With agriculture playing such an important role within the Castle Country, it’s important for those within the industry to know what resources are available to them. The perfect way to do that is coming up on Jan. 16 with the San Rafael Agriculture Programs Fair. Jessica Mortensen from the San Rafael Conservation District joined the KOAL newsroom to discuss the event and what it entails.

Mortensen first explained what the purpose behind the fair is,” The San Rafael Agricultural Programs Fair is for all of the agricultural producers in the area to come and learn about what federal agencies and state agencies are offering to them. Something to benefit what they’re already doing.”

She also touched on what organizations will be in attendance at the event,” our main speaker that we’re going to have there is with the Colorado River Authority of Utah. We’re going to have Marc Stilson in there talking about the different programs that the Colorado River is involved in,” explained Mortensen,” But we’ll also have other federal agencies there and the different programs that they offer. Some of those are like Natural Resource Conservation Services and all the programs that they offer. We’re also going to have the Division of Water Rights there as well to help with the Water Optimization Program.”

The event is open to everyone with no sign-up required. However, if you would like to RSVP or have a question regarding the event, you can contact Julie Weber through the Natural Resource Conservation Services office number at 435-381-2300, her work phone at 385-418-9860 or by email at julieweber@utah.gov.

“Come find out what’s involved with federal agencies and the state agencies and other local vendors that we’re going to have,” stated Mortensen, closing our conversation,” We’ll have IFA, Mountainland Supply and all those big guys. So come on out and enjoy your time.”

The San Rafael Agriculture Programs Fair will take place on Thursday, Jan. 16 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Emery County Recreation Center located at 75 South 400 East in Castle Dale.