Utah Farm Bureau Countryside Magazine

Farm Bureau NewsUtah

Countryside Edition

SUMMER 2010

Vol 56 No 6

Saving our Farmland: Farmers and Government Leaders Work to Preserve Critical Areas P. 10

Farmers Market Guide P. 16 The Cowboy Hat in Utah P. 18 Wonderful Watermelon P. 24

Peace of mind for life

A u t o | H o m e | F a r m / R a n c h | L I F E B u s i n e s s | C o l l e g e | R e t i r e m e n t

1The guarantees expressed are based on the claims-paying ability of the issuing company. Securities & services offered through EquiTrust Marketing Services, LLC+, 5400 University Ave., West Des Moines, IA 50266, 877/860-2904, Member SIPC. Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company+*, Western Agricultural Insurance Company+*, Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company+*/West Des Moines, IA. +Affiliates *Company providers of Farm Bureau Financial Services. Variable life insurance and annuity products are underwritten by an insurance company that is not affiliated with our companies. © 2010 FBL Financial Group, Inc. LI056 (7-10)

Visit www.fbfs.com to sign up for our free e-newsletter. It’s filled with useful tips to help you

protect your family and save time and money.

Ensuring financial security for you and those you care about most is more important than ever. Life insurance can help provide that security, along with guarantees1 and peace of mind.

Visit www.fbfs.com or contact your Farm Bureau agent to review your life insurance needs and learn how we make it simple to help secure your family’s financial future.

UT-Life(7-10).indd 1 6/10/10 7:48:59 AM

(ISSN 1068-5960)

Matt Hargreaves, Editor

Business Address:9865 South StateSandy, Utah 84070-3205

Phone Numbers:General Inquiries: ... (801) 233-3000Address Changes: . (801) 233-3009Farm Bureau News: (801) 233-3003Classified Ads: ...... (801) 233-3010Fax: ...................... (801) 233-3030FB News E-mail: [email protected] site:...... ....................utfb.fb.orgNational Ad Rep:The Weiss Group9414 E. San Salvador Dr. #226Scottsdale, Arizona 85258(480) [email protected] Display Ad Information:Jennifer Dahl(801) 233-3005

UTAH FARM BUREAUFEDERATION OFFICERSChairman and PresidentLeland J. Hogan, Stockton*Vice PresidentStephen A. Osguthorpe, Park City*CEO and Secretary/TreasurerRandy N. Parker, RivertonChief Financial OfficerM. Kim Frei, Sandy* Denotes member of the Board of Directors

BOARD OF DIRECTORSDistrict 1......................... John Ferry

CorinneDistrict 2.................... Rulon Fowers

HooperDistrict 3.................... Flint Richards

ErdaDistrict 4........................ Rex Larsen

Spanish ForkDistrict 5....................... Scott Chew

JensenDistrict 6.............. Edwin Sunderland

ChesterDistrict 7....................... Nan Bunker

DeltaFarm Bureau Women’s Chairman......

Ruth Roberts, PenroseYoung Farmer &Rancher Chairman..

Dustin Cox, AltonPeriodicals Postage Paid at Sandy, Utahand at additional mailing offices.POSTMASTER: Please send addresschanges to the Utah Farm Bureau Federation,9865 South State, Sandy, Utah 84070. Pub-lished quarterly for all Farm Bureau mem-bers (April/Spring, July/Summer, Oct./Fall, Dec./Winter). Published expressly for farmer/rancher Farm Bureau members and others whospecifically request copies Feb., March, May, June, Aug., Sept., and Nov. All eleven issues publishedby the Utah Farm Bureau Federation in Sandy,Utah. Editorial and Business Office, 9865South State, Sandy, Utah 84070-3205.

Features Contents8 The Year of the Staycation

10 Saving Farmland

18 The Cowboy Hat in Utah

24 Sweet Watermelons Found in Green River

4 A History of Excellence

5 Farm Bureau Applauds States’ Stand

6 And the Weather Forecast Is...

14 History of Greenbelt Tax

16 Farmers Market Guide

17 Safe Fun on the Road & Water

22 The Cost of Water

26 Learning While They Grow

29 Baxter Black: 4th of July 2010

30 Call for 2010 Leopold Award Nominees

31 Classifieds

Vol 56 No 6

Magazine Graphic DesignC Fagenancoliedesign.com

Cover Photo by Tracee Breeze Photography

Farm Bureau NewsUtah

Countryside Edition

SUMMER 2010

p.10

p.18

p.24

p.8

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U t a h F a r m B u r e a u N e w s

A History of ExcellenceBy Leland J. HoganPresident, Utah Farm Bureau Federation

The Utah Farm Bureau Federation has been serving the state’s farmers, ranchers, rural communities and consumers for more than 90 years. During that time, the heart and soul of Farm Bureau has taken shape, providing an or-ganization with deep Utah roots and collective wisdom.

That Farm Bureau wisdom and understanding is on display every day as our state and county leaders, members and employees work to build a better future for our families, our communi-ties and for our state.

Few could argue the impact Utah Farm Bureau has made in the lives of our members, in their communities, at the state level and in our na-tion’s capital. Looking forward, imagine what we can do together in the next decade or even the next 90 years.

Utah Farm Bureau is the largest organization in Utah that brings together the interests of food producers and consumers. In 2009, our organi-zation closed the year with more than 27,000 member families and led all state Farm Bureaus in membership growth topping 16 percent. Farm Bureau continues to be the “Voice of Utah Agriculture.”

Utah Farm Bureau, for our policy leadership, member programs and member services earned distinction from the American Farm Bureau’s Awards of Excellence recognizing outstanding accomplishment in all five national competi-tion categories: Education and Promotion, Leadership Development, Member Services, Policy Implementation and Public Relations. In addition, Utah Farm Bureau received a President’s Award for outstanding Leadership Development.

Utah Farm Bureau is a vibrant and growing organization. Last year’s all-time record mem-bership tells me we continue to serve the needs of our diverse membership offering unparalleled products and services and creating value for our members. Your membership and participation in Farm Bureau allows us to continue protect-ing Utah farmers and ranchers and ensuring a

safe, wholesome and abundant food supply at home and abroad.

Utah’s food and agriculture industry continues to be an important piece of our state’s economy, our history, and our culture and is poised to be a major contributor to our future. According to a recent study done by Utah State University, food and agriculture is the catalyst for more than $15 billion in economic activity, repre-senting 14 percent of the Gross State Product. In addition, food and agriculture provides jobs for nearly 70,000 of our neighbors.

As important as Utah’s food and agriculture sector is, it could become threatened if we don’t all take steps to protect it.

Your board of directors established the Utah Farm Bureau Century Club to provide ad-ditional financial resources to help in these efforts. Members investing an additional $100 a year help Farm Bureau protect property rights, preserve sustainable farms and ranches, advocate fair tax policies and wise use of our public lands.

Today, less than two percent of our population is producing our food and fiber for clothing. Farm Bureau is making sure policy decisions related to growing our crops and raising our farm animals are based on sound science.

Unfair and misguided attacks on America’s farmers and ranchers are difficult to under-stand. Radical eastern factory fundraising organizations with anti-agriculture agendas try to present themselves as animal welfare experts. These so-called experts are manipu-lating information and manufacturing pro-paganda detrimental to domestic agriculture. They ignore the fact their actions could have serious consequences on our ability to produce food, fiber and a growing biofuels industry.

For most Utahns and Americans, hunger is not an issue. We are blessed with a safe, afford-able and abundant supply of food. Your Farm Bureau works to assure this most basic need for 300 million Americans and another half

billion of our global brothers and sisters continues to be met. America farmers and ranchers are the most efficient and productive food producers in the world. Together, Farm Bureau members can protect this vital piece of the American dream.

Utah Farm Bureau’s history and grass-roots policy process provides confidence and a common sense approach to the issues and input to all levels of government.

Thank you for your continued support of Farm Bureau. If you are not already a Century Club member, please join with me today.

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C o u n t r y s i d e E d i t i o n

Dubbed by some in the media as the “states’ rights session”, Utah legislators joined Governor Gary Herbert in establishing a beachhead in the fight for state sovereignty. Some two dozen “message bills” debated and passed by Utah lawmakers brought into clear focus the growing frustration with Washington, D.C. in Utah and across the country.

Our founding fathers were clear in their view of the size and powers of our federal government. Even as the original 13 states ratified the Bill of Rights (the first 10 amendments to the Constitu-tion) it was clear they were concerned with an out of control central government.

Contained within the Bill of Rights, the 10th amendment to the U.S. Constitution explic-itly defines the powers of the federal government: “The powers not delegated to the United States by Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.” Those delegated powers are limited, not limitless.

Two hundred years ago, Britain’s escalating intru-sion into our forefathers’ dream of life, liberty and property ultimately led to a Declaration of Independence and rebellion. Personal liberties in the colonies were being attacked and destroyed through unfair tax policies and autocratic oppres-sion.

Today, Washington, D.C.’s escalating intrusion is indebting future generations through out of control federal spending, burdening American prosperity through mountains of regulatory red tape and destroying personal liberty by fostering a philosophy of entitlement and engendering a welfare state.

Washington’s recent power grab violates the founders’ vision of limited government and in-fringes on the Constitutional powers granted to the states and to the people.

Against the will of the American people, the majority party in Congress and President Obama rammed through a 2,000-page health care mandate. Washington, D.C. has abandoned the fundamental principles of a free market economy by bailing out automakers and failing financial institutions; with much of their problems brought

on by greed. Their answer to American taxpayers for another trillion dollars of debt, “they were too big to fail!”

Adam Smith, author of “The Wealth of Nations”, would be ashamed of America turning its back on principles that established in this land the highest standard of living in the history of the world—capitalism—and the right to try and to fail.

While federal deficit spending has shifted into high gear, a lackluster economy, uncertainty in energy policy, taxes and healthcare have put a damper on private sector job creation. The U.S. economy is suffering, businesses are downsizing and closing, all while the federal bureaucracy is growing. With unemployment hovering around 10 percent, federal deficit spending during the first two years of the Obama Administration will increase the number of federal government employees by 14 percent.

Irresponsible monetary policy and lack of Con-gressional restraint has led the U.S. government to borrowing and spending at a frightening rate. Congress recently increased our debt limit to $14 trillion to accommodate this year’s anticipated $1.9 trillion deficit. That’s a whopping $45,000 for every man, woman and child. More alarming, our national debt will soon equal our total Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This type of debt to GDP scenario recently brought Greece to its economic knees and has shaken the financial stability of the European Union and its currency.

During our first 200 years, including the Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Cold War, we accumulated a na-tional debt of roughly $1 trillion. Since 1981, in just 29 years, we have added another $12 trillion. We’ve dug and continue to dig ourselves into a huge economic hole.

Capitalism and American ingenuity are the foundation for the world’s largest economy esti-mated at $14.2 trillion. By 2012, America’s debt will equal our total annual economic output.

Message bills drafted by members of the states’ rights oriented Patrick Henry Caucus are aimed at challenging federal authority. They call on

Constitutional principles to keep the federal government in check. Specifically, measures sent to and signed by the gov-ernor embraced gun rights, challenged federal authority in mandating health insurance coverage, authorized use of eminent domain to cross federal lands to access state lands and called on U.S. EPA to abandon plans to regulate carbon dioxide under the 40-year old Clean Air Act.

The nay-sayers suggest the legislature’s efforts are nothing more than political grandstanding at best or a waste of time and money at worst. The reality is, the founders understood and embraced the fact that the states would engage in any federal government power grab and push back when the federal bureaucracy became too big and too intrusive.

