Western Wasatch May Edition

Western A Western

Lifestyle Magazine

Wasatch

WALK. RIDE. RODEO. Amberley Snyder’s inspiring story

LURE OF FISHING Five best fishing lakes

COWBOY POET Colt Blankman talks the talk

See our ad on pages 30 & 31

ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT - MAY 2019

Table of Contents RODEO Reading Rodeo’s Coloring Contest ... 5 Miss Rodeo Utah ............................. 6 Rodeo queen clinic .......................... 7 Meet Rylee Russell ........................... 8 Jr. Rodeo Queen Emma Howell ...... 10 Rodeo participants serve ............... 11 UHSRA member spotlight .............. 12 Trailer Talk ..................................... 13 UHSRA member spotlight .............. 14

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Weber County Fairgrounds ............ 15 Buck Wild Rough Stock Challenge ..17 Box Elder County Fairgrounds ....... 18 Morgan County Fairgrounds .......... 18 Turn Pro Jackpots .......................... 19

YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS 4-H Summer Camp ........................ 20 Jo Egelund Column ........................ 21

4-H Ambassador Ryle Rowser ........ 22 Weber County youth compete ....... 22 Kari Byington Column .................... 23 Youth wins FFA state office ............ 24

SPECIAL FEATURE Amberley Snyders inspiring story .. 26

ANIMAL CARE Dr. Jeff Bailey: Farm Cats ............... 28 Dr. David Moss: Mare foaling......... 29 CLASSIFIEDS ............................. 27

AGRICULTURE Soil PH matters .............................. 32 Agricultural Commidities ................ 34 Railroad & Utah Ag ........................ 34 Container Gardening ..................... 35 2019 UT Beef Ambassadors .......... 36 Utah Conservation Districts ........... 37 Sustainable Agriculture .................. 37

Utah Envirothon ............................. 38

HUNTING & FISHING

DWR: Deer survival state wide ....... 39 DWR: Don’t let dogs chase wildlife 40 DWR: Money raised for habitats .... 41 DWR: Bison safety tips .................. 43 DWR:Wildlife Rehab Center ........... 44 Ken Adams Column ....................... 46 Utah Wildlife Calendar ................... 47 Fish stocking reports ..................... 48 Bigger fish stocked this year .......... 49 Cuttthrout Slam ............................. 50 Five lakes for great fishing ............. 51

WESTERN FASHION REPORT ......

52-53

ENTERTAINMENT Colt Blankman cowboy poet .......... 54 WMA provides local entertanment. 55 Sam Lively: Musings of a Cowboy .. 56

Welcome to Western Wasatch As a member of the western community, born and raised into a rodeo family and now working in advertising/publishing, I realized there has been a voice that has been long unrepresented by mainstream media in this area. My goal is to celebrate a wide variety of events, organizations, hobbies, industries and people in the community, to bring awareness to the western way of life and the benefits and opportunities it brings to the youth.

Thank you for taking a look! If you like what you read please share with your friends, send them to our website standard.net/western-wasatch-magazine and sign up for a free subscription. Thank you for the overwhelming love and support!

Kendal Parker Multi-Media Executive Standard Examiner 801-625-4370 kparker@standard.net

332 Standard Way, Ogden, UT, 84404

Publisher Rhett Long Advertising Manager Jared Bird Content Kendal Parker, Angie Erickson Art Direction Heather Marcus

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RODEO

Contest Winner!

COURTESY PHOTO/ANGELA HARRIS Coloring Contest winner Summer Harris poses on her dirt bike.

Local youth participate in Reading Rodeo’s Coloring Contest Summer Rae Harris is ten-years-old and is in 4th grade at Fielding Elementary. Her favorite subject in school is writing and reading. She reads many different book series and likes to write her own stories. She enjoys coloring and oil painting pictures to go with her stories.

