Utah
FOX 13 Investigates: Utah’s top cash crop is consuming most of our water
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BERYL, Utah — Craig Laub’s father began rising alfalfa hay right here after he got here residence from the Military.
“He got here residence after World Warfare II,” Laub mentioned, “come out right here and developed the farm from sagebrush.”
Now the Laub household grows 10,000 tons of alfalfa a 12 months within the southwest Utah desert.
“Mainly a matter of economics,” Laub explains. “We needed to have a money crop.”
Alfalfa farmers like Luab try to irrigate extra effectively, however Laub’s irrigation pivots are nonetheless drizzling 900 gallons a minute onto his alfalfa.
Which means his discipline close to Beryl is receiving as a lot water each 2-and-a-half hours as, in accordance with U.S. Environmental Safety Company estimates, the typical household of 4 makes use of in a 12 months.
About two-thirds of all water diverted in Utah goes to rising hay, mentioned Gabriel Lozada, an affiliate professor of economics on the College of Utah. He just lately wrote an evaluation of hay and water in Utah.
If we have been to cease rising hay right this moment, what number of extra homes might we water in Utah? Lozada says residential water use might enhance six occasions.
But hay farming in 2020 was lower than 1% of Utah’s gross home product, Lozada discovered.
“And so the worth system does not work for water in agriculture,” Lozada mentioned.
That’s as a result of farmers usually purchase water rights after they buy actual property. In contrast to, say, many residential water payments, water rights holders don’t need to pay extra based mostly on consumption.
“And that generates large inefficiencies,” Lozada mentioned.
Mining is a a lot bigger export for Utah. Coal and copper aren’t edible, and Lozada acknowledges: “Free market economics does not actually take that under consideration.”
Hay turned a money crop in Western states as a result of it’s sturdy. Alfalfa, for instance, solely must be replanted each 5 – 6 years, survives temperature extremes and doesn’t essentially want any fertilizer or pesticides.
That doesn’t imply you simply add water. Hay additionally requires numerous labor and diesel gasoline. Tractors and different farm implements minimize it, rake it, chop it and spit it into trailers.
The Laub household hauls their chopped hay to a manufacturing facility close to Beryl. The alfalfa is compressed into cubes – type of like a hay bale the dimensions of a saltshaker.
A few of their hay is bought to native ranchers. A few third of the Laubs’ cubes – and a few third of Utah hay general – are bought abroad.
“We export to Japan and Taiwan, primarily,” Laub mentioned.
Laub will brag about how environment friendly his farm is getting with water. At his discipline close to Beryl, water used to shoot out of the highest of his two-story tall irrigation pivots, among the liquid evaporating earlier than it hit the bottom.
Now hoses with nozzles on their ends dangle from the pivot, drizzling water simply inches from the bottom. Cash from the Utah Legislature has helped Laub and different farmers pay for the upgrades.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox just lately launched a plan to assist farmers preserve extra water. It requires extra irrigation and expertise upgrades. It doesn’t talk about asking farmers to pay extra or dissuading hay farming.
“We’re near three-acre ft now to lift the identical crop that we raised four-acre ft earlier,” Laub mentioned.
That doesn’t imply others can drink or tub in water that Laub conserves. Utah legislation requires water rights holders put the water to helpful use or danger forfeiting their rights to it.
“It’s type of a scorching subject and Utah water legislation proper now,” mentioned Emily Lewis, who teaches water legislation on the College of Utah.
She mentioned the state’s authorized neighborhood is looking for a framework the place rights holders like Laub can simply promote extra water to different customers.
“There are different states who’ve checked out this and adopted their legal guidelines to acknowledge a solution to incentivize,” Lewis mentioned.
Lewis says Utah water legislation is difficult, however has labored effectively. She pointed to the spot the place she just lately met the FOX 13 crew – Metropolis Creek Park in Salt Lake Metropolis.
“This was the place the place Brigham Younger’s exploratory occasion first dammed up Metropolis Creek Canyon,” she mentioned.
“This actually is Water Proper No. 1 right here within the state of Utah.”
Lozada agrees a water-trading system would profit farmers and cities. It could additionally require infrastructure investments. Laub, for instance, pumps his water out of the bottom beneath his personal fields. Anybody else wanting the water must transport it.
In the meantime, Utah grew lower than 2% of U.S hay in 2020. Lozada thinks a discount in Utah hay would have little affect on meals costs.
“It isn’t that farmers are doing something dangerous,” Lozada mentioned. “It is that the financial atmosphere that we have put farmers in is not acceptable for a local weather that is getting increasingly more arid.”
“Until someone comes up with one thing higher, it’s the money crop,” Laub mentioned. “It is the very best crop for us to lift.
“You wish to drink milk. You want beef. All these items that we increase. I imply, alfalfa instantly isn’t any use to you, however it certain provides to your weight loss plan.”
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Utah
2025 three-star defensive back Manny Fuller commits to Utah
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Utah’s football program, led by coach Kyle Whittingham, continues its impressive recruitment streak with the commitment of Shelton “Manny” Fuller, a three-star safety from El Paso, Texas. Fuller, the 11th commitment to wrap up June, and the 13th for the 2025 class, which adds significant value to the team’s defensive lineup.
Fuller, who visited Salt Lake City earlier this month, had also considered Houston, BYU, and Oregon State before deciding on Utah. He was Initially planning to commit in August, but announced his decision early via Instagram.
Fuller was ranked as the No. 44 athlete in the 2025 class, according to 247Sports. At 6-feet and 170 pounds, he’s known for his versatility and physicality on the field. Without question his combination of strong ball skills with an aggressive playing style, particularly excelling in run defense. As he continues to develop physically, his tackling power is expected to improve, enhancing his already notable defensive capabilities.
Utah hits three of the biggest lists for EA Sports College Football 25
Fuller’s commitment marks the ninth defensive player for Utah in 2025, joining a robust group of recruits including quarterback Wyatt Becker, tight end Drew Clemens, and several defensive standouts like Nela Tupou and Max Fonoimoana. With this strong early recruitment drive, Utah is building significant momentum and positioning itself for a successful future.
Utah
Utah family mourns loss of son after construction accident
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SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah family is mourning the death of their son after a fall on Friday. The 14-year-old was working on a job site with his stepdad when he fell through a skylight.
Keenan Conte’s family says he loved music and hanging out with family and cousins. They say they are going to miss his big personality every day.
“We have four kids and they’re all best friends,” says Bryant Coburn, Keenan’s stepdad.
When Bryant and Keenan’s mom, Rachelle Coburn realized their son would not survive his injuries, they faced a tough decision on whether to donate his organs.
“Anytime he could help someone he was helping them,” Rachelle Coburn said, which is ultimately why they made the quick decision on organ donation. in “In order to be able to salvage organs it took our time with him from hours to minutes but that’s what Keenan would want.”
They say Keenan was a homebody who loved music.
Rachelle Coburn says she always knew her son was special, but now she knows others thought so too.
“In his passing, I realized it’s not just me, his mom being biased,” Rachelle Coburn said. “Everyone that has reached out has said how kind and caring he was, like just the best friend.”
There is a *GoFundMe set up to help the family.
*KSL TV does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
Utah
Utah Hockey Club's 1st development camp 'special' for prospects | NHL.com
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PARK CITY, Utah — The Utah Hockey Club opened the first development camp in team history on Monday, marking the first time any skater took the ice with the Utah logo.
“I knew it was going to be fun, I knew it was going to be special,” said forward Tanner Ludtke, who was selected in the third round (No. 81) of the 2023 NHL Draft. “Just getting here and seeing Utah for the first time and being here is just better than I could ever imagine.”
Among the 32 players taking part in this week’s camp are all 11 picks from last week’s 2024 NHL Draft, including first-round selections Tij Iginla and Cole Beaudoin.
Iginla, the son of Hockey Hall of Famer Jarome Iginla, was the first pick in Utah history, going at No. 6. The forward scored 47 goals in 64 games for Kelowna in the Western Hockey League during the 2023-24 season. He wore No. 12, the number his dad wore for most of his NHL career.
“The guys are good,” said Iginla. “We got a lot of big boys out there. It looks good, and it’ll be fun to keep seeing the guys over the week.”
Beaudoin was Utah’s second pick in the first round at No. 24. The forward had 62 points (28 goals, 34 assists) for Barrie in the Ontario Hockey League.
“There’s so many resources out there, like skating coaches, skills coaches, all the staff,” said Beaudoin. “It was amazing to talk to them and get to know everybody and be on the ice.”
The camp will end with a scrimmage in Salt Lake City on Friday.
“I was a little nervous going in, I think everyone was with their first camp,” said defenseman Will Skahan, who was selected in the second round (No. 65). “I think as you went along in practice you got used to it, you got comfortable, and you became more confident. It’s just an honor to be here.”
The more experienced prospects in camp are looking to continue their development in Utah’s organization.
“I want to take another step,” said Ludtke, who played for the University of Nebraska-Omaha last season. “I want to help the young guys and be there for them when they need advice or whatever it is. At the same time, I want to be a leader on the ice, make plays, contribute, and kind of lead the way a little bit.”
Lee Stempniak, Utah’s director of player development, said: “It’s the most talented group we’ve had in my four or five years with the organization. We have guys that are good kids, they work hard, they want to be coached, and we have the resources to give them a great week to set them up for success.”
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