Unlike their federal counterparts, Governor Herbert and Utah legislators fulfilled their fiducial and Constitutional obligation and balanced the budget. They even found time to send some appropriate message bills that embraced the principles our founders fought and died for. Well done!

Farm Bureau Applauds States’ Rights StandBy Randy Parker, Chief Executive Officer,Utah Farm Bureau Federation

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Mark Twain once said, “Climate is what we expect, weather is what we get.” No one knows this to be true more so than farmers, whose livelihood depends on the right combination of rainclouds and sunshine.

Weather presents a risk to agriculture at a level not experienced by most other sectors. The productivity of our fields – the bulk of our production capability – is tied directly to the weather. I’ve never known an automobile company to not roll-out its latest SUV because of drought or an entire line of computer soft-ware wiped out because of a freeze. But there are many producers who have lost an entire year’s worth of crops and even livestock to extreme temperatures, excessive or inadequate moisture or high winds.

Red Skies at Night, Sailor’s Delight…When I was a youngster on the farm we had a lot of old sayings we’d use to try to gauge the weather… “A wind from the south has rain in its mouth,” or “If the rooster crows on going to bed, you may rise with a watery head.” But, in all seriousness, nothing can be more nerve-racking for a farmer than waiting on that rain to come. As I’ve often said, I’ll never forget the joy of seeing the heavens open and rain pour out of the Texas sky after one of the longest droughts known to our state during the 1950s.

But, as they say, sometimes when it rains it pours. Take Tennessee for example. The state has been hit recently with historic rainfall and devastating flooding, resulting in significant damage to its corn and wheat, among other crops. At one point, Tennessee’s agriculture commissioner estimated there were tens of thousands of acres under water.

Tennessee is not the only area with excessive rainfall. Many producers in Indiana, Okla-homa and other states have had to replant crops ruined by flooding. Unfortunately, many folks don’t realize the cost and labor of planting again—and that’s if areas can even be reseeded.

Take the freeze that hit Florida at the begin-ning of the year, which ruined the tomato crop and caused national shortages. Only now are new plantings starting to emerge and consumers can once again get tomatoes on their Wendy’s burgers without having to ask or without paying extra at supermarkets for the popular fruit.

A Cow With its Tail to the West Makes the Weather Best…It’s not only crops and livestock that can get damaged by the weather. Just last month, Ag-riculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that $12 million in Emergency Conservation Program funds were being made available to farmers and ranchers in 14 states to repair farmland damaged by natural disasters this year.

Typically in many instances, while produc-ers are coping with the loss and damage of crops and livestock, they are also dealing with infrastructure issues like removing debris, restoring fences, and repairing buildings. In one fell swoop, a tornado, hurricane or even wildfire can devastate an entire farm.

But with a little faith and a lot of resolve, farmers always tend to pull through. As they say, “A sunny shower won’t last an hour.”

And the Weather Forecast is…By Bob StallmanPresident, American Farm Bureau Federation

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Stay! This summer stay in Utah for your summer fun! Get out and enjoy our state, don’t let the economy prevent your family from making unique memories this summer. There are plenty of excellent options for “daycations” or “staycations” right here in our own backyard. The natural beauty and agricultural flair of our state provides countless opportunities for summer fun. This year branch out; get beyond the pools and amusement parks and go for something more hands on and educational for your family. Here are some ideas of places to see and things to do in the Beehive State:

When you think of summer in Utah Valley you probably think of fruit, maybe even cherries to be more specific, but do you think of the South Ridge Farm’s annual Cherry Pit Spit? Never even heard of a Cherry Pit Spit? The rules are simple: pick a cherry from the bowl, step up to the line and let it fly. This year the 4th Annual Western Regional Pit Spit will be held on August 7. South Ridge Farms (commonly recognized by its signature “Big Red Barn”) is located in Santaquin, Utah. The Cherry Pit Spit is just the tip of the iceberg of fun that happens at South Ridge Farms. Even if pit spitting is not your thing, head on over to South Ridge Farms for one of their other great events like the Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off or stop for some delicious ice cream. For informa-tion about more activities held at South Ridge Farms go to www.southridgefarms.com.

All of the excitement of long summer days can get a little stressful, so why not take the family to Black Island Farms for a relaxing evening

of fun and education? Black Island Farms, located in Syracuse, Davis County, offers an assortment of activities for children of all ages.

“Most people take their children and grand-children to Disneyland every year, but I take mine to Black Island Farms,” said Barbra Spencer, a resident of Morgan County. “My family has been going to Black Island Farms for four years. They always have so much fun!”

Black Island Farms has educational activities for the whole family; starting with the Animal Alley and Tire Garden extending all the way to the Pumpkin Bounce and Pig Races.

“There are so many fun things for the kids to do, and everyone is so kind and helpful. It is really a relaxing place to spend an evening with your family,” Spencer said.

Additional activities available at Black Island Farms include Veggie Hayrides, Kiddie Corral, Straw Mountain, Cow Train, Corn Maize and their infamous Nightmare Acres. Black Island Farms has field trip tours of the farm for schools, preschools, and groups available all summer long. Go to www.blackislandfarms.com for more information.

Experiencing something new can be one of the best ways to bond with your family. How often do you literally pick your dinner? Try it! Take your family to one of the best U-pick farms in the state. U-Pick is simple; come and spend as much time as you like picking deli-cious local produce. Not only do you get the freshest produce possible, but you get to spend some time surrounded by natural beauty. Day

Family Farms provides all the materials and containers you will need to pick and carry your produce safely. You are sure to grow closer as you pick and eat your own delicious strawberries or tomatoes. Day Family Farms in Layton has U-pick strawberries and asparagus in the spring and early summer months. Starting in July, Day Family Farms will also have tomatoes, egg plant, sweet peppers, chili peppers and tomatillos available for U-Pick. If you would rather just purchase local produce, Day Family Farms also has a produce stand where you can purchase all of their crops in addition to water-melon, sweet corn, zucchini, cantaloupe and peaches. Call 1-801-546-4316 for more information.

If it is an educational experience you are looking for American West Heritage Center is a place you need to visit. Nestled in Cache County, the American West Heritage Center is keeping the old west alive in Utah. With a schedule packed with fun it is amazing how much educa-tion is squeezed into the activities held at the center. There are several don’t miss events held in July and August includ-ing Lawmen & Outlaws Week, Weird Science, Celtic Festival & Highland Games, and a 24th of July celebration you wont soon forget. Daily Adventures run from June 1 through August 28 beginning at 10 am. Go to www.awhc.org for more details.

On the hottest of summer days you might want to just stay inside; inside the

THE YEAROF THE

STAYCATION This summer, stay in Utah for your summer fun

By Jill Little, Utah Farm Bureau Federation – Communications Division Intern

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Syracuse Farm and Home Museum that is. While the word museum does not always reek of “fun” be assured that the Syracuse Farm and Home Museum exceeds the average museum in their level of enjoyment combined with education. With interac-tive displays like “Grandma’s Kitchen” your family will enjoy learning at the museum. It is a great place to teach your children about where their food comes from and in-teresting historical facts. During your visit to the Syracuse Farm and Home Museum be sure to find out if they have a real two-headed calf ! For more information call 1-801-825-3633.

If you are looking for some wholesome fun for the whole family; Family Night at the Farm is held on Monday nights at Thanksgiving Point. You will be able to visit the animals, enjoy farm activities and make an interesting craft. Exciting Garden Adventure theme nights may also attract your family to this fun filled educational facility. Thanksgiving Point also has youth education classes dotting their summer calendar with intriguing subjects like: Cooking up Science, Beautiful Butterflies, Island Adventure, Under the Sea, and Ma-gicians Library. Visitors can also check out events at the ‘Farm Country’, where kids can meet animals and learn about how milk is pasteurized. There is also a display spon-sored by the Utah County Farm Bureau on the many hats/responsibilities worn by a farmer. For more information about dates and times go to www.thanksgivingpoint.com.

For a truly rocking summer experience spend some time at the Rockin’ R Ranch in Antimony, Garfield County. The Rockin’ R Ranch is surrounded by five National Parks: Bryce Canyon, Zion Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches and Canyonlands, and many other beautiful landscapes including: the Grand Canyon, Cedar Breaks National Monu-ment, Lake Powell, and Monument Valley. Rockin’ R Ranch is one of the most excit-ing dude ranches in the state. If the scenic wonders alone and thrill of participating in a cattle drive are not enough to draw you to the ranch, the activities available to guests at Rockin’ R are practically endless. Typical ranch chores are always abundant, but so is the fishing, hiking and relaxing you would expect in such a beautiful loca-tion. To learn more about being a guest at Rockin’ R Ranch visit their website at www.rockinrranch.com.

No matter what your idea of fun is, the op-portunities for entertainment in Utah are practically endless and probably quite a bit closer than you thought. So … stay!

South Ridge FarmsLocation: 300 West 900 South in SantaquinContact: 1-888-754-5511Hours: April 1st to October 31st9:00 A.M - 7:00 P.M. Monday - SaturdayEvents: Cherry Pit Spit - Aug 7 Canning Classes July Preschool Hayride Pumpkin Patch Hayride School Tours Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off

Black Island FarmsLocation: 3178 South 3000 West in SyracuseContact: 1-801-774-6293Hours: September 18 to October 31, 20094 - 10 P.M. (Monday-Thursday)4 P.M.- Midnight (Friday)10 A.M.- Midnight (Saturday)1 -5 P.M. (Sunday)Events: Veggie hayrides - Veggies to play in Veggies to shoot - Veggies to eat Animal Alley Pig Races Pumpkin Bounce Hayrides Bonfires Kiddie Corral Straw Mountain Tire Garden Cow Train Corn Maize Nightmare Acres

Wheeler Historic FarmLocation: 6351 South 900 East in Salt Lake CityContact: 1-801-264-2241Hours: Dawn till Dusk (Every day)Office hours 9-5 (Mon. - Sat. )Events: Wheeler Farm Summer Camp ( June 7 - August 20) Country Store Tractor-Drawn Wagon Rides Farm Chores Bird House Historic Farm Art Gallery Historic Farm House Tours

American West Heritage CenterLocation: 4025 S. Hwy 89-91 in WellsvilleContact: 1-435-245-6050Events: Daily Adventures: June 1 - Aug. 28 Lawmen & Outlaws Week: July 13 - 17A Stitch in Time: Fiber Arts Week: July 20-24The Ways of Wood: July 27-31Shoshone Indian Days: August 3-7Weird Science: August 10-14 Spirit of ‘47 Pioneer Jubilee: July 24Star Party with Stokes Nature Center: Aug. 13All Night Scrapbooking Expo: August 20-21 Celtic Festival & Highland Games: August 28 Farmtastic Fall!: September 18 – Oct. 30

Day Family Farms U-PickLocation: 2516 West Gentile Street, LaytonContact: 1-801-546-4316Hours: 9 A.M. – 7 P.M. (Monday – Saturday)Events: U-Pick Asparagus, strawberries, sweet corn, peppers, and tomatoes

Rockin’ R RanchLocation: 705 North Highway 22, AntimonyContact: 1-801-733-9538Events: Rockin’ R will personalize your schedule of activities based upon your preferences.

Community Festivals

Wildflower CelebrationViewing Area: Mt. Terrill Guard Station(near Richfield, Salina and Loa)Contact: www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/regions/inter-mountain/MtTerrill/index.shtml Events: Hiking with 50 types of wildflowers Community Festivals

Lavender DaysJune 27 & 28 in Mona Contact: 1-435-623-8006Events: Lavender crafts, pony rides, paddle boat rides, rock climbing, blow up toys, rides and edu-cational classes on gardening, fitness and cooking. There will also be entertainment including profes-sional jousting, live bands, a sharp shooter, and medieval characters.

