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This is Chris Redgrave for Zions Bank Speaking on Business.
If you have a chance, you should meet third-generation farmer, Luke Petersen. This young farmer has his MBA in International Food and Agribusiness Management from the Royal Agriculture College in England and operates the Petersen Family Farm in Riverton.
Luke understands just how vital agriculture is to America and is passionate about his commitment to. The value of this work doesn't just come in products but in farming as a whole. He believes wholeheartedly in supporting local farmers and buying from roadside stands.
Only 1.5 percent of America's population is involved with farming and ranching today. That's about 2 million people who are feeding 300 million Americans and are exporting to feed an additional 150 million. It's amazing to hear the numbers condense to one farmer in America feeding about 160 people. So supporting this industry, and the hard-working farmers is essential since it's at the bedrock of our history.
At Petersen Family Farms Luke sells a variety of locally-grown fruits and vegetables, the most popular of which are sweet corn, seedless watermelon and pumpkins. You can find his produce not only at his farm just off 118th South and Bangerter Highway in Riverton but also at the South Jordan Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings and in certain Harmons stores. He's so committed to promoting the farm lifestyle and the important work of agriculture that this year he and his wife, Hilarie, started a farm-based preschool that's caught the attention of families around the valley.
To give you an idea of the farming experience Luke brings to the table, he's the third-generation to work the land that his father and grandfather worked. Farming is in his DNA. By the way, around 70 percent of Utah farmers have a second job just to make ends meet.
To diversify is the next innovative move for the Petersen Family Farms, meaning agri-tourism. This is tourism that focuses on a farm.
For Zions Bank, I'm Chris Redgrave, speaking on business.
Petersen Family Farms 11887 S. 4000 West Riverton, Utah 84096 801-440-4004