KENDAL PARKER/Standard-Examiner Miss Rodeo Ogden with contestants at Fielding Elementary

Reading Rodeo at Fielding Elementary

In her spare time she participates on the Barracuda Swim Team. She likes spending time with her mom, dad and eight-year-old brother doing outdoor activities. Archery, dirt bikes, fishing, kayaking and camping are some of the fun things she does with her family.

Fielding Elementary students participate in youth rodeo events at the Reading Rodeo.

Miss Rodeo Ogden and Weber State Rodeo Team entertain the crowd.

Western Wasatch - May 2019 5

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PHOTOS SUBMITTED McKaylie Richins is the 2019 Miss Rodeo Utah

McKaylie Richins has wanted to represent the “greatest sport on earth” since she was eight years old.

McKaylie Richins, Miss Rodeo Utah ANGIE ERICKSON Western Wasatch Contributor

Being Miss Rodeo Utah has been a dream of McKaylie Richins since she was eight years old. On July 24, 2018, at the Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo, that dream became a reality. The 21-yearold from Coalville, was crowned the 2019 Miss Rodeo Utah.

“I competed in my first queen contest when I was eight years old. I quickly learned that rodeo is a family sport and I loved the western way of life,” Richins said. “I was on a horse before I could walk so the lifestyle was not foreign to me, but it was rodeo queening that made me feel the passion for keeping this western way of life alive.”

The first title that Richins won was the Summit County Little Buckaroo Jr. Princess. Some of her favorite titles were the first ever Utah Junior High School Rodeo Queen, Miss Rodeo Ogden, Mountain Valley Stampede Rodeo Queen and currently Miss Rodeo Utah.

“Since my first rodeo queen contest I felt I wanted to represent the greatest sport on dirt,” she said. Rodeo has instilled in me lifelong values such as 6

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compassion, hard work, determination, discipline, integrity and the love I have for my family and country.”

Richins is now living her dream by educating the public and instilling those same values into the lives that faithfully support the sport of rodeo.

“I love nothing more than to celebrate our lifestyle by learning and teaching new things, serving others, building relationships and making memories,” she said. “One of my favorite things about it is the people I get to meet on the rodeo trail. It is truly a privilege and an honor to serve as the official ambassador of rodeo in the great state of Utah!”

When many people hear the word rodeo queen, they often think rhinestones galore, painted boots and pants that match perfectly and a cowboy hat to match their personality. But a rodeo queen is more than just a pretty girl on a horse.

“Yes, we have to look our best all time because we are the ambassadors of the rodeo, but there is so much more to it,” she said. “We have to be able to cowgirl up and ride well, be well versed, smart, poised, professional and personable. The knowledge that

rodeo queens carry under their hats is amazing.”

That knowledge includes politics, current events, equine science and rodeo rules, just to name a few. It’s also very busy, stressful, expensive, hard and sometimes not so glamorous.

“But it is the best! It is thrilling, fun, rewarding and so worth it,” she said.

“It is a ride of a lifetime full of making memories you will never forget.”

She also added that there is no way she could’ve done all this on her own.

The help and support from her parents (Jeff and Lisa), family, friends, speech coach, clothing designer, horse trainer and personal trainer have helped her to continue to reach her goals.

The best advice Richins has ever received on this journey, was from her dad. He told her to just “be you.”

“I encourage everyone to find out who they are and stay true to that,” she said. “I would like to like my life so that I may be remembered for selfless acts of kindness and to leave a mark for good in whatever I choose to be involved in and that is being who I am.”

Richins will compete in the Miss Rodeo America competition in December in Las Vegas.

Richins was Miss Rodeo Ogden prior to being crowned Miss Rodeo Utah.

