Extension Updates | Internal Newsletter

October 20, 2014

Published every other week

4-H Meat Donation Program Feeds Utah Food Bank

Food banks and charitable organizations are usually successful in collecting cans and boxes of food, but donated meat is harder to come by. A group of 4-H youth from Farmington wanted to change this and found a way to donate high-quality meat to the Utah Food Bank in 2005. They created what has now become an annual program that has provided approximately 905,000 pounds of meat to Utahns in need over the last 10 years. Click here to read more.

Forestry Extension Assists with Mobile Pyrolysis Unit

The Washington Department of Natural Resources sponsors a demonstration of Amaron Energy's new mobile pyrolysis unit Oct. 22 and 23 at the Willis Enterprise Chip Plant in Cle Elum, Wash. The unit was developed with assistance from Utah State University Forestry Extension and the Utah Biomass Resources Group. Click here to read the story.

Webinar Presentation

4th Annual Food Day Extension Webinar Simulcast Presentation - Plant-powered Eating for Optimal Health with Sharon Palmer, registered dietitian and author, Wed., Oct. 22, 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Click here to join. Click here to read more about Food Day events.

Save the Date

The 2014 Restoring the West Conference, "Down by the River: Managing for Resilient Riparian Corridors," Oct. 21-22, USU campus. With two days of talks and a poster session, this year's conference brings together experts in the ecology and management of riparia, streams and watersheds across the North American West. Keynote addresses will be given by Drs. Bob Beschta (Oregon State University), David Merritt (USFS/Colorado State University) and Heida Diefenderfer (Battelle Pacific Northwest Lab). Click here for information.

Utah State University Botanical Center Dash in the Dark 5K, Friday, Oct. 24, 6 p.m. at the USUBC, 920 South 50 West, Kaysville. Participants will jog through the USUBC garden trails, around ponds and through the center's arboretum while being chased by infectious zombies. Open to ages 12 or older of any athletic ability. Tickets are on sale now for early registration at $12. Registration will be $15 starting the week of the event. Click here to register. Those interested in playing zombies can contact Jayne Mulford.

Webinar: Socioeconomic Issues and Biofuel Energy - Presented by the National Agricultural and Rural Development Policy Center Monday, Oct. 27, noon.

The webinar will focus on biofuels impact on food commodity prices and GHG emission reductions. Presenter Harry de Gorter is professor in the Dyson School of Applied Department of Applied Economics and Management, Cornell University. His research focus is on agriculture and trade policy with recent work on biofuels, food waste and agricultural trade reform and the Doha Development Agenda, especially the impact of subsidies and protection on developing countries.

Click here to participate, "enter as a guest," type your name, and click on "enter room."

The Food Distribution Research Society annual conference Monday, Nov. 3 through Wednesday, Nov. 5, Salt Lake City, "The Role of Local Food Sourcing and Destination Image in Enhancing Economic Development." The conference provides the opportunity to learn from national and local speakers, network and explore sights and outdoor and culinary opportunities of Salt Lake City. Speakers are from private industry, government agencies and academics. A variety of educational tours are available on Monday. Nov. 3. Click here for additional information.