Alan Bangerter is no stranger to moving his farming operations in the name of “progress,” which usually comes in the form of freeways built on top of and replacing fertile farm ground. The Legacy of Legacy In 1999 UDOT moved the main Bangerter family farm (30 acres that they bought in the 1970s). The farm was located in the intended path of the Legacy Parkway , so th … [Read more...]
Farms vs. Suburbia: Does Population Growth Mean the End of Family Farms?
The Wasatch Front has been growing out rather than up for years. Sprawl is now threatening Utah’s most successful family farms. Over eighty percent of Utah residents say they want more farms, open space, and locally produced food, but it appears that city, state and local leaders haven’t received the memo. As with most things political, it’s all about the money. Thayne Tagge … [Read more...]
Utah is at an Impasse Over its Water Strategy
Steve Erickson is the self-identified “public policy person” for the Utah Audubon Council. He is part of the advisory team that is meant to send a state water strategy to Utah Gov. Gary Herbert’s desk. He said on Wednesday on Utah's capitol hill that the 197-page plan should be a “live document.” It’s due on July 19. But that didn’t keep Erickson from adding this: “The big … [Read more...]
Sheep Wool Fertilizer Pellets
In an emerald-green valley in Croydon, Utah, tucked away in Morgan County like a well-kept secret, lies Albert Wilde’s farm. Albert produces a unique product, one that is growing in popularity with gardeners and farmers as it becomes more available and more familiar—sheep pellets. No, not that kind of sheep pellets. Albert’s pellets are made of wool. Albert is revol … [Read more...]
Utah Ranch Viable Thanks to Wildlife not Livestock
Croydon UT—The Wilde family is now in their sixth generation of raising 2,800 sheep and 300 head of cattle on 17,000 acres. But despite having all of these animals and all this land, the Wildes earn close to nothing on the livestock. Instead, their living is made from the wildlife. In a changing trend of both consumer demand for wild game, which is healthier, and the growing … [Read more...]
How Our Choices Affect Our Landscape – Utah Stories Farm Issue July 2017
We recently took a close look at the farms in Sevier County. There are some massive, football field sized warehouses housing thousands of chickens. You don’t see the chickens. There are acres of alfalfa pastures watered automatically—no animals. Across the street there is a very smelly feedlot where cows are standing atop piles of their own manure while putting on massive pou … [Read more...]
October Utah Stories And Things to do in Utah
October Activities October 1-30: Oktoberfest at Porcupine Pub & Grille. Located at 3968 Fort Union Blvd and 258 S 1300 E, Salt Lake City. Visit http://porcupinepub.com/ for more information and menus. October 13: Free Bicycle Mechanics Class. Classes are held at Ogden Bike Collective, 936 E 28th St. at 6 pm. The classes introduce basic bicycle maintenance. … [Read more...]
Grant Holdaway – A Farming Legacy
Grant Holdaway is a 91-year-old man who can't give up his habit of farming. He finally sold his business last year after his store manager moved on to a different career. He says that ever since he was six years old he has had a passion for growing plants and farming. "You have got to love farming to do it," says Holdaway. He added that despite working 12-hour days throughout … [Read more...]
Farms VS. Suburbia
This video shows the problems with Utah family farms in the eyes of the city, state and UDOT. This is the story of the Cook Family who have decided to hold their ground despite constant challenges by state leaders who make it clear they wish they were gone. Now into their fourth generation on the same ground, the Cook Family Farm and Greenhouse in Vineyard is a rarity in … [Read more...]
Utah Stories Farm Issue Video Introduction
This is Utah Stories fourth annual farm issue. Last year we wrote about two of Utah's largest grass-fed operations -- Redmond Heritage Farms and Canyon Meadows Ranch. Then we wrote about up-and-coming urban farmers and younger first-generation farmers such as Peterson Family Farms. These stories are well worth reading. This year we have decided to focus on suburban … [Read more...]