Utah Celebrates September as Utah’s Own Month

What this means

A new statewide declaration celebrates Utah-grown and Utah-made ag and food products and the people behind them. September is officially Utah’s Own Month, following a declaration by Governor Spencer Cox establishing an annual celebration beginning in 2026. The designation recognizes the farmers, ranchers, food producers, and local businesses that feed Utah and contribute to communities across the state, while encouraging Utahns to discover, celebrate, and support local products.

Official release

Source material from Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. The wording below is the issuer’s statement.

A new statewide declaration celebrates Utah-grown and Utah-made ag and food products and the people behind them.

September is officially Utah’s Own Month, following a declaration by Governor Spencer Cox establishing an annual celebration beginning in 2026. The designation recognizes the farmers, ranchers, food producers, and local businesses that feed Utah and contribute to communities across the state, while encouraging Utahns to discover, celebrate, and support local products.

“We love to show the incredible work of the ag industry in Utah. Our farmers, ranchers, and food businesses work incredibly hard to provide the amazing products we enjoy every day,” said UDAF Commissioner Kelly Pehrson. “Utah’s Own Month gives us a chance to recognize that work, celebrate the people behind our food system, and encourage Utahns to support local producers.”

September was selected as Utah’s Own Month in recognition of Utah’s abundant harvest season, when locally grown foods are especially plentiful. From fresh produce, meat, and baked goods to honey, jams, sweets, and other locally made products, Utahns have countless opportunities to experience the diversity of food and agriculture across the state.

The declaration comes during a difficult year for producers who have faced challenges and disasters that have deeply affected their yields and ability to keep going. Drought, freeze, wildfire, disease, and unpredictable costs have undercut many, while UDAF and other industry groups have worked to provide avenues for more stability. Choosing locally produced food and products is one way Utahns can directly support the people working to keep agriculture thriving.

Utah’s Own Program Manager Emily Ashby said of the declaration, “We are thrilled to have a month dedicated to celebrating Utah’s agriculture and food businesses! We hope Utahns will look for the Utah’s Own logo when they shop, discover new local products and businesses, and make supporting Utah producers a habit not just in September, but throughout the year.”

Throughout September, Utah’s Own will celebrate with markets, events, and promotions across the state highlighting Utah producers and products. Utahns can participate by shopping at farmers markets and farm stands, choosing Utah products at grocery and retail stores, buying directly from local producers, and looking for the Utah’s Own logo when they shop. Visit utahsown.org to find local farms, farmers markets, and to shop for local products on the Utah’s Own member directory.

Media: UDAF can help connect reporters with Utah’s Own Program Manager Emily Ashby, who can speak on Utah’s Own Month and the celebration of Utah’s local food economy. To arrange an interview, contact Leon Page, UDAF Public Information Officer, at [email protected] or (801)946-5647.

Photo/B-Roll: UDAF-provided photos and B-roll are available for media use and may be downloaded here: Utah’s Own Month Clips

Release text attributed to Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. Consult the official publication for any subsequent corrections or updates.