BOX ELDER COUNTY - January 25, 2022
Josh Dallin, Utah State University Extension assistant professor of agriculture and range in Box Elder County, has been named director of the recently announced Bastian Agricultural Center (BAC). He will begin his new responsibilities Feb. 1, at what has been known as the Salt Lake County Equestrian Park.
Dallin has served as an extension agent in Box Elder County for almost five years, Prior to that he spent four years as the State 4-H Equine and Livestock specialist. In his new role, he will oversee renovations of the existing facility that will still allow for the continuation of equestrian events and other community events, but will also include a STEM center, natural resources experiences, livestock and animal production, and plant production and education.
“I am honored and grateful for this incredible opportunity,” said Dallin. “I look forward to realizing the vision of the Bastian family. I am excited for all of the possibilities this exceptional agricultural center will afford too so many.”
Dallin said he is eager to provide opportunities at BAC that may not be readily available now. "It excites me to offer opportunities there that we are doing in Box Elder County without even thinking about it."
He said the decision to leave his position here and take the directorship at the Center was a bittersweet one. "I love the people here and the programs here and I loved being a part of them. This has not just been a job, it is a lifestyle and I consider all in the county as my friends and my family. When we would get together to learn and to grow or to celebrate a fair, it has been great because I am with family."
Ken White, USU Extension vice president, said it is important to ensure the Salt Lake community of a seamless transfer of activities and events at this significant public resource and show Extension’s strong commitment to its conversion to the BAC.
“To help with this transition, it was critical to identify someone with the needed skills and talents to serve as director,” White said. “I am excited about the energy and commitment Josh brings to this assignment. He will work closely with the USU Extension office in Salt Lake County, current Salt Lake Equestrian Park employees, and Salt Lake County to ensure that the BAC meets the continuing and emerging needs of the Salt Lake County communities.”
White expressed his gratitude for the tremendous generosity of the Bastian family – a gift of $41.25 million, USU’s largest single donation in history – to honor and preserve the state’s farming past, present, and future.
“The Bastian family has a proud history of farming the land in the Salt Lake Valley for more than 75 years,” he said. “Our hope is that the new facility will serve as a fitting tribute to their agricultural legacy by not only providing education and experiences, but also a sense of community for those who visit. I am confident Josh will be a tremendous asset in making that happen.”
No replacement for Dallin's county position has been named, but a search should begin within the week.