UTAH DROUGHT

Gox. Cox highlights farmer struggles in the Utah drought

Jul 16, 2021, 4:34 PM

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox speaks about difficulties faced by farmers and ranchers due to extreme drought at Roberts Family Farm on July 16 in Layton, Utah (photo: KSL TV)

(photo: KSL TV)

LAYTON — Gov. Spencer Cox wants Utah residents to understand how difficult things are for the average farmer and rancher in the state due to the ongoing extreme drought

From Roberts Family Farm in Layton, Cox made it clear that no one is doing more to cut water usage in the state than farmers and ranchers. 

“Utah farms and ranches have seen water cuts between 70- and 75% on most farms,” said Cox. “As a result, that’s dramatically reducing crops.” 

The governor says those reductions impact the food supply and livestock. Even Cox’s family farm in Fairfield, which mostly grows grains to sell to other farmers, has been seriously impacted. 

“We’ve seen a 75% reduction in water on my own farm and in production capacity,” Cox added. 

Cox also addressed the ongoing drought during his monthly news conference Thursday. 

Average Utah farmer severely hurt by drought

Roberts Family Farm owner Tyson Roberts says the consequences of the drought are dire this year. He was unable to farm about 15% of his land this year due to water cuts. Unfortunately, he says that’s about the profit margin for his farm on a good year. 

“When I say ‘survival mode’, I mean I hope I can pay the bills this year,” Roberts said. 

Roberts explains the drought won’t only impact the ability of one Utah farmer to keep the lights on; the rest of us will feel the consequences for years, he said. 

“When you go to the grocery store and buy some raspberries, it might be a shorter supply this year but also in the years to come if those plants are lost,” Roberts said. 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

Utah Drought

a sprinkler shoots water over grass, utah drought conditions have improved...

Allessandra Harris

Utah is no longer in a severe drought

After the state's record-breaking snowpack, and for the first time in four years, the state is out of severe drought conditions.

11 months ago

The Great Salt Lake is getting a little boost from a new water diversion coming from the Weber Rive...

Lindsay Aerts

Great Salt Lake getting a bump from Weber River water diversion

The Weber Basin Water Conservancy District said water released today from the Weber River will eventually make it to the Great Salt Lake.

11 months ago

Sprinklers water a lawn in Salt Lake City on Friday, May 7, 2021. (Spenser Heaps, Deseret News)...

Curt Gresseth

Are you eligible for a landscape rebate?

Only 35 of Utah’s 329 cities qualify for the landscape rebate, which pays homeowners $3 per square foot to rip out their thirsty lawns. Cynthia Bee of the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District joins the show to discuss the statewide program.

11 months ago

The Great Salt Lake on Wednesday. Utah researchers say the lake may end up gaining 6 feet between N...

Carter Williams, KSL.com

Record snowpack likely adds 2 years to Great Salt Lake’s long-term outlook, experts say

When taking into account the typical summer loss, he projects that the lake will be about 4,192.5 feet to 4,193 feet by the end of the year, close to current levels.

11 months ago

Joel Ferry, excecutive director of the Utah Dept..of Natural Resorces. (Ben Winslow)...

Ben Winslow, FOX 13

Strawberries in the Desert: From drip irrigation to vertical gardens, Utah officials learn how Israel does more with less water

The delegation walked into a greenhouse where plump, ripe strawberries were growing in the middle of the Negev Desert.

11 months ago

Utah lawmakers and elected officials recently took a trip to Isreal to see how the country effectiv...

Waverly Golden

Utah leaders look to Israel for water management and solutions

Utah lawmakers and elected officials recently took a trip to Isreal to see how the country effectively manages and creates water solutions to apply to Utah's ongoing drought.

11 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

Gox. Cox highlights farmer struggles in the Utah drought