The state’s One Utah Summit took place on Southern Utah University’s campus in Cedar City October 3-4. According to the official summit website, it is an event “convening Utah’s top leaders and decision-makers that influence the economic viability of rural Utah,” where many of Rural Utah’s biggest topics are shared and discussed.
Topics on farming, ranching and meat processing topped the list among discussions on tourism, drought, and disagreeing better across the state.
Here are some highlights from the summit:
- Utah State professor and agronomy specialist Earl Creech explained alfalfa’s key role in Utah agriculture. He highlighted sustainability and adaptability as some of its many benefits.
- A panel of tourism and outdoor recreation officials gave an on-the-ground perspective on actions based on the Red Emerald Strategic Plan to enhance outdoor recreation for visitors and communities.
- Lieutenant Governor Deidre Henderson proposed an idea for a high school community service requirement to benefit students and communities.
- Bjorn and Shanna Carlson shared their story of innovation of America’s food system. Their meat processing plant focuses on farm-to-table processing of local beef, pork, and lamb.
- Various panels and speakers discussed Governor Spencer J. Cox’s initiative to Disagree Better, an attitude he called, “The Utah Way.” Better disagreements can take place at the dinner table, in business and leadership settings, as well as on the congress floor.
- Breakout sessions also covered the purposes of Utah Inland Port Authority project areas, what rural Utahns want for the future of their communities, and building a drought resilient Utah.
In other news, the Governor’s Office released its Rural Affairs Quarterly Report on Friday. Capitol investments in rural communities has increased by more than double in fiscal year 2023, including investments in tourism marketing, drinking water, and trails.
– The Byway
Feature image courtesy Office of Governor Spencer.