and water scarcity threaten crops, livestock and long-term viability, according to (UDAF) Commissioner Kelly Pehrson. Remains of Utah woman found a mile away from where her 'original remains' were discovered last year 'We recognize the tremendous strain drought places on farm families and rural communities, and the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food is committed to doing everything we can to help,' said Pherson. 'This loan program is just one of the tools we're using to support producers through this crisis and keep our agricultural economy strong.' Under the loan relief program, eligible farmers in the 17 impacted counties, found below, will be able to apply for a low-interest loan of up to $100,000. UDAF said the loans are seven-year loans with no interest for the first two years and a 2.75% interest rate for the five remaining years. The counties eligible for the loan are: Beaver Carbon Emery Garfield Grand Iron Juab Kane Millard Piute San Juan Sanpete Sevier Tooele Uintah Washington Wayne UDAF officials said applications for the relief fund loan will only be accepted until Oct. 23, 2025. Guidelines and application materials can be found online on the UDAF website, here. Farmers can also find additional relief programs through the with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Utah Subway franchise owner sued by federal agency over 2020 sexual assault Hassan, Noem lock horns over habeas corpus White House hold mock briefing for children Relief loan applications open for Utah's farmers impacted by ongoing drought The breathtaking Guardsman Pass scenic byway reopens for 2025 summer season Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Utah: Up to $2 million in drought relief for farmers
The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food announced on Tuesday the availability of low-interest loans for agricultural producers impacted by drought through the Emergency Disaster Relief Loan program. Up to $2 million is available for impacted agricultural producers in 17 counties widely expected to suffer the worst effects. In April, Gov. Spencer Cox issued a state of emergency due to ongoing drought in the following counties: Beaver, Carbon, Emery, Garfield, Grand, Iron, Juab, Kane, Millard, Piute, San Juan, Sanpete, Sevier, Tooele, Uintah, Washington and Wayne. The declaration recognizes the significant challenges the drought presents to Utah's agricultural economy and rural communities. Eligible producers in those counties may apply for relief loans of up to $100,000 per entity; up to $2 million total is available through the program. The loans are low-interest, seven year loans with no interest for the first two years, and 2.75% thereafter. Applications will be accepted until Oct. 23. 'Utah's agricultural producers are on the front lines of drought impacts, facing difficult decisions as water scarcity threatens crops, livestock, and long-term viability,' said Agricultural Commissioner Kelly Pehrson. 'We recognize the tremendous strain drought places on farm families and rural communities, and the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food is committed to doing everything we can to help. This loan program is just one of the tools we're using to support producers through this crisis and keep our agricultural economy strong,' he added. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 93% of Utah is abnormally dry. Just over 42% of the state is already classified as suffering from severe drought, while southwest Utah is in extreme drought. A recent report outlining the water supply outlook for Utah noted the precarious conditions playing out in that region. Soil moisture values in that area are breaking records for dryness, according to the Utah Snow Survey with the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Peak runoff forecasts are predicted to be in the bottom 15th percentile, if not record-setting. Despite resilient reservoir supply conditions, the agency said it remains 'very' concerned about the water supply outlook in the St. George area due to these factors. The area, in fact, is the driest it's been since the state first started taking records in 1895. Interested applicants should visit review program guidelines and application materials. UDAF encourages all producers to also contact their local USDA Farm Service Agency office to explore other federal drought assistance options. More drought resources are available at:
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Yahoo
$20K reward offered to help stop crimes against Utah livestock
SALT LAKE CITY () — If you have information about cattle theft in rural areas, you may get a $20,000 reward if your tip leads to an arrest. The said the (UDAF) is offering the reward, which will be given for 'any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of people individuals involved in crimes against livestock.' The sheriff's office said calving season in Utah typically means there is an increase in cattle theft. PHOTOS: Amur tigers share enclosure at Hogle Zoo for first time as keepers look to breed them 'We're asking the public to be vigilant and keep your eyes open for any suspicious activity in rural areas and report anything unusual,' the sheriff's office said. 'Cattle theft is a serious crime that directly impacts our local farmers and ranchers. Your help could make all the difference in bringing those responsible to justice.' Anyone with information about potential livestock crimes has been asked to call the sheriff's office immediately. The sheriff's office can be reached at 435-738-2015, or Central Dispatch can be reached at 435-738-2424. Alternatively, tips can be emailed to sheriff@ has reached out to the UDAF to learn more about the reward but has not yet heard back. There is no further information at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Associated Press
09-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Global Kratom Coalition Applauds Utah Legislature's Decision to Suspend HB 509; Encourages UDAF's Drive To Stringently Enforce Current Kratom Regulations
LOS ANGELES, CA, March 8, 2025 (EZ Newswire) -- The Global Kratom Coalition (GKC) commends the Utah Legislature for its decision to allow House Bill 509 (HB 509) to expire without moving to a floor vote, thereby avoiding onerous and vague pre-market approval requirements on a segment of kratom products in Utah. While the bill authors should be commended for their desire to strengthen Utah's kratom regulations, HB 509 proposed pre-market approval requirements that go far beyond Federal regulations. This action would have impeded consumer access to demonstrably safe products and created a costly and overreaching bureaucracy. 'We appreciate the desire for the bill's sponsors to address safety concerns. However, suspending HB 509 represents a positive outcome for Utah consumers and the dietary supplement industry at large,' said Matthew Lowe, Executive Director of the Global Kratom Coalition. 'Enacting pre-market approval measures would have been contrary to federal law, specifically the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994, marking an unprecedented regulatory paradigm.' With the failure of HB 509, the GKC is encouraged by the Utah Department of Agriculture's (UDAF) push to strengthen enforcement of the existing Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) through ensuring that all kratom products sold in the state are registered with UDAF and highly potent synthetic products like '7' are not sold in the state. This legislation, already in place, provides a framework for ensuring the safety and quality of kratom products. By enhancing enforcement efforts, UDAF can effectively weed out bad actors while supporting responsible businesses that comply with state regulations. Funding for enforcement remains an issue in Utah. A recent survey showed that 64 percent of the kratom products sold in Utah are not registered with UDAF. Strong compliance through enforcement will ensure that all compliant kratom companies are properly registered with the state and will therefore pay their requisite registration fees which will in turn help better fund the program. Beyond this, the GKC fully supports the implementation of a tax on kratom products that would give the necessary funding to UDAF to help them better regulate the kratom marketplace. The GKC will continue to work with the legislature to consider a tax in coming legislative sessions. 'The marketplace in Utah will be made safer through enforcement of existing laws, which serve to protect consumers from harmful products like those containing elevated levels of 7-hydroxymitragynine,' said Lowe. 'By focusing on strict adherence to the KCPA and requiring product registration, along with comprehensive labeling and safety standards, Utah can maintain a safe and regulated kratom marketplace that meets the needs of consumers.' The Global Kratom Coalition remains committed to working collaboratively with legislators and stakeholders to promote sensible regulation that ensures public health and safety while preserving access to kratom for those who rely on it. About the Global Kratom Coalition The Global Kratom Coalition is an alliance of kratom consumers, experts, and industry leaders dedicated to protecting access to kratom while advancing scientific research, driving consumer education, and developing robust regulations to protect consumers. For more information, visit SOURCE: Global Kratom Coalition
