Celebrating a Master Farmer: The Remarkable Legacy of Gustav Kasworm of Granger

Gustav "Gus" Kasworm, a proud Lithuanian immigrant and one of the most respected farmers in early Granger, lived and worked at 4197 Redwood Road for over 40 years. He and his wife Anna—both born in Lithuania and married there in 1898—came to Utah in 1899 and settled on a fertile farm where they cultivated not only crops but community.

In 1948, the couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. Their secret to 50 years of successful marriage? “Compromise, common sense, and complete respect,” Gus and Anna said. Their loving partnership was the bedrock of their lives and work.

Gus Kasworm made significant contributions to Utah agriculture, earning numerous accolades throughout the 1920s and 1930s:

Certified Seed Potato Pioneer (1926): Selected by plant pathologists from the Utah Agricultural College, Gus's farm served as a model for healthy, disease-resistant potato farming using certified seed. His fields had an impressively low disease rate (1–4%) compared to others showing up to 100% infection.
In 1916, three farmers from the Granger area took legal action against the American Smelting & Refining Company, claiming that smelter fumes were damaging their farmland, crops, and livelihoods. These early environmental lawsuits highlighted the impact of industrial pollution on agriculture in the Salt Lake Valley.
The plaintiffs included:
- Gus "Ace" Kasworm, who sued for $1,064 in damages.
- Walter B. Mackay, who sought $1,394 for alleged damage to his farm property.
- Joshua A. Mackay, who filed for $1,080 in damages due to smelter fumes affecting his land.
These cases reflect an early awareness of environmental rights and the struggles of local farmers to protect their way of life from the encroachment of heavy industry.
International Recognition (1928): At the International Hay and Grain Show in Chicago, Gus received 4th place for his high-quality oats. This was his second time earning awards at this prestigious event, representing Granger on a national stage.
Master Farmer Award (1931): Gus was honored by the Chamber of Commerce Agricultural Committee as one of the top five "Master Farmers" of Salt Lake and Davis Counties, recognized for excellence in agricultural practices and stewardship.
Sugar Beet Champion (1919): The Western States Beet Association honored him for producing a remarkable 22 tons of sugar beets per acre on nine acres of land.

Throughout his career, Gus shared his success and knowledge with fellow farmers, always eager to improve Utah’s agricultural standards. He was deeply respected among his peers and frequently praised for his innovative methods and generous spirit.

After retiring from farming in 1940, Gus and Anna moved to Salt Lake City. The Kasworms were faithful members of Christ Lutheran Church in Murray and remained dedicated to their values, faith, and family throughout their lives.

Gustav Kasworm’s story is one of quiet leadership, hard work, and community impact—a shining example of the pioneering spirit that shaped Granger and West Valley City.

The Kasworm home was built in 1915 was torn down to make way for a shopping center

Gus Kasworm was an outstanding early Granger farmer whose deep roots in the land were matched only by his fierce dedication to protecting it. In 1916, he joined fellow farmers in a landmark legal battle against the American Smelting and Refining Company, seeking justice for the damage smelter fumes were causing to their crops and livelihoods. Gus stood not only for his own farm but for the future of agriculture in the area, courageously confronting a powerful industry to defend the rights of local growers. His leadership, courage, and advocacy left a lasting impact on the farming community, helping to raise awareness about environmental responsibility long before it became a national conversation. Gus Kasworm was more than a farmer—he was a protector of the land and a voice for those who fed the valley.

Gus Kasworm: Defender of the Land and Early Granger Farmer