Cherry DaysJuly 3 in North OgdenContact: 1- 801-737-0587Events: Golf tournament, Kiwanis breakfast, children’s parade, Cherry Day’s parade, car show, activities at the park, Hale Family Fiddlers, and fireworks.

Lamb DaysJuly 16-17 in Fountain Green Contact: www.sanpete.com/pages/lamb_days Events: Youth lamb show and judging, mutton and sourdough dinner, youth talent show, co-ed softball tournament, fun run, chuck wagon breakfast, craft fair, parade, mutton bustin, lamb sale, saw dust drive, kids movie, youth dance and fireworks.

Raspberry DaysAugust 5-7 in Garden CityContact: www.gardencityut.us/events/raspberry_days_2010_flyer.pdf Events: Miss Berry Princess Contest, craft fair, parade, entertainment, rodeo, 5K fun run, dances, and Bear Lake Valley Creations.

Melon DaysSeptember 17-18 in Green RiverContact: 1-435-564-8225Events: Softball tournament, golfing, queen pageant, square dancers, breakfast at the park, parade, entertainment, all you can eat melon.

STAYCATIONLOCATIONS

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By Matt Hargreaves, EditorUtah Farm Bureau News – Countryside Edition

Photo by Tracee Breeze Photography

PROTECTING THE FUTURE:

Farmers and Cities Work to PreserveCritical Farmland

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As the sun begins to set over the mountains to the west, the orchards in southern Utah County have soaked in the day’s warm weather and prepare for a cool night. Such is the process needed in one of Utah’s most productive fruit farming regions in order to produce its sweet tasting cherries, peaches, apples, nectarines, plums, apricots, pears, and more.

As residents drive past the iconic ‘Big Red Barn’ which has been in Santaquin for years, few can imagine a day when thousands of homes would replaces the thousands of trees that beautify the area and bring jobs and economic activity for farmers and their families. Yet without plan-ning wisely for future growth, municipalities and farmers may find themselves facing what is referred to as the “last harvest”—asphalt.

“Once Santaquin, Payson, Genola and West Mountain are filled with houses, Utah [County] will have no place to grow fruit,” said Richard Saunders, chairman of the Timp-Nebo Con-servation District, at a meeting with farmers, government officials, industry representatives and urban planners. “Spring frosts make fruit growth elsewhere impossible; once this area is developed, that’s about all there is.”

The problem in preserving land in Utah is that the state is growing—rapidly. Often listed as the fastest growing state in the nation, Larry Lewis of the Utah Department of Agriculture & Food stated that Utah’s growth rate is about 22 percent, compared to a national growth rate of eight percent.

“While Utah is the 13th largest state in the country, (52 million acres) we are ranked 25th in the number of acres devoted agriculture (11 million). Agriculture needs better quality land, and more of it, to continue offering affordable,

high-quality food worldwide,” said Leonard Blackham, Commissioner for the Utah De-partment of Agriculture & Food. “Traditional agriculture will not survive in a small and frac-tured land-production system. We need large areas of land devoted to agriculture, so our farmers can use the techniques and technology necessary to remain profitable as they grow our food and care for the land.”

Much of this growth is taking place in the outlying areas of counties along the Wasatch Front and those which were historically used for agriculture.

Developers, as is their wont, have sought out these agricultural areas for obvious reasons; the areas are flat, have no homes to negotiate with in terms of removal, contain water rights, typically have fewer owners to negotiate with, and have more potential for maximizing profit. In some cases the sellers have been farmers who after years of working the land have no family who wish to continue farming or they themselves have been relying on the appre-ciation of that land to fund their retirement. For these people, preserving farmland is still a value they share, but it also conflicts with a benefit to private property rights – the ability to sell.

“If a person wants to sell their land to the highest bidder, and that bidder is a developer, then they should be allowed to sell,” said Ray Loveless, Water Quality Director for the Utah Association of Conservation Districts. “Particularly if no one else wants to farm, the value of the land is often too high to justify agriculture.”

So while the ability for a farmer or any other landowner to decide what to do with their land is a value held by many in the Utah Farm

Bureau, in fact that principle has been made into policy within the Farm Bureau, are there ways to satisfy both agriculture and future growth? Learning to satisfy the forces of growth and food production is critical; particularly when it has been reported that in the coming decades, there will be a need for 50 percent more food to feed the growing planet.

Accompanying that statistic is that fact that between 2003 and 2008, 500,000 acres of farmland in Utah has been lost to development, which is a little more than 11 acres per hour. So how does this happen? The answer will not be the same for every town or every farmer, but all solutions involve proactive communication with cities, towns and counties and tools that have been prepared by state legislation.

This kind of proactive communication has taken place in recent months between farmers and government leaders in spots in southern Utah County. In May 2010, fruit farmer Rey Allred invited members of local municipalities, state planning leaders, agricultural representatives and urban planners to discuss what options are available. Again, while no one solution was found that works in every case, a number of options were talked about and the meeting emphasized the role government can have in helping farmers seek out the best way to make agriculture work in their communities.

“Cities and counties in the more popu-lated areas need to do more to plan for the protection of agriculture. Most cities and many counties do not mention it at all in their general plans. Thus it is very difficult

12


to ask them to make preserving agricultural land a priority,” said John Bennett of the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget. “One thing that state could do is to require an agricultural element in every general plan. This would help cities and counties to make agriculture a priority. If it’s not in the plan, and the ordinances, it won’t get their attention.”

The inclusion of agriculture in the future plans of cities and towns is something taken very seriously at the Santaquin City offices, in the heart of fruit production in Utah County. City staffers have taken the cultural values agriculture brings to the city and made those a part of their plans – real-izing the benefits agriculture brings, rather than simply the difficulties.

“We met with farmers to see how we could help them. To find out how the city can help them continue farming, as well as possibly building a home for a child or keeping their water rights. We wanted to match our commitment to the farmers in our plans,” said Dennis Marker, planner for Santaquin City. “We had our zoning match our general plan, looking to direct development into areas that are not great for agriculture, but offer great views from a residential standpoint. We wanted to look at buffer requirements and recreational trails, to give some space between business, residential and agricultural land. More than just codes, we want to help farmers and show off their orchards—to develop a cultural pride there.”

In addition to the cultural pride the city takes with its fruit heritage, it has also looked at several unique methods of plan-ning to help keep farmers in business. In 2007, then-Governor Jon Huntsman signed into law a resolution creating a Utah Farming Heritage District in Santaquin. Other tools that have been used include creating Agricultural Protection Areas, wherein a farmer or group of farmers peti-tion the county to be included in this zone. If accepted, farmers are protected from nuisance lawsuits and eminent domain designations. The area is also protected from being re-zoned or having roads built through the land. This is all done without fear of being taken out of the zone, unless the farmers choose to do so.

Additional tools to protect agriculture land include the use of conservation easements.

This involves using funds to purchase development rights from farmers. These funds can come from local, state, federal or even private funds. With conservation easements, farmers are given the funds in exchange for placing a perpetual ease-ment on the farm ground which prohib-its development. While this will prevent a potential future payoff from develop-ment, it does allow a farmer to receive a return for his or her investment while keeping the agricultural use of the land intact. In most instances, the farmer will continue to work the land as they have been doing, and depending on the terms, is able to pass the land down for future generations to farm.

In part to alleviate the difficulty in getting funds to purchase agricultural conservation easements, in the name of preserving open space, a idea was proposed in the most recent legislative session by Cache County lawmaker Jack Draxler which would allow funds from five years of rollback taxes, the amount the agricultural property would have been taxed after development, to be put into conservation easements.

Another option being promoted by Santaquin City and others is the idea of clustering development. This concept is aimed at preventing the “leap-frog” concept of development that results when farmland outside of city limits is converted. The open space left between the city and the new development becomes more difficult to work from an agricultural production standpoint, and pressure is felt to sell to development as well. This pushes development further and faster into prime agricultural areas. Clustering attempts to group develop-ment into areas, while preserving larger areas of agricultural land intact, and more palatable to continued farming.

John Bennett from the Governor’s Office offered an example of how this can work.

“Suppose you had 100 acres of land in a zone that allowed one home per five acres. Those 100 acres would be entitled to 20 homes. If all those homes were put on one acre lots in one corner of the property, they would occupy 20 of the acres and the remaining acreage could continue to be used in agriculture,” Bennett said. “To give developers an in-


13


centive to do this type of development, some local governments give density bonuses for protecting open space.”

The clustering style of development seeks to keep agriculture productive and feasible in areas of changing demographics. This style of development is being implemented in Santa-quin with positive results.

“We’re trying to direct developers away from agricultural land by allowing favorable development rules and being flexible with the needs farmers have,” Marker said. “While some may think larger lot sizes preserves open space, we’ve found it can just lead to large weed patches. So we try to keep development together and are working to build trust with farmers that we’ll keep their interests at heart.”

Fruit farmer Rey Allred says he has had posi-tive results working with Payson City when he was proactive about his concerns and his desire to remain in agriculture. Allred feels creating the dialogue with local government is in the best interest of farmers to keep their prime agriculture land, whether that is fruit production, hay fields, or ranchland.

“I love [farming]. It has taken me 46 years to pay for our farm. My children love it and grandkids too. We’ve invested a lot into this because we want to stay,” Allred said. “I don’t want my kids and grandkids to feel pressured into having to sell this land, so we’ve worked to make our farm the best it can be.”

By working with local government, planners and agricultural organizations, Allred and

other farmers feel it keeps them in the minds of city officials when they consider future growth.

“My family loves to farm. We have many gen-erations working here and many with families. But I’m concerned about neighbors who want to develop and don’t care for the land,” Allred said. “Many times, the land just goes to weeds. But I also don’t think every best use of farm ground is asphalt.”

Studies agree with Allred’s assessment. The Rowley family of Santaquin, owners of South Ridge Farms and the ‘Big Red Barn’ looked into what areas they could move their cherry op-erations to if needed. What research indicated there wasn’t another area in the state that would work as well. Rather, comparable land would be found in other cherry producing hotbeds like Michigan.

Dialogue is also beneficial between farmers and consumers, helping residents reconnect to where their food comes from, as most are three or four generations removed from the farm.

“Keeping farming visible, no matter the size, can keep people aware of where their food comes from and eventually garner support for protecting farm and ranch land,” Commissioner Blackham said. “Municipalities and counties can look at Salt Lake County’s new urban farming initiative, where they have set aside several small parcels of County-owned land near parks and other county facilities. This land is being leased to farmers and for community gardens.”

The bottom line in relation to preserving Utah’s cultural identity, which is tied to the agrarian traditions that came with the pioneers, is that local governments, farmers, and city residents need to come together in communicating the values of their communities, and then to make decisions which back those values.

“The importance of preserving Utah farmland goes beyond the value of what’s raised on those farms and ranches,” Commissioner Blackham said. “Aside from the economic value, Utah agriculture supports Utah’s rural com-munities, the state’s unique heritage and an important way of life. The valuable lessons of hard work and care for our land and animals come from working in agriculture.”

Through communicating the value of agriculture to our communities and elected officials and looking at all avenues for wise protection of the land and making long-term planning decisions that reflect our values, city residents and local farmers will be able to enjoy the best of both worlds—the modern conveniences which none want to live without, and the amazing food and cultural benefits agriculture brings to Utah.

“Farms and ranches provide numerous benefits to their communities. They provide fresh, locally grown food, and beautiful views and vistas that would disappear if those areas are developed. Farmlands are often watershed areas, wildlife habitat, and groundwater recharge areas.”

- John Bennett, Governor’s Office of Planning & Budget


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In 1967, then Utah Governor Calvin L. Rampton had been shown economic and tax data revealing the disproportionate property tax burden Utah farmers had endured dating back nearly 20 years.

“No industry in the state can live with a tax burden such as that,” Rampton remarked.

The numbers were telling and would later prove to help change the Utah State Constitution. The problem actually began more than two decades earlier in the late 1940s. Salt Lake City was growing rapidly and some farmers began to sell their land for subdivisions, commercial property and the like. Farmers were being paid prices that far exceeded the value as farmland. Taxing authorities began raising the tax rate based on the sale of adjoining land at the time. These taxing authorities said that the fact that one acre of land sold for $1,000 per acre was proof that an adjoining acre was worth the same $1,000 per acre and therefore should be assessed and taxed accordingly.

The tax problem persisted for many years and as the years went by the problem began to involve more and more farmers that mostly resided in urban areas in Salt Lake County. In a letter to the Utah State Tax Commission the Salt Lake County Commis-sion took exception to the assessments on farmland in the urban areas. It protested the Tax Commission placing a high value on these farmlands that would and had put many farmers out of business.

In response the Tax Commission said, “Under the law, it is incumbent upon the tax authorities to value the land for ad valorem tax purposes at its reasonable fair cash value. This value today in these urban areas has no relationship to the prior use to which the land was put; and, in some instances, it has no relation-ship to the use to which the land is presently begin put; but as we have heretofore indicated, neither the constitution nor the statutes nor the court decisions permit administrative bodies such as the State Tax Commission or the Salt Lake County Commission to impose its peculiar thinking of what it considers

to be a higher social value in determining the reasonable fair cash value. Indeed, if such were done, we would no longer have taxation by law, but taxation by administrative whim.”

Farmers appealed the decision in every conceiv-able way and exhausted every effort to change the view of the Tax Commission but to no avail. The taxes on farmland around Salt Lake City continued to swell. In 1964, Farm Bureau staffer and future Farm Bureau Executive Secretary V. Allen Olsen made a comprehensive study on the tax burden on famers with farmland in these growing urban areas. It was discovered that that during a 13 year period from 1951 through 1963 that all property taxes in Utah remained at a relatively constant level. During that same period taxes on farmland, measured as a percent of net farm income, rose from 7.12 percent in 1951 to more than 24 percent in 1963. This study was later backed by another study conducted by Dr. Rondo A. Christensen, an associate professor in the Department of Agriculture Economics at Utah State University. Dr. Rondo’s study looked at the years from 1957 through 1967 and showed similar results and indicated that in 1964 the tax burden on these farmlands was as high as 33.7 percent of net farm income.

This data along with the constant discussion that revolved around the issue subsequently led to action to alleviate the persistent tax problem that was overburdening farmers in metropolitan areas. By this time the problem not only existed in areas surrounding Salt Lake City but in other urban centers around the state as well. It was found is some areas that the property tax paid by some farmers was five times as high on farmland as the average of all property in Utah when measured against all the personal income in Utah.

In 1967 the debate finally came to a head and the first step towards an amendment to the state Constitution was secured with the needed two-thirds majority vote in the Utah State Legislature.

The amendment then went to a ballot vote in the 1968 general election where the people of Utah accepted the amendment with 64 percent approval. Prior to the vote, Farm Bureau took the lead in developing and coordinating a public relations campaign aimed at garnering support from the public in favor of the amendment. Farm Bureau along with the Utah Cattlemen’s Association, Utah Wool Growers Association, Utah Ag-riculture Land Owners Association and the Farmers Union helped to raise the needed money to fund the campaign. Farm Bureau staff worked with an advertising to produce a series of newspaper, radio and television ads to promote the amendment.

The amendment would not go into effect until 1972, but it paved the way for the legislature to then go in an create legislation that would allow qualifying agricultural prop¬erty to be assessed and taxed based on its productive capability instead of the prevailing market value. In the 1969 legisla-tive session Senator Miles “Cap” Ferry and two other senators introduced a bill bearing the name “Farm Land Assessment Act of 1969”. Senator Ferry had previously served as President of the Box Elder County Farm Bureau and was instrumental in the passing of the bill.

The bill passed with broad support from both houses of the legislature, but there were still a few more hurtles to overcome in the years following. In 1970, a special legislative session convened where it was determined that the State Tax Commission would need some more time to implement the new law. The time was needed to employ new hires at the Tax Commission and to go through the laborious task of completing the new agriculture land classification as well as other preliminary work associated with the amendment. The bill finally went into effect

The History of theFarmland Assessment “Greenbelt” Tax

By David Bailey, Utah Farm BureauVice President – Organization

Photo courtesy of Rockin R Ranch

AMERICAN FORK801.492.0538

BOUNTIFUL801.298.0050

BRIGHAM CITY435.695.1110

CENTERVILLE801.296.0222

CLINTON801.825.4145

DRAPER801.495.9020

HEBER CITY435.657.2750

HOLLADAY801.424.2217

KAYSVILLE801.546.0622

LAYTON801.544.0777

LINDON801.434.4242

MIDVALE801.562.0450

MURRAY801.288.0660

NORTH LOGAN435.787.9850

OGDEN801.399.1680

PRICE435.637.2480

PROVO801.812.3800

RIVERDALE801.394.3173

ROY801.776.5260

SALT LAKE CITY801.908.5300

SANDY801.565.3412

SOUTH JORDAN801.253.7515

SOUTH OGDEN801.475.7444

TAYLORSVILLE801.968.6002

TOOELE435.843.8270

WEST VALLEY801.963.1300

26 UTAH LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU!

We offer Farm Bureau Member Discountswww.LesSchwab.com

in 1972 much to the satisfaction of many Farm Bureau members and staff that had worked hard to pass the bill.

Since that time Farm Bureau, on numerous occasions has stood to defend what we now refer to as the “greenbelt” law. We will continue to work to secure the ability for farmers to farm the ground that today has become such a precious asset not only to the farmers themselves but to all of us who enjoy the open space it provides. As times change, I hope society will continue to put a high priority on the preservation of ag lands here in Utah. The Farmland Assessment Act is one way Utah agriculture will continue to be farmed for generations to come.

Greenbelt Tax cont’d

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Produce sold at Farmers Markets was probably picked just hours before you purchased it. It is fresh, crisp, and packed with flavor. As produce ages it begins to loose nutrients. Fresh produce sold at Farmers Markets may actu-ally be more nutri- tious than produce shipped to your local grocery store.

“We take pride in being stewards of the land and doing our part to produce the safest most abundant food supply of any nation in the world,” said Tyson Roberts, a sixth generation farmer from Layton. “It is very rewarding to help feed the world.” Farmers today receive less than 10 cents of every retail food dollar. Shopping at Farmers Markets eliminates the middleman and allows farmers to receive the full retail price for their products.

Between 60 and 70 percent of Tyson Roberts’ yearly income now comes from retail sales at farmer’s markets. As the value of direct purchases in-crease for farmers, the lure to sell their farmland for development decreases. Open spaces provided by family farms are an irreplaceable asset for all of us. Farmlands in our communities are more than just beautiful; they provide habitats for the wildlife that help make our state unique.

Family farms will only survive as long as they are financially viable. By supporting local Farmers Markets today you are doing something proactive to help ensure that there will be farms and open space in your community for tomorrow.

For more information about the Farmer’s Market nearest to you please visit www.utahsown.utah.gov/FarmersMarkets.htm.

Food Safety Guidelines for Fresh Produce• Wash your hands, utensils and surfaces with hot soapy water before and after handling fresh fruits and vegetables.• Clean all produce thoroughly with cool tap water just before you use it, even if you will not be eating the rind or skin.• Make sure all pre-packaged and cut produce is kept refrigerated or iced.• Discard any cut produce that has been left at room temperature for more than two hours.

Utah Farm Bureau Sponsored Farmer’s Markets

Murray Park Farmers MarketMurray City Park (200 East 5200 South)(801) 233-3010July 30 - Oct. 30, 2010 Fri. & Sat. 9:00 A.M. - Late afternoon

South Jordan Farmers Market10610 South Redwood Road (1700 West)(801) 233-3010 July 31 - October 30, 2010Saturdays 8:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.

For more Farmers Markets locations go towww.utahsown.utah.gov/FarmersMarkets.htm

Why shop atFarmers Markets?Know your farmer, know your food

Why shop at Farmers Markets?Know your farmer know your food.

Produce sold at Farmers Markets was probably picked justhours before you purchased it. It is fresh, crisp, and packedwith flavor. As produce ages it begins to loose nutrients. Freshproduce sold at Farmers Markets may actually be more nutri-tious than produce shipped to your local grocery store.

“We take pride in being stewards of the land and doing our partto produce the safest most abundant food supply of any nationin the world,” said Tyson Roberts, a sixth generation farmerfrom Layton. “It is very rewarding to help feed the world.”Farmers today receive less than 10 cents of every retail fooddollar. Shopping at Farmers Markets eliminates the middlemanand allows farmers to receive the full retail price for theirproducts.

Between 60 and 70 percent of Tyson Roberts’ yearly incomenow comes from retail sales at farmer’s markets. As the valueof direct purchases increase for farmers, the lure to sell theirfarmland for development decreases. Open spaces provided byfamily farms are an irreplaceable asset for all of us. Farmlandsin our communities are more than just beautiful; they providehabitats for the wildlife that help make our state unique.

Family farms will only survive as long as they are financiallyviable. By supporting local Farmers Markets today you aredoing something proactive to help ensure that there will befarms and open space in your community for tomorrow.

For more information about the Farmer’s Market nearest to youplease visit www.utahsown.utah.gov/FarmersMarkets.htm.

Utah Farm Bureau SponsoredFarmer’s Markets

Murray Park Farmers MarketMurray City Park (200 East 5200 South)(801) 233-3010July 30 through October 30, 2010Friday and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to late afternoon

South Jordan Farmers Market10610 South Redwood Road (1700 West)(801) 233-3010July 31 through October 30, 2010Saturdays 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

For more Farmers Markets locations go towww.utahsown.utah.gov/FarmersMarkets.htm

Food Safety Guidelines for Fresh Produce· Wash your hands, utensils and surfaces with

hot soapy water before and after handlingfresh fruits and vegetables.

· Clean all produce thoroughly with cool tapwater just before you use it, even if you willnot be eating the rind or skin.

· Make sure all pre-packaged and cut produceis kept refrigerated or iced.

· Discard any cut produce that has been left atroom temperature for more than two hours.

RememberRemember to

keep yourproduce cool

after purchase.

MonthsApples

Bell PeppersBlackberriesCantaloupe

Green BeansOnionsPeaches

Chili PeppersCucumbers

PearsPotatoes

RaspberriesSquash

Sweet CornTomatoes

Watermelon

Utah Produce Availability Calendar(availabilty depends heavily on location and weather)

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC

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In an effort to meet the growing demands for off-highway vehicle (OHV) and per-sonal watercraft (PWC) youth education courses, Utah State Parks has made classes available online at stateparks.utah.gov. Cost for the OHV class is $30 and covers ATVs, off-highway motorcycles (OHMs) and side-by-side ATVs. The cost of the PWC course, which covers JetSki and Sea-Doo-type boats, is $34.95, which includes a $5 certification fee. Upon successful completion of the course, students print a temporary certificate valid for 60 days and later receive a permanent certificate by mail. Students are strongly encouraged to thor-oughly study all materials prior to taking the test. Students who do not pass the course, must pay a second registration fee and retake the test. “Safety is our number one concern. We want to reduce the number of accidents by educat-ing youth to operate ATVs and PWC safely and emphasize the importance of wearing safety equipment, and following laws and rules,” said Ann Evans, OHV/PWC Educa-tion Coordinator. “Online courses provide easier access to education courses and allow students to learn at their own pace.” Utah law requires youth 8 to 16 to complete the Utah State Parks Know Before You Go! OHV Education Course before operating

• Goggles• Get qualified training.• Ride within your skills.• Parents always supervise children & teens.• Never ride alone. (Always have another operator & machine with you when riding)• Preserve the environment.• Avoid warning long scarves and baggy clothing that could get caught in moving parts of the ATV.• Stay on marked trails.• Don’t harass wildlife. • Obey federal and state rules regulating the operation of ATVs.• Respect other peoples properties and rights.• Look for obstacles that might cause problems.• Lend a hand to someone in distress.• Wear sensible protective clothing. (Boots, gloves, long sleeve shirts and denims trousers)• Dress for the time of year.• Watch local forecast for weather report.• Ride sober.

Whatever the reason you have for using an ATV or PWC, remember, safety is the key to making it a good experience. Watch out for your life and your loved ones. If you have any questions or comments please contact A.J. Ferguson at (801) 233-3007 or [email protected].

ATV &PWC SafetyFun on the Road and Water By A.J. Ferguson, Utah Farm BureauVice President - Farm Safety

a machine on public lands, roads or trails. It is illegal for any child under age eight to operate an OHV on public land. Utah youth, 12 to 17 years of age, are required to complete and pass the Utah PWC Educa-tion Course in order to operate PWC ( Jet Ski, Wave Runner, Sea-Doo) without an adult on board. Children who are younger than 12, may not operate a PWC without a responsible adult onboard. Since the creation of the education courses, approximately 22,000 students have com-pleted the PWC course and over 60,000 students have taken the OHV course. For more information, visit http://stateparks.utah.gov, call (800) OHV-RIDE or (800) RIDE PWC.

Safety Tips for Riding your ATV

• Fit the ATV to the rider. (There should be at least three to six inches of space between the rider’s seat and ATV seat)• NO PASSENGERS. This means only one person per ATV.• Know your owner’s manual.• Check your ATV before you ride.• Always wear your helmet. (DOT or Snell approved)

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The ‘Gus’; ‘Boss of the Plains’;

‘Ten Gallon’— all describe various forms of an iconic image of the west—the cowboy hat. That symbol of rugged individualism is as recognizable as any within agriculture and speaks to the ethic of independence and a determined attitude to get the job done.

“The hat brings to mind the hardworking, honest lifestyle of the cowboy,” said Randy Parker, Chief Executive Officer of the Utah Farm Bureau Federation. “From that, the wearing of boots and a cowboy hat has come to make a statement for many, that ‘I’m an individual.”

Individuals ranging from politicians, to celebri-ties, to law enforcement have donned the hats for years as a way of strengthening their con-nection to the west and to the values embodied in cowboy lore, but the origins of the hat came more out of necessity than of concern for image.

The hat’s functional history includes a tall crown, which was designed for insulation of the head, and a wide brim, which protected cowboys from sun, precipitation and low-

hanging branches. These design changes came in the 1840s, when John B. Stetson was credited for creating the first cowboy hat—tabbed the ‘Boss of the Plains’.

Prior to that time, most hats were the Derby or Bowler style from England which featured smaller brims. The legend has it that Stetson, who came from a family of hatters in New Jersey, created the hat out of furs while mining for gold in Colorado. A cowboy approached Stetson, liking how the hat protected him from the elements, and bought it from him on the spot. Stetson later returned to the east and began fabricating the hats en masse. Within a short period of time, the hat’s popularity grew and an industry was born.

Utah’s Hat MakersAround 1853, a hatter known only as Mr. Tatton, opened a hat shop in Salt Lake City with Brigham Young as a business partner. Tatton and his family ran the shop for a long time until it was sold to Jim Smythe. Under Smythe’s direction the business grew during the early 1910s and 20s until it was the largest hat shop in the United States.

How the business continued in the decades following is somewhat unclear, until it was reported that the shop had moved to Draper and eventually closed in the 1980s. That was when Jim Whitting-ton of Salt Lake City purchased it in 1986 and brought the company back to life.

“I found the original wood-blocking table in an old hay barn in Draper, and I just thought it would be a fun business” Whit-tington said. “I had never seen a hat shop before I bought this one. Once I got into it, it was a 24/7 obsession.”

The wood-blocking table Whittington referenced was purchased in 1880 and has been used at the hat shop ever since. Other historic additions to the shop include dozens of antique Singer sewing machines still in use and a decorative barber chair that was reportedly used by Billy the Kid.

Whittington’s hat shop specializes in custom made hats of all styles made from beaver fur, straw, or a combination of both. Whittington himself has traveled to dozens of countries looking at materi-als and styles. Since Whittington started keeping track in 1988, he has made 12,958

ICONIC SYMBOLOF THE WEST

Alive&Well


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custom fur hats, making him the largest custom hat shop in the country.

“Every hat has a story behind it. Some cus-tomers come in here not knowing what kind of hat they want; I just take their measure-ments, talk to them for a while, and then tell them to come back in a few weeks and I’ll have the best hat for them,” Whittington says. “You put your personality into the hat. Making these hats, you learn how to read people and have conversations to see what they like. Some people coming in here are bankers during the week and cowboys on the weekend.”

People Whittington has had conversations with over the years have included professional athletes, powerful business leaders, and law enforcement, but one he especially remembers fondly was from a musician who came in just before closing and talked about hats without ever touting his celebrity status.

“John Denver came into town to make a movie and wanted a cowboy hat,” Whittington said. “He’d come in and stay a few hours. He’d talk about hats, even help work on some. Before he passed away, we had planned to start a line of hats together.”

Just as Denver wasn’t looking for any star treatment when it came to hats, Whittington himself isn’t looking for celebrity status in the hat business, even though he has either made or influenced many of the hats made in the West today. He just enjoys making hats.

What Makes a Hat?The hat making technique has essentially stayed the same over the years, with varia-tions coming in materials and style. Hatters start with the hat material on a round frame or block, and use the shaping table to set the shape and size of the crown. Once the size is determined, the crown is ironed and then platers (circular irons) are used to iron the brim. Finally, the hat goes to the sewing room where the style and personality of the hat come out, including the stitching of the band and addition of bows, buckles or ribbons.

It is here that a bow is typically included on the inside of the band. Hat making lore says that the bow is included on the inside as a memorial tribute to past hatters who, while treating furs with mercury, developed brain damage and endured violent muscle twitch-ing. That is where the term “mad hatter” or “mad as a hatter” comes from.

Beaver fur is the typical fur of choice for making hats today. Furs have been used to create cowboy hats both because of their water-resistant properties and look, but also because furs typically retain the shape they’re molded to after being dried. The popularity of beaver hats in the eastern U.S. and Europe, as well as cowboy hats in the west, contributed to the booming fur trading business in the Intermountain West according to Scott Goodwin, owner of Sevier Valley Hat Company in Rich-field.

“They liked the beaver fur for its glossy shine, the water resistance it provided, as well as its durable nature,” Goodwin said.

The type of crease in the crown of the hat has evolved over time. When hats were first used by cowboys, the crease could even indicate what part of the country you were from or what cattle company you worked for. The earliest crease was known as the “Carlsbad Crease”, coming from cowboys in Carlsbad, New Mexico, and was recognized by a long crease sloping from the high back of the crown down toward the front.

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Cowboy hats have spread in popularity and availability over time, with consumers being able to pick up a hat at most sport-ing goods or western wear shops. With the popularity, much of the shape and style of hat has become generalized.

“It isn’t as indicative of location anymore, but it’s still a neat part of the history,” Goodwin said. “You can still see some [distinction] with the buckaroo hats, with the flat top and wide brim. Those are still popular with cowboys and others in Cali-fornia and Nevada.”

While the cowboy hat still remains an iconic symbol of the west, its use had declined generally over time. Some of the decline in wearing cowboy hats, and hats in general, can be attributed to historical events as well as advancements in technol-

ogy that made facing the elements less problematic.

“What killed the industry was the end of World War II. People were tired of wearing helmets and didn’t want anything on their heads anymore,” Whittington said. “That and in 1949, Ford lowered the roof of cars. In 1954, Chrysler and Plym-outh did it too.”

Whittington suggests the lowered roof made it too difficult to wear your hat in the car, and it was too expensive to con-stantly be replacing hats which were sat on after being placed on the seat.

However, after years of decline, both Whittington and Goodwin agree that the popularity and use of hats is on the rise; due in part to the cyclical nature of

fashion as well as an increased health concern from exposure to the sun.

Whatever the reason, hatters like Whit-tington, Goodwin and others are happy to see people taking an interest in the iconic headwear and look forward to being able to supply the perfect headpiece to compliment your personality.

“Everyone that comes in the door isn’t a cus-tomer—they’re a friend,” Whittington said. “I want to see that customer come back again and again, so I treat them right.”

Whether grandstand cowboy, “Gus” or the real-deal, after visiting with some of Utah’s quality hatters, customers will leave with an important contributor to western history.

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“It has many names according to how our eyes experience what it can do. We call it fog, mist, frost, clouds, sleet, rain, snow, hail and condensate. It is the one compound that all space explorers search for when they consider the colonization of a new planet. It is the dominant chemical in all life forms and can make almost 99 percent of all organism’s weight. It is also the solvent in which all synthesis of new compounds – par-ticularly sugars, proteins, and fats – takes place. It is also the compound that is split by the action of light and chlorophyll to release and repeatedly recycle oxygen. It is the substrate for “the-lungs-of-the-earth.” The compound is water.” – Dr. Marc Cathey

Water belongs to the State of Utah. Before Statehood, or even before the Territory of Utah was established, water was part of the land. People used it to drink, water livestock and their crops and gardens. They would often choose to live in close proximity of water. The arrival of the pioneers in 1847 changed how water was distributed, managed and put to use. The pioneers actually diverted water from natural waterways to distant parcels of land for agricultural purposes. The development of the Intermountain West was based on community ownership of water resources under the Doc-trine of Appropriation.

This doctrine works well in arid states com-pared to the concept of Common Law Ripar-ian Water Rights, where everyone who owns land adjacent to a waterway has the right to use the water on the riparian land. In arid states, there is not enough water to allow this kind of doctrine. In the Doctrine of Appropriation, water belongs to the first person or group to put the water to beneficial use – first to come, first in right.

Water policy decision-makers, by their very position in society, can make a tremendously positive impact on lives, livelihoods and living conditions. This is particularly so if these of-ficials expand their horizons courageously and innovatively by adapting forward-thinking new approaches to water use, conservation and quality. Historically, acting on forward think-ing water policy results in financial investment and commitment.

In 1909, the Utah State Legislature approved an “Act to Provide for a Utah State Conser-vation Commission” to prevent waste of the natural resources in Utah. Twelve years later, the legislature created the Utah Water Storage Commission, designed to ensure full utilization of Utah’s water. Twenty more years passed and the legislature created a Publicity and Indus-trial Development Department. Another six years passed (1946) and the legislature created the Utah Water and Power Board and the Revolving Construction Fund to provide fi-nancial assistance for the construction of water development and conservation projects. Then in 1967, 20 more years, the legislature created the Utah Department of Natural Resources and the Board of Water Resources designed to administer the state’s responsibilities in water resource matters. More time passed and in 1974 the legislature created the Cities Water Loan Fund. Then four years later, in an effort to help finance large water projects, the legis-lature created the Conservation and Develop-ment Fund. In 1990, the legislature passed the Dam Safety Act and appropriated additional funds to meet the growing water construction and conservation needs throughout the state. More time passed and legislation was enacted dedicating one-sixteenth of Utah’s sales tax towards water development, construction and conservation needs.

Hundreds of millions of dollars have been appropriated and spent on hundreds of Utah water projects over the years. The demand for water grows at about the same pace as population. Water funds and proj-ects are primarily where the population is. As the demand for urban water grows, the groups most hurt by this increased demand are going to the agribusinesses in rural Utah. All water rights, including groundwater rights, are property rights that should not be taken from the owner without due process and just compensa-tion. However, water rights must be used for beneficial purposes. This philosophy is Utah Farm Bureau policy and a purpose of Utah’s Division of Water Rights; to provide order and certainty in the beneficial use of Utah’s water.

Water is the lifeblood of the West. All efforts should be made to conserve water. Water policies and laws should be sound and strictly enforced. Water is necessary for life. It is necessary for industry and commerce. It is necessary. Agriculture water has served as a bank for water being converted to municipal and industrial uses and will do so for the foreseeable future. Agriculture water is developed water that can be converted to municipal and in-dustrial purposes with less environmental impact and with very little regulatory overhead. Without agriculture continuing to use the water rights until the conversion takes place, it would be very difficult for the resource to be protected and available for municipal and industrial uses. Agriculture use of water serves an important function in future water development.

“Green is the color of hope. In the green of our plants lies our hope for survival.”– Dr. Marc Cathey

The Cost of WaterBy Sterling C. BrownUtah Farm Bureau Vice President – Public Policy

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* Must be a Farm Bureau member for at least 30 days. Contact your local Farm Bureau office for details. Farm Bureau® is a federally registered collective membership and a registered service mark of the American Farm Bureau Federation.® Cummins is a registered trademark of Cummins, Inc.

24


Is there any childhood memory more synonymous with summer than of taking a deep bite into the cold, bright-red, juicy flesh of a watermelon slice? Often accompanied by games in the park during lazy summer afternoons, it seemed as though every care in the world disap-peared as you let the juices drip down your chin. Yes…this is summer!

Summer memories for many also tend to include visits to the farmers market as well as an occasional family getaway. In Utah, these three memories often come together in the small town of Green River, Utah.

This town of about 1,000 residents is found at the junction of Emery and Grand Counties and the Green River. Having experienced a boom & bust growth pattern which started with the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad in the 1880’s and continued with the uranium “Gold Rush” of the post-World War II era, Green River has settled in its current reputation of unofficial watermelon capital of Utah.

The town’s annual celebration, Melon Days, highlights the importance of the fruit, as well as other popular melons including cantaloupe and honeydew. According to the Green River Current, the celebration first took place August 12, 1901 when Chris Anderson, a local rancher, invited the townspeople to a watermelon feast.

Since that time, Melon Days has included dif-ferent levels of activity, including brass bands, dancing, baseball games and dancing at the

Palmer House. The festival was typically celebrated on Labor Day, except for a 15 year drought from 1931 to 1946. In 1954, the date was changed to the middle of September to make sure there were enough melons to give away. Melon Days has been celebrated every year since 1946 with the highlight of free melons remaining the one constant theme.

“We’ve been celebrating Melon Days the 3rd weekend of September for years,” said Nancy Dunham. “We’ve had crowds of people come in for the event. Families plan their reunions around it and high school class reunions are held too. There is always a surplus of melons around that time.”

But the festive atmosphere of Melon Days isn’t the only reason people are attracted Green River – it is the melons themselves. And chief among those is the watermelon.

“We received a note from a gentleman in South Carolina who passed through this area 63 years ago, just after World War II, telling us ours were the best melons he’s ever had and asking if we could ship one to him!” Dunham said. “When you can create that kind of im-pression on someone, to remember all these years and for them to write you a note about it– that says something.”

Watermelons are king in Green River, but farmers in the region grow many other melons. In all, about 26 different melons are grown in Green River, including common varieties such as cantaloupe and honeydew, as well as more exotic flavored melons such as Crenshaw,

Israeli, Casaba, Valencia, Yellow Canary, honeyloupe, Banana cantaloupe, Santa Claus, and Green Flesh cantaloupe, among others.

Why Green River?The Dunham family is one of three long-time Green River families that have grown watermelons and other variety melons for generations. Nancy Dunham, 79, came to Green River from the Niagara Falls area after marrying a Colorado cowboy and starting a ranch south of Green River in 1955. After years of tasting the melons gifted by a neighbor, the Dunhams decided to start growing them themselves and opened a local market on Highway 50 in Green River.

Since they began entering watermelons in county and state fairs, the Dunhams have won more than 35 blue ribbons for top quality. Those ribbons speak to the care the Dunhams provide as well as the perfect growing conditions in Green River.

“The hot days and cool nights of Green River’s desert climate make for great water-melon growing conditions. The changes in temperature help the fruit become sweeter,” said Chris Dunham, son of Nancy and Gene Dunham, who now manages the Dunham Family Melon farm along with his wife Olivia, son Matthew and daugh-ter Hannah. “Our soil here also has some Boron and other trace elements which are good for plant growth.”

Decades of“Sweet” Success in Green River


25


But don’t let the pride growers have in the region for the seemingly perfect growing conditions and the generations of success fool you. Growing melons is no easy task. The same reason people love to eat these melons is the same reason local farmers have problems with wildlife.

“The first few weeks of harvest always seems to belong to the wildlife,” joked Nancy Dunham. “They know exactly when the melons are ripe!”

If only Nancy Dunham were joking. The loca-tion of farms in the area places the melons in prime spots for damage by black bears, coyotes, raccoons, deer, skunks, and crows. Whereas the bears can destroy entire fields of melons quickly, as well as devour entire beehives used to pol-linate the plants, crows will come in and simply take a peck or two. Despite the smaller scale of damage, the result is the same – a lost melon.

Growers also have to deal with another threat to the melons, that of weeds.

“The weeds take the flavor right out of the water-melons,” said Greg Vetere. As with the Dunham and Thayn families, the Vetere family has been farming melons in Green River for generations.

The melons have no defenses for fighting off the weeds, so farmers are constantly fighting back weeds by hand, to ensure no damage is done to the melon plants. The melons also use up much of the nutrients from the ground, so farmers have to organize rotational planting with alfalfa to put the nutrients back in. Both the Dunhams and Veteres say you don’t want to plant a field of melons back-to-back, and so farmers need to have a few hundred acres to make it profitable.

But the planting and weeding are only part of the battle. Harvesting watermelons is another tricky part of the business. As any backyard gardener will tell you, it’s not as easy as it looks when it comes to picking watermelons at the right time.

“It’s back-breaking work, but we thrive on people coming back and saying this is the best

melon they’ve ever had,” said Greg Vetere, whose family has been picking melons since the 1910’s. “When you hear of how someone loved the fruit you provided and worked over, that’s what really makes this worth it. People plan their vacations for when our melons are ready. Farmers are not doing this solely for the money, it’s the satisfaction of knowing you made some-one’s day better because of something they ate.”

Greg and Tim Vitere also operate a few stands in Green River and, like the Dunhams, sell their melons at Farmers Markets and roadside stands throughout the Wasatch Front as well as at markets in Grand Junction and Cortez, Colorado.

Picking the Best MelonThankfully for most consumers, the tough job of bringing melons to market is done for them. What remains is the tricky part of knowing how to pick out a good melon from the market or store. Whether you grow your own or not, the selection is part science, part intuition and part…pitch? That’s right, when it comes down to it, researchers found that the sound a watermelon makes when tapped comes out as the pitch of a b-flat. But for those not carrying a pitch pipe with them or without an “app for that” on their cell phones, there are additional methods for selecting the right watermelon:

• The sound that comes from tapping a wa-termelon should be a resonate, hollow sound, similar to the tapping of a piece of wood. Chris Dunham also offers his standard method, “Pat your stomach and listen carefully to that sound. Then pat the melon and see if the sound of the melon matches the sound of your stomach.” If the sound is a deep, dull, hollow sound, that typically means that the melon is over-ripe.

• Other keys from the Watermelon Promotion Board include selecting a watermelon that “looks heavy for its size” since they are mostly water, as well as looking at the underside of the watermelon to see if it is a creamy, yellow color as opposed to a white or pale green color. This

will indicate how long the watermelon was able to ripen on the vine. As opposed to peaches, watermelons will not continue to ripen after they’ve been cut from the vine.-For those growing their own watermelons, a method known as checking the “spoon and curl” is best. This involves checking for a small leaf about the size of a fingernail that is located next to the stem, known as the spoon, to see if it has shriveled up and fallen off. You also look for the curl, which is a tendril near the stem. When that curls up like a “pigtail” and dries up, the water-melon is ready to be picked.

For other melons, here are some tips:

Cantaloupe: Thick nettings, yellowish buff color, and depressed stem end where it slipped from the vine. Smell for sweet aroma.Honeydew: Creaminess in color, smooth and waxy to the touch, not fuzzy. Slight give at the end, opposite the stem.Crenshaw: Can be yellow or dark green spotted, distinct aroma, waxy skin, slightly soft at the end, opposite the stem.Casaba & Canary: Golden yellow color.

Consumers can expect to see local water-melons and other variety melons showing up at Farmers Markets and stores around the end of July or early August, and are available through the month of September. While it may be difficult to find watermel-ons in the grocery stores after Labor Day, as stores typically lose interest at that time, shoppers are invited to attend the annual Melon Days celebration in Green River for as many free melons as you can eat, or to stop by any of the local vendors selling Green River melons.

Then perhaps, just for a moment, after biting into a juicy watermelon you can take a journey back to those carefree days of summer. Enjoy!

26


Does your local school have a school garden? What value does such a garden have for students and their teachers? Recently numerous teachers from across the state participated in a Food Land and People workshop sponsored by Utah State University and taught by Debra Spielmaker, Director of the Agriculture in the Classroom program.

“The garden course was developed for both elementary and secondary educators to increase knowledge about agricultural and environ-mental literacy and meet state core standards,” Spielmaker said. “The understanding of agri-culture (farming, ranching, and everyone who helps these producers), from the soil up, supplies us all with the things we use every day—food, clothing, shelter and more.”

After a delicious breakfast featuring Utah products sponsored and presented by Utah’s Own, the teachers boarded a bus for a tour to learn how soil conservation, crop rotation, seed sprouting, pollinators, the timing of blossom-ing through controlled pollination and making compost are an integral part of gardening and also of farming. The goal of the tour and the corresponding afternoon classroom studies was to show the teachers that by involving their students in creating and maintaining a school garden, the students can learn not only about soil conservation, crop rotation, seed sprouting, pollination or making compost but also lessons in such diverse subjects as earth science, envi-ronment, conservation, weather, math, healthy lifestyles, water cycles, social studies, and career and technical education.

The focus for the first stop on the tour at the David Day “Pick Your Own” farm was crop rotation, soil composition and pest control. The teachers also learned about some of the challenges of being a profitable farm within an urban setting. So much of the best crop land in Davis County has been converted to subdivi-sions that farming has become endangered in the county. “It was really disconcerting to see the farm surrounded by homes,” commented Julie Eckman, teacher from Meadowbrook El-ementary School in Bountiful and who grew up on a farm. “One doesn’t often consider farming as an urban occupation.”

At Mountain States wholesale nursery the workshop participants were treated to an ex-tensive tour of the facility while learning about pollination timing, plant propagation through plant cuttings and seeds, control of light for healthy plant growth and watering techniques tailored for each plant type from tour guide, Dennis Cox.

One of the highlights of the tour was a visit to the school garden at Syracuse Elementary School. Sally Ogilvie, Farm Bureau’s 2003 Teacher of the Year, supervises the garden in rotation with two other teachers. The garden is divided into five areas: The Utah Garden with native Utah plants and shrubs planted to help students understand the importance of ecosystem diversity, observe xeriscaping capa-bilities of plants, and to recognize Utah native species; Butterfly Garden with shrubs and flowers which attract butterflies, insects and

birds; the Annual Garden which changes each year; Songbird garden featuring bird-friendly shrubs and trees; and Native American Garden with a Three-Sisters garden growing corn, beans and squash with a large pole tepee to support vines.

Over several years using donations of money, labor, and grants the garden has been enlarged and now even includes a marvelous little greenhouse constructed from straw bales and mud plaster. While visiting the greenhouse, workshop partici-pants learned easy and inexpensive ways to demonstrate soil erosion, soil types, and soil testing.

Ogilvie spent some time with the teach-ers explaining the necessity for gaining support from the Board of Education, school principle and other teachers before a school garden can be considered. Paren-tal support is also invaluable. Issues such as a water source, weeding and maintaining the garden during periods between school sessions and a plan for responsibility when current custodial teachers may no longer be employed at the school must all be ad-dressed prior to building the garden.

When asked about the value of a school garden Ogilvie explains, “I believe an outdoor classroom provides opportunities for young people to see and understand that agriculture is all around them. It is farming, food, fabric, forestry and flowers. By actively engaging students in an outdoor laboratory, they better

LearningWhile TheyGrowBy Aurline Boyack, Director of Member Servicesand Women’s Program Coordinator

understand the importance of our food chain, development of plants, planting and growing crops and sharing the harvest. Having a natural environment so close at hand provides hands-on learning about the natural world: balanced ecosystems, food chains, communities, diversity, change and interrelationships.”

“When young people who are two or three gen-erations removed from farming learn the value of agriculture production and the processes involved in providing the food they eat, they teach their parents,” said Ruth Roberts, Chair of the Utah Farm Bureau Women’s Committee and Davis County farmer. “Agriculture is the only industry we can’t live without.”

“When we have safe healthy food, which is easy to access and is affordable, this affects our quality of life,” continues Spielmaker. “Success-ful agriculture makes it easy for us to specialize as a culture and pursue our interests in art, med-icine, writing, engineering, space travel, soccer, leisure time, etc. If teachers will use the ‘Food, Land & People’ activities with their students (a requirement for workshop credit), the students should begin to understand that food doesn’t just appear in the grocery store. The students may also begin to value the hard work, science, business, and the energy used to produce the things they may currently take for granted.”

During one of the afternoon classroom ses-sions, Ruth Roberts and LuAnne Roberts, Davis County Women’s Program Chair took the opportunity to explain to the teachers how pumpkins, which could be grown in a school garden, can be used in the classroom to teach math and science.

“Davis County Farm Bureau volunteers have taken pumpkins to a number of elemen-tary school classrooms,” teaches Ruth Roberts. “The volunteers first explain how farmers grow pumpkins. Then children are given the op-portunity to guess the weight of pumpkins of various sizes. After each child’s guess is written down, the pumpkins are weighted to see how accurate the guesses were. Next a pumpkin is cut open and the students remove the seeds and count how many are in each section. Stu-dents add the section totals to determine the total number of seeds in the pumpkin. Finally the students learn how pumpkin seeds can be dried for a healthy snack.”

Although a school garden may not currently be feasible for some of the teachers attending the Gardening Workshop, they discovered what a valuable resource www.agclassroom.org can be for those who want to supplement core curriculum subjects with agriculture based resources. From access to lesson plans, DNA kits, soil sample boxes, grow lights, DVDs, a

library of accurate agriculture books, and an e-store this website is an easy and inexpensive tool for teachers to use in increasing their students knowledge of agriculture and environmental literacy.

The daylong workshop is just one of the many instructional opportunities offered by the Agriculture in the Classroom department which teachers can take ad-vantage of when considering re-licensure points, USU semester credits or profes-sional in-service staff development credit.

“Even though Utah is a small agriculture state, residents need to understand how things work in the agriculture world,” concludes Spielmaker. “It’s not just about us, it’s about the world and how we share our resources. Our program is there to teach teachers so they can teach their stu-dents accurate information. This particular workshop focused on gardens because gardening—inside or outside—is fairly easy to implement in a school setting, and can be used to teach core standards. In addition to learning about science, math, nutrition and social studies, students may also learn about work, team work, to appreciate agriculture and how people involved in agriculture must work with the cycles of nature.”

28


The Right Equipment To Get The Job Done.Here For You…

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.

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NH CR960 SL#HAJ103370, Hrs: 843 engine/654separator, Corn & Grain Concaves. 0% for 36 Months OAC*Old Sales Price.......................... $169,000New Sales Price......................... $139,995

C/IH MX270 SL#JJA0111389, 5950/hrs, MFWD TRACTOR WITH KMW LOADER. 2.0% for 48 Months OAC*Sales Price......................... $68,995

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NO PHOTO

Call For More Information & Selection: 435-660-1844

farmbureau_magad.indd 1 6/22/10 12:09 PM

29


What a country! July 4th, Independence Day 2010! As dissent and malaise fill the headlines, and bitter diatribe and blame mongering flood the airwaves, the question we should each ask each ourselves is, “Where would we rather be?”

Would I have a happier life if I took my family and moved to Taiwan? Or Brazil? Or France? I look at the Irish-Americans who celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and sing good old Irish songs. But how many O’Malleys and Kellys and Ken-nedys would repatriate if they could? Wait a minute, they can! But they don’t.

African Americans whose ancestors were slaves and are still trying to better their lot don’t dream of returning to Liberia or Somalia or South Africa.

The descendents of Chinese railroad workers and Japanese internment camp prisoners may honor the old country, but go back? Not on your life!

What about all the Mexican Americans who celebrate Cinco de Mayo and wave the Mexican flag? Do you think for one minute they would switch places with their relatives back in Mazatlan, Michoacán, or Ciudad Juarez?

The answer is No. Neither I, nor the vast ma-jority of Americans who can trace their roots back to faraway places, would give up our pre-cious United States citizenship. Our country is officially 235 years young. In world history we are relative newcomers and the melting pot is still stewing.

As we absorb more Vietnamese, Cubans, Koreans, Ukrainians, Indians, Pakistanis, Iraqis, Chinese, Africans, Irish, Europeans, Kiwis and Mexicans into the Native American base, the flavor of the soup changes. Sometimes it boils over but eventually we become homogenized.

I cannot think of a country that offers more op-portunity for individuals to succeed. Just ask any

green card Guatemalan strawberry picker, New Delhi medical doctor, Chinese math student, Australian singer or Peruvian sheepherder who is among us. Even during the recession they are pouring across our borders because of what we have to offer…hope.

America stands for freedom. A word that never sounds trite to immigrants. They know its true meaning, the chance to be the best you can be. And to those who have always known freedom, immigrants remind us not to take it for granted. They know America does not guarantee happiness or success. It offers an even greater gift; the freedom to pursue it.

Am I proud to be an American? You better believe it! After all, where else could a cowboy poet make a living telling frivolous stories and writing a silly column for 30 years. That’s right friends, this column began July 4, 1980. Only in America. God bless us all.

ON THE EDGE OF COMMON SENSE

4TH OF JULY, 2010

by Baxter Black, DVM

2010Call for Nominations

L e o p o l d C o n s e r v a t i o n Aw a r d

In his influential book, A Sand County Almanac, Aldo Leopold called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage. The development of a land ethic was, he wrote, “an evolutionary possibility and an ecological ne-cessity.” A land ethic is alive and well today in the thousands of American farmers, ranchers, and foresters who do well by their land and do well for their land.

Sand County Foundation proudly presents its Leopold Con-servation Award to a private landowner who exemplifies the spirit of this emerging land ethic — an individual or a family who translates their deep abiding love for the land into re-sponsible stewardship and management.

In Utah, Sand County Foundation presents the Leopold Conservation Award in partnership with the Utah Farm Bureau Federation, the Utah Cattlemen’s Association, and Western AgCredit. The Leopold Conservation Award winner receives an Aldo Leopold crystal and a check for $10,000.

Leopold Conservation Awards recognize extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation, inspire other land-owners through their example, and help the general public understand the vital role private landowners can and do play in conservation success.

Presented by Sand County Foundation in partnership with The Utah Farm Bureau Federation (Farm Bureau),

The Utah Cattlemen’s Association and Western AgCredit2009 winnerButch and Jeanie Jensen Tavaputs Ranch (Photo by Ron Francis, NRCS) leopoldconservationaward.org

Nominations Deadline:July 28, 2010

For Further information, please call David Bailey at 801-233-3020 or visit www.leopoldconservationaward.org

www.leopoldconservationaward.org

IMPORTANT NOTICE1. Non‑commercial ads for Utah Farm Bureau members selling items they grow or make themselves, or used machinery, household items, etc., they themselves have used in the past. Each member family is entitled to one such ad free in each three‑month period. Ads can be up to 40 words or numbers such as phone number or Zip. Words such as “For Sale” are included, initials and numbers count as a word. All words over 40 cost 25 cents each. Ads over 40 words not accompanied by the extra payment, or not meeting the above requirements, will be returned to the sender. Family memberships cannot be combined to create larger ads, nor can a membership be used for free classified ad purposes by anyone other than immediate family members. Ads run for three months.

2. Commercial ads for Utah Farm Bureau members where the member is acting as an agent or dealer (real estate, machinery, handicraft items made by people outside the member family, etc.) cost 25 cents per word. Payment MUST accompany such ads or they will be returned to the sender. Members are entitled to one such ad. Ads run for one month.

3. Ads for non‑Utah Farm Bureau members cost 50 cents per word. Payment MUST accompany such ads or they will be returned to the sender. Ads run for one month.In all ads, short lines requested by the advertiser, extra lines of white space, and lines with words in all caps count as 6 words per line. Ads with borders and bold headlines may be submitted and placed within the classified section, but will be charged the display advertising rate. Please contact the classified advertising department for further information. No insurance ads will be accepted.

***DEADLINE: ALL ADS MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE 15TH OF THE MONTH IN ORDER TO APPEAR IN THE NEXT ISSUE. EXCEPT FOR THE JANUARY ISSUE, WHICH HAS A CLASSIFIED DEADLINE OF DEC. 5.

Only free ads (Category 1 ads of 40 words or less) will be accepted by telephone at 801‑233‑3010, by fax at 801‑233‑3030 or e‑mail at [email protected]. Please include your membership number. Ads must be received no later than the 15th of the monthMail ads, typed or neatly printed, with any payment due, to Utah Farm Bureau News, Classified Ad Department, 9865 South State Street, Sandy, UT 84070‑2305. Free ads must be resubmitted by mail, telephone or fax after running for three months. Ads for which there is a payment due will be run as long as payment is received in advance.

ALL CLASSIFIED ADS will be listed on the Utah Farm Bureau web page unless the Utah Farm Bureau member specifies otherwise when placing the ad. The ads on the web site will run concurrently with the classified ads in the Utah Farm Bureau News.

NOTE: The appearance of any ad in the Utah Farm Bureau News does not constitute an endorse‑ment or approval of the service or merchandise offered. While every effort is made to ensure the legitimacy of services or merchandise advertised, the Utah Farm Bureau News or the Utah Farm Bureau Federation accepts no responsibility or liability for services or products advertised.

AUTOMOTIVEFOR SALE: ’79 KW conventional 60” sleeper, power steering, 380 Cat, retarder, 13 speed, 4:11 rear ends, air ride, all aluminum, original tires, no caps, good rubber, good sound truck. 801‑510‑8497.FOR SALE: Sheep or cattle transport; 81 K.W. (maroon colored); 400 Big Cam; 11:24:5 tires. Merritt Box, 1 pup; like new trailer, new 22 foot aluminum sheep loading chute, major overhaul with good tires, new steering, and interior deck lights, original owner (Brian Webb Heber) 435‑835‑2021. For Sale: 1991 Eldorado class C motor home, Model J24, 460 Ford engine, A/C, cruise control, generator, 4 new tires, 2 new batteries, sleeps up to six, enclosed shed storage. 42,390 miles. Call 435‑723‑6704. FOR SALE: 1978 Ford F 7000 2.5 ton truck with grain bed and heavy duty hoist. Good condition. Asking $6,500.00. Currently licensed and fully road worthy. 435‑563‑5492.FOR SALE: 1986 Ford F150 XLT with camper shell. In very good condition. Recently passed inspection. Phone 435‑752‑4308, Logan.

FARM EQUIPMENTI BUY, SELL, TRADE AND LOCATE all kinds of farm machinery. Bale wagons, tractors, tillage, planting, harvesting equipment, etc. I have a large inventory at this time. Palmer Equipment is located one mile south of Manti on Highway 89. 435‑835‑5111 or Cell: 435‑340‑1111. www.balewagons.com.FOR SALE: Challenger self‑propelled swather, 16’ header, 160 hrs. Serial # HS92119, Model SP115B. JD tractor, 6430 premium, 4 wheel drive with cab, 1800 hrs, $55,000. Hesston baler 4760 3x3, bale ejector, S/N HP 73321. $40,700. 435‑384‑2226, Ferron, UT 84523.FOR SALE: 4000 gallon Mueller milk tank, excellent condition. $19,500. 435‑528‑5835FOR SALE: H & S 24’ round bale feeder wagon. Used very little, like new condition. Cost new: $5,550.00. Will sell for $4,700.00. Goshen, UT 801‑667‑3289.FOR SALE: D6 CAT Dozer. Heavy duty winch, 12’ 6‑way blade, ROPS, sweeps, dual hydraulic tilt, manual angle, brand new turbo, direct electric start, recent new tread cleats on tracks, new brake lining, just lubed and serviced. $15,000. 801.597.0754.FOR SALE: 8555 Case International baler. 1486 Case International tractor with good rubber. MacDon 14’ swather. Not used for two years, shed stored, all in excellent condition. 801‑ 698‑7014. FOR SALE: 2004 Prioliet 1600 low profile feed wagon, 570 cubic feet, asking $18,500. Bedmaster 12” composter, $12,000. Call 801‑821‑0633.FOR SALE: Squeeze chute, Powder River. Double neck catch, rear gate. Good condition. $1,400 – offer. Fillmore, UT. 801‑372‑4019. Can deliver.

LIVESTOCKRegistered Suffolk and Whether Sire Ewes. Productive, framey, 240% lamb crop this year. Bloodlines include Donner Trail, Buckeye Acres and more. Contact Justen 435‑421‑9533, Weber County, Circle‑S‑Fabrication.com, Circle‑s‑[email protected] YEAR OLD CHARLOIS bulls for sale. 801‑768‑4112. WANTED: Well broke gelding, 14 to 15.2 hands. 6‑12 years old. Hunting, mtn. type. (I’m 69 yrs. old) Also 4‑horse trailer and saddle. 801‑255‑2251. BULLS FOR SALE: Red Angus yearling bulls. Trich and fertility tested. Bred for calving ease and high growth. Lyle Taylor, Vernal, Utah. Call 435‑790‑8880. PUREBRED GELBVIEH and Balancer Bulls for sale. Current on all testing and will increase performance and weight gain on your cattle. Contact Richard Pace: 435‑425‑3805 (evenings) or 435‑691‑4703 (cell) daytime. PURE BREED Angus Yearling Bull for sale. Telephone 435‑646‑3575, Gerald Peck

REAL ESTATEFOR SALE BY OWNER: Horse ranch or gentleman farm in Sanpete valley. 18 acres, 2776 square foot house, 3 car garage, shop, 4 stall barn, huge Quonset, loafing sheds. Three wheel lines, irrigation well, .67 cfs of water. Tractor, all equipment. 435‑445‑3567FOR SALE: Legacy Ranch Townhomes: $119,900, 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath, 1,500 square feet, garage. Land By Oneida Narrows: 400 acres. Borders Maple Grove Campgroundand boat dock. Heavily wooded. Seller financing. Can subdivide. Dairy Farm in Cache Valley: 41 acres of irrigated ground. Updated home, excellent crops. Double 5 Herringbone parlor. Mink Creek Idaho: Large price reduction, 26.9 ac hillside property, along Hwy 36. Irrigation rights. Beautiful home site. Land in Clarkston: Price Reduction! Seller Financing. $95,000 for 42 acres. Beautiful farm against foothills. County road goes through. 194.6 acres in 3 parcels and 105 acre parcel. Ranch in Thatcher Idaho: Seller Financing! Cattle ranch. 760 acres. Mountain pasture with 48 BLM AUMS. 72.77 acres irrigated land with new system. Early water right. Farm in Thatcher Idaho: Excellent meadow/farm. Half mile of Bear River frontage. 3 large pivots. Seller financing. Fruit Stand in Willard: Along Highway 89. 15’ x 15’ walk‑in cooler. Excellent retail opportunity. Land in Cache Valley: 72.14 acres in Young Ward. Water rights and grazing land. Legacy Ranch Homes: In Franklin, Idaho. Equestrian, lakeside and view lots. Homes from $149,900. Contact Brent Parker, @Home Realty, (435)881‑1000250 ACRE RANCH: lovely home, detached garage – only $295,000. Fenced, cross fenced, three acre Bass/Catfish pond, water wells, automatic waterer, pastures, corral, near Branson-Springfield, MO airport. For details/photos, http://www.omrelistings.com/OMRE299FR.htm or call, Jay Lee, 435‑635‑4959 (home) or 435‑635‑1209(work).FOR SALE: 25 acres next to Walmart distribution center, Corinne, UT. Water tap available. $500,000 OBO. Phone Ken Davis, 435‑279‑0675.UTAH VACATION IDEA! Hiking, fishing, hunting, mountain biking, horse trails, more. Ev‑erything’s close to the Rosebud Guest House. Near Ashley NF, Strawberry River, Starvation. Fully equipped cabin. Pet‑friendly. Corrals. Reservations, more information: 435‑548‑2630, 1‑866‑618‑7194, [email protected], www.rosebudguesthouse.com.

MISCELLANEOUSFOR SALE: Treadmill Pro Form 325i. Pulse monitor, incline feature, hand weights. Ex. Cond. 435‑336‑5370 or 435‑640‑4951. FOR SALE: Vintage horse‑drawn buggy. Circa 1880s. Original undercarriage & hardware, immaculate condition, leather seat, golden oak hardwood, chavs, rubber treaded wooden wheels, manual lever brake. Great parade buggy or just for family buggy rides. $4,000 obo. 801.597.0754.FOR SALE: 8 x 11 Hilsboro aluminum diamond plate flatbed with 150 gal. fuel cell, 3.5 pt. GPM transfer pump. 264 x 16 x 18, top mounted tool boxes, 5th wheel receiver, all matching aluminum diamond plate. $3,000. 801‑725‑6653. FOR SALE: Approx. 175’ of used Model 75 (2.38”) Chore Time flex augur & tubing. Includes 2 used single phase 1 hp power heads. $1,200. Call Mark at 801‑455‑2069 or 435‑336‑5975.

AGRICULTURAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIESRESOURCE ANALYST – Entry level. Degree or working toward degree in natural resources, agriculture or related field. Skilled in research, communication and document preparation. Prefer MS Publisher, Photoshop, ARC Map. Utah Association of Conservation Districts. [email protected] FOUR FARMS: If you are looking for a career in a fun, rewarding team environ‑ment, Circle Four Farms is the opportunity you’ve been searching for. We’re offering quality full time entry‑level animal production positions with training available. Challenge yourself with a company on the grow that offers: Starting wage $10 to $11.50 per hour plus benefits – total value $30,420. Medical, Prescription, Dental, and Vision Insurance, Life Insurance plan, Short Term and Long Term Disability, company paid Pension Plan, 401(k) Savings Plan with company match, Gain$hare Plan, Incentive programs, Paid holidays and vacation, Educational reimbursement, Ask us about a relocation package, For more information please call our office: Circle Four Farms, PO Box 100, 341 South Main, Milford UT 84751, (435) 387‑2107, Fax (435) 387‑2530, www.c4farms.com, Equal Opportunity Employer.


C L A S S I F I E D S

Exclusive Farm BureauSizzlin’ Summer Savings

Are you using them for all they are worth?

Fun in the Sun

801-233-3010Complete details for all benefits

can be found at utfb.fb.orgVisa and Mastercard Accepted

All-day Passes: Pay just $34.30 (includes tax), a savings of $11.44 off the regular ticket price. Best price for anyone over 4 planning to go on the rides. Not dated – use any day during the 2010 season. Passes are non-refundable. Season Passes are avail-able this year! $93.67 ea.(incl. tax)

Take the whole gang to a BEES baseball game! Call 801-233-3010 and arrange for vouchers. “Fun Vouchers” are just $5.00 ea. Or choose “Bees Vouchers” just $8.00 ea. for Home Plate or Box Seats.

Call 801-233-3010 for this year’sFarm Bureau prices.

2 days for the price of 1. Adult passes are $55.00 & Children (3-9) are $45.50. Regular 1-day ticket prices are $65.00 & $55.00.

Passes with 2nd day FREE are just $49.00 ea. LEGOLAND TRIPLE PLAY: $60.00 (Reg. $87.00) 2nd day FREE (Legoland, Aquarium & Water Park)

A three day pass is just $59.00 per person. Regular price is $67.00 for a two-day pass.

San Diego Zoo / Wild Animal Park offers Farm Bureau members a discount on single day admissions. Renowned as one of the best zoos in the world with more than 4,000 rare animals, including giant pandas, orangutans, gorillas, polar bears and koalas, the San Diego Zoo is a can’t miss destination when you are in Southern California. At the Wild Animal Park, you can

Days of ’47 Rodeo discounted tickets are available for Farm Bureau members. America’s Original Extreme Sport, the Days of ’47 Rodeo is tradition-ally Utah’s largest rodeo, drawing world champion cowboys, cowgirls and rough stock. Performances nightly July 19-24, 2010 at the Maverick Center in West Valley (formerly known as the E-Center). Save $5.00 per ticket for the first three price levels: $40.50, $15.50, and $7.50 + applicable ticketing fees. Savings available at http://www.ticketmaster.com/promo/e15tb4.

Milwaukee Tool Specials from Farm Bureau and Grainger. Visit http://utfb.fb.org > Member Benefits > Grainger for the details.

get up close to some of the world’s most exotic animals. You won’t want to miss the journey into Africa which brings a whole new dimension to the park. Or the 20 passenger helium balloon ride above the plains of Africa. Tickets for either the San Diego Zoo or the Wild Animal Park are just $31.00 per adult and $22.50 per child. Tickets only available by calling 801-233-3010.

Documents

Utah Farm Bureau Countryside Magazine