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Show drainage and irrigation. The major part of this reclamation will be in the Western States, with a sizeable portion in Utah. If Utah is to share in the Nation's required agricultural production, it must first meet its own needs. But in both respects, water is the key. Its supply is the factor that limits the utilization of arable lands in the State to less than 50% of their full potential. This is the retarding influence which cuts down the intensity of use and productivity of about 60% of fho I3" 0" now under irrigation, as well as the one- half million acres now used for dry farming. Water, so urgently needed, can be made available in large part by means of transbasin diversion, by bringing it from areas where production possibilities are limited. MAJOR TRENDS IN THE AGRICULTURE OF UTAH ... ITS MECHANIZATION ... ITS INDUSTRIAL USES ... The Community Foundation ... Strongly supporting Utah's agriculture is a highly desirable community and institutional pattern. Essentially every farm in the State has available, within a reasonable distance, such community institutions as elementary and secondary schools, churches, retail stores and service establishments. Most farm communities have medical, dental and hospital services. Electric power and telephone systems, good roads and marketing services are available to most of the farms. No less important is the character of Utah's farm people. Their basic philosophy of cooperation and community action lends stability and dignity to their business and profession. Most of them are reasonably well educated and aware of the need to do the most with the resources at their disposal. Full farm ownership in Utah is high. In 1946, 70% of Utah's farms were operated by full owners and only 8% were operated by tenants, as compared with the national farm tenancy average of 32%. Partnerships account for the somewhat large remainder of Utah farms which, due to the prevailing small- sized farms and - WATER FOR UTAH the non- contiguous pattern of ownership, results in the combining of small units for more efficient operation. One of the most important of trends in the agriculture of Utah- in spite of its somewhat static productive position - is its greater integration than heretofore into the general economic activity of the State. The emergence of manufacturing industry, such as the Geneva Steel plant, has created a wide market for home- produced fruits, vegetables and meat. In addition, and quite unusual in terms of the national pattern, a large portion of the employees of such new manufacturing industry carry on part- time agricultural pursuits along with their industrial employment. In spite of this basically favorable foundation for a healthy agricultural economy, the lack of adequate water has produced severe weaknesses in the resulting structure. The income derived from farming is low, primarily because the individual farms are small in size and because Utah's agriculture as a whole is unable to adjust itself to take advantage of those markets for farm products which would provide a greater income base. Both of these ills can be overcome only when water supplies are so supplemented as to permit the enlargement of total acreage, more intensive cropping, and the cultivation of those crops which are in greatest demand. For example, lands that are now growing forage and feed crops, given adequate water, could grow fruit, potatoes, sugar beets and other higher value crops. Some lands now yielding M/ 2 to 2 tons of hay or 30 to 35 bushels of barley, with sufficient water, could yield 3 or 4 tons of hay, or 60 to 70 bushels of barley per acre. Many new farms could be developed so that surplus labor on existing farms could be given a gainful outlet. These new lands would be just as productive as a good part of the existing crop lands. The new lands in the vicinity of established communities would benefit immediately by proximity to necessary services. Given adequate water supplies, all other fay- [ 23] |