Program Manager, Agricultural Water Optimization Program
Utah Department of Agriculture and Food
Bio:
Hannah Freeze is the Program Manager for the Agricultural Water Optimization Program with the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. For over 10 years Hannah has worked closely with private landowners implementing conservation projects on their farms and ranches. A large majority of the work she has completed has been focused on irrigation projects and animal waste projects on dairies and feedlots. Hannah enjoys working closely with farmers and ranchers and takes seriously the opportunity she has to be a voice for agriculture in many different settings. Feedback from farmers is always the best kind and she seeks for it regularly as she strives to guide the Agricultural Water Optimization Program forward.
Title: A Case for Utah Agriculture & How the Agricultural Water Optimization Program is Helping
Abstract: When someone thinks of Utah, agriculture may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But quietly and solemnly in the background of all our lives, Utah’s agriculture moves forward. For the first time in the history of our country, America is importing more food than it is exporting, a fact that should be alarming to all Americans. Investing in local agriculture not only ensures a safe food supply but gives Utah the capacity to provide food and fiber at a very local level.
The Agricultural Water Optimization Program has two goals. First, maintain viable agriculture without increasing depletion. Second, enhance water availability and minimize impacts on water supply, water quality and the environment. This discussion will give a case for maintaining viable agriculture in Utah and how doing so can be mutually beneficial to farmers and Great Sale Lake. It will also touch on the work moving forward in the Agricultural Water Optimization Program and how we can work together to wisely use Utah’s most precious resource.
Click here to learn more about the Agricultural Water Optimization Program.