Agriculture's Place in West Valley City
Before it became Utah's second-largest city, much of West Valley City was farmland. Families grew sugar beets, grain, hay and vegetables and raised dairy cattle across the western Salt Lake Valley. Today the landscape is mostly suburban and industrial, but agriculture still matters to the local economy and culture. Urban farms, community gardens, farmers markets and regional agricultural businesses help residents stay connected to their food.
Utah's farming sector also depends on a network of cooperatives, processors, lenders and educational farms that serve growers along the Wasatch Front. Below are ten of the most notable farming companies and agricultural organizations that support food production in and around West Valley City.
1. Intermountain Farmers Association
Intermountain Farmers Association, known as IFA, is a farmer-owned cooperative that has served Utah agriculture for over a century. Its country stores supply feed, seed, fertilizer, fencing, animal health products and garden supplies. Backyard growers, hobby farmers and commercial producers in the West Valley City area rely on IFA for products and expert advice tailored to Utah conditions.
2. Western AgCredit
Western AgCredit is part of the Farm Credit System and provides loans and financial services to farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses across Utah and nearby states. It helps growers buy land, equipment and livestock, and supports young and beginning farmers. Its understanding of agricultural cycles makes it a trusted financial partner for the farming community.
3. Gossner Foods
Gossner Foods is a family-owned dairy processor based in Logan, Utah. It is famous for its cheeses, shelf-stable milk and dairy products. Gossner buys milk from many Utah dairy farms, which supports local farm families and keeps dairy production strong in the state. Its products are found in grocery stores throughout West Valley City.
4. Lehi Roller Mills
Lehi Roller Mills is a historic flour mill that has operated in Utah since the early 1900s. It processes wheat into flour and baking mixes and buys grain from regional farmers. The mill is a local landmark and a reminder of Utah's deep agricultural roots, and its products are a favorite with home bakers across the Salt Lake Valley.
5. Wheeler Historic Farm
Wheeler Historic Farm is a working farm operated by Salt Lake County in nearby Murray. It preserves rural life from the early twentieth century and offers educational programs, farm animal experiences and seasonal events. Families from West Valley City visit to learn how food was grown and how farming shaped the valley.
6. Green Urban Lunch Box
Green Urban Lunch Box is a Salt Lake area nonprofit that turns unused urban spaces and backyards into productive growing areas. Its programs harvest fruit from residential trees, train new farmers and increase access to fresh produce for seniors and low-income families. It shows how farming can thrive in a growing urban region.
7. Wasatch Community Gardens
Wasatch Community Gardens supports community gardens, youth gardening programs and urban agriculture education across Salt Lake County. Its spring plant sales, workshops and garden sites help residents grow their own vegetables. Many West Valley City gardeners have built their skills through its programs.
8. Redmond Agriculture
Redmond is a Utah company known for mining ancient sea salt and natural minerals in central Utah. Its agriculture division produces mineral supplements and salt licks for livestock, which help ranchers improve animal health naturally. Redmond's products are sold through farm stores throughout the Wasatch Front.
9. Clifford Family Farm
Clifford Family Farm in Utah County is a popular family-run operation known for seasonal produce, pick-your-own fruit, pumpkin patches and agritourism events. It is a favorite day trip for West Valley City families who want to experience farm life and buy fresh, locally grown food straight from the source.
10. Utah Farm Bureau Federation
The Utah Farm Bureau Federation is the state's largest farm organization. It advocates for farmers and ranchers on policy issues, supports agricultural education and promotes Utah-grown products. Its programs help keep family farming viable as development pressure grows across the Salt Lake Valley.
The Rise of Urban and Small-Scale Farming
As open land in West Valley City becomes scarce, small-scale and urban farming are filling the gap. Backyard chickens, raised-bed vegetable gardens, greenhouses and micro-farms are becoming more common. Farmers markets in Salt Lake County give small growers a direct path to customers, and community supported agriculture programs let families subscribe to weekly boxes of fresh produce.
Challenges Facing Utah Farmers
Water is the biggest challenge for agriculture in Utah. Drought cycles, a shrinking Great Salt Lake and competition for water from growing cities have pushed farmers toward efficient irrigation and drought-tolerant crops. Rising land prices and labor shortages add more pressure. Organizations that offer financing, education and advocacy are essential to keeping farms in business.
How Residents Can Support Local Farming
West Valley City residents can support agriculture by shopping at farmers markets, buying products with the Utah's Own label, joining community garden programs and visiting family farms. Each local purchase keeps money in the regional economy and helps preserve the farming heritage that shaped the valley.
Final Thoughts
Farming in and around West Valley City has changed from vast beet and hay fields to a mix of cooperatives, processors, urban farms and educational sites. These companies and organizations keep agriculture alive, feed the community and remind residents of the valley's rural roots. Supporting them helps build a more resilient and sustainable food future for Utah.