Renovated Cooperation of "Farm to Table' program in Kane County
Horticulture & Turfgrass
Victoria Xiong
Extension Assistant Prof.
Utah State University
Kanab
Abstract
Kane county sits on the southern border of Utah. The top three economic revenues are tourism, services, and agriculture. Some international points of interest in Kane County are Lake Powell, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Grand Canyon-north rim. With a population of just over 7,500, Kane county serves over 23,000 nationwide and international tourists on average before the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, local restaurants and resorts realized the importance of being self-sufficient in primary produces and supplies, surviving challenging situations with few tourists, and serving the local community better. Starting in January 2022, the Kane County agriculture agent renovated the initial “Farm to Table” program that two restaurants: The Wild Thyme Café and the Zion Mountain Ranch, adopted. The renovation started with soil and water tests for the on-site raised beds, established garden, and hydroponic system then moved on with seasonal production planning. Trained Master Gardeners were assigned to give small workshops for the facility employees before the gardening season, following onsite scouting and helping during the production season. With professional help and guidance, the growing season overcame the obstacles, including nationwide tomato root rot and production decline, pest prevention and control in the very early stage, and irregular summer rain/drought periods. The end-of-season impacts showed that 1) The Wild Thyme Café achieved the self-sufficient goal of 75% tomatoes, 90% of chili pepper & cucumbers, and 100% of herbs & eatable flowers; 2) the Zion Mountain Ranch achieved the self-sufficient goal of 50% tomato, 75% chili pepper & small fruits, 100% pumpkin and winter squashes, and 100% beef and bison meat; 3) The Wild Thyme Café saved more than $1800 per week on purchasing the produces, while the Zion Mountain Ranch saved over $2500 during the harvest season; 4) the fresh production gardens and facilities attract at least 20% tourists while encouraging 50% local customers to visit the restaurants.
Authors: Victoria Xiong
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Victoria Xiong Extension Assistant Prof., USU Extension- Kanab, Utah, 84741