Utah farmers face drought, cold snap, and loan relief
Utah farmers face drought, cold snap, and loan relief
US · Published Sep 15, 2026
Utah farmers and ranchers are grappling with a challenging year marked by a record-low snowpack, severe drought, and a spring cold snap following an unusually warm winter.
These conditions have led to significant agricultural losses, including a 'fruit famine' and the loss of 1,000 cattle due to wildfires.

Impact & Risks

The extreme weather has severely impacted Utah's agricultural sector. Over 90% of the state remains in severe or worse drought, with reservoirs at just 50% capacity. Farmers have faced water shortages, reduced crop yields, and increased costs, such as purchasing hay for livestock. The spring cold snap caused the worst fruit losses in over 50 years, leaving many growers with little to no production. Wildfires have burned over 560,000 acres, the second-highest total in state history, further straining resources and livelihoods.

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