2023 Young Rancher Workshop
Written by Katie Siesel, Outreach Assistant, Working Lands Conservation
Workshop attendees on a field tour of the Tavaputs Ranch.
Butch Jensen (left) sharing his family history on Range Creek.
There is nothing quite like cowboy storytelling. Standing 5,000 feet above Desolation Canyon in the Book Cliffs, Butch Jensen, the patriarch of the Tavaputs Ranch, can tell you every detail about the land- trails his ancestors blazed moving cattle through deep canyons, when fuel treatments were completed, and love stories of where he fell in love with his wife, Jeanie. Butch and Jeanie’s ancestors settled the canyons and vistas at the turn of the 20th century. The couple, along with their daughter Jennie, son-in-law Jeff, and grandchildren Jax and Jett, welcomed Working Lands Conservation, the Utah Grazing Improvement Program, and workshop attendees to their six-generation ranch to host our Young Rancher Workshop. Producers gathered from all corners of the state to discuss various topics, from virtual fencing to ranch succession.
One thing about ranching- it’s a family affair. Throughout the weekend, folks narrowed in on one central question: how can you manage your operation to sustain this way of life for the next generation? The reality of ranching is ruthless. Most couples both work full-time jobs to financially support their operation. They worry if their kids will be able (or desire) to continue the family business. Changes in the agricultural industry threaten the existence of family ranches altogether. The game has changed- now, ranching families must balance honoring traditions while adapting to a changing future.
Workshop attendees gather in the dining room before supper.
Our hosts, Butch and Jeanie, echoed these sentiments. As a partner on projects with Trout Unlimted, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Natural Resource Conservation Service, the Jensens have worked tirelessly to innovate land, water, cattle, and wildlife management. They view these management aspects as interconnected facets of their operation. The Jensen’s stewardship efforts have been recognized by prestigious distinctions, including the Leopold Conservation Award. Tavaputs website highlights this quote from Aldo Leopold himself: “The landscape of any ranch is the owner's portrait of himself”. From the pictures above the fireplace to the windows overlooking the vistas, it’s not hard to see the Jensens have a beautiful family portrait.
“The landscape of any ranch is the owner’s portrait of himself”
Malachi Peterson presents on running a successful family ranching operation.
During the weekend, workshop attendees challenged themselves to view their self-portraits by taking a hard look at their operation. By learning from agricultural experts and other ranchers, workshop attendees left with new ideas for managing their operations. Folks commented that their biggest takeaways were strategically managing livestock, such as AI timing, keeping financial records, and managing a business as a family. Additionally, attendees met other young ranchers who were in similar positions. We spent a lot of time around the campfire laughing and sharing stories. I am incredibly grateful that I was able to attend this workshop. This was the first of many Young Rancher Workshops- we are so excited to continue collaborating with the Utah Grazing Improvement Program to offer more of these opportunities for young producers.
Making memories at the Tavaputs.