I’m a soil scientist and Utah’s Urban & Small Farms Extension Specialist. My extension programs target high-value crop production and soil management that includes efficient resource use (nutrients, water, and integrated small livestock) to improve the economic viability and environmental sustainability of urban and small farms. My extension and research programs are interconnected - my work with Utahns uncovers new research needs and ideas, while the data generated by my lab refresh my outreach.

o1.

Cut flower production

My outreach shares optimized production information for the U.S. Intermountain West that was developed through the Small Farms Lab research program. I also collaborate with local farmers, the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers, and am a proud board member of the Utah Cut Flower Farm Association.

02.

Resource Management

There is a lot of excitement about farming and gardening, but also a lot of misinformation regarding sustainable practices for long-term success. The core of my program targets soil management - soil fertility and nutrient cycling, tillage, irrigation, and urban contamination - to bring simplicity, yet precision - to small farms and take care of our vulnerable soils.

03.

Beginner Farm/Garden Education

I work with refugees in start-to-farm programs, community gardeners, urban homesteaders, and Master Gardener education. My programs emphasize all aspects of soil managements - from testing, to applying amendments, to growing those perfectly huge cloves of garlic, to troubleshooting when challenges arise.

04.

Animal Agriculture Integration

Most farms and homesteads manage crops and livestock, yet most agricultural programs keep these systems separate. I collaborate with other state specialists, county extension faculty, and 4H educators to bridge small animal agriculture with crops. Our focus covers husbandry, manure management, and public health.

Managing the soil for long-term viability, productivity, and sustainability comes down to targeting the right crops, right inputs, and right practices. Being a steward of the land means appropriate resource use and regular soil testing, and growing crops and animals that add value and purpose.