2019 QUEEN CONTESTS April 23- Nephi Ute Stampede April 27- Springville Art City days May 4- Miss Utah State Fair Rodeo May 7- Genola Days Rodeo Queen Contest May 18- Vernal Dinosaur Roundup Queen Contest May 18- Hyrum Rodeo Queen Contest May 18- West Jordan Queen Contest May 24- Oakley Independence day Rodeo Queen Contest May 25- Cache County Queen Contest June 1- Onieda County (Malad Idaho) May 31-June 1- Francis Frontier Days Rodeo Royalty Contest June 14, 15- Iron County Queen Contest June 14, 15- Weber county junior posse June 15- Mountain Valley Stampede June 22- Evanston Cowboy days June 27- Cedar City Great American Stampede Aug 2, 3- Hooper Tomato Days Junior Rodeo Queen Contest Aug 11- Hooper Tomato Days Rodeo Queen Contest Sept. 20, 21- Miss Wilderness Circuit

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Allie Ward (Miss War Bonnet 2018), Clinic Coordinator Krystal Bates, McKaylie Richins (MRU 2019) and Sherry Jolley PC Krystal Bates

PHOTO BY KRYSTAL BATES Half of the participants learning the basics of modeling with Sherry Jolley.

Former rodeo queen creates opportunity for future queens

BY KRYSTAL BATES

On Saturday, March 30, 2019, Krystal Bates hosted Malad’s first rodeo queen clinic, Becoming A Royal Success. Girls from all over Utah and Idaho attended the one-day clinic to learn about the elements that it takes to become a rodeo queen, no matter their age. Four qualified presenters were asked to come and talk about a specific topic.

Miss War Bonnet Round Up 2018 Allie Marie Ward of Pocatello, ID started the clinic with talking about having knowledge about rodeo, current events and personal subjects. “Judges like to ask you about yourself” she said to the young audience. “Knowing about yourself is the most important component to a successful interview.” She gave the participants great studying tips and also discussed where they may find different information.

Miss Rodeo Utah 2019 McKaylie Richins from Coalville, UT also presented. Topics that she discussed were Personality and Interview, Appearance along with Hair and Makeup. She spoke about the importance of having confi-

dence, being prepared to answer any and all questions about rodeo, personality, horses, hobbies, current events, and so much more. She taught the participants that appearance is important both at a contest and at a rodeo or event for the organization they will represent.

“People look up to Rodeo Queens.”

“It is our job to look our best and be ready to help in any part of the rodeo”.

In most cases that is participating in parades, riding in Grand Entry, carrying the America Flag, signing autographs, posing for pictures and answering any and all questions that a spectator may have. It can also include pushing cattle in and out of the arena, helping in the announcer’s stand and even being a subject in a Rodeo Clown act.

Sherry Jolley, owner of Finishing Touch Modeling in Pleasant View, UT has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Fashion from Utah State University and has been a professional trainer for modeling, interview skills, speech delivery, wardrobe, color analysis, make-up, etiquette and manners for the past 30 years. She has been a personal coach for many girls inter-

nationally, as well as a personal coach for 6 Miss Rodeo Americas, including Chanae Shiner Vest MRA 2013, and Katherine Mereck MRA 2016. She came to talk about the importance of etiquette and even had the participants doing a “hands on” approach to setting their own place setting on the table. The participants and their attending parents enjoyed a catered lunch provided by The Irondoor Smokehouse while Jolley taught about the different ways to conduct oneself during a luncheon or dinner party. After lunch the participants learned the basics of how to model correctly. “In a rodeo queen contest, each contestant is asked to model her outfit whether in front of a panel of judges and in some cases in front of the judges and the audience.” Krystal Bates explained.

Jolley worked with each participant showing them a correct stance and even gave them some basic turns to go home and practice on.

The afternoon was wrapped up with a presentation about Horsemanship, probably the most important part of a rodeo queen’s abilities. McKenzie Anderson from Bear River, UT is the Utah State

Judge-At-Large and is only a few hours shy of receiving her AQHA judges card.

Her presentation was fun and interactive even though the participants left their horses at home. She talked about the importance of knowing your horse and becoming a team. These animals perform to the best of their ability for their riders. It is important to know their needs just like we know our own.

Those in attendance ranged in ages from 7 up to 18. Every participant encouraged others to answer questions and build confidence. “I have met some of my best friends through rodeo queening. We have competed against each other but cheered the loudest for one another.” Bates said to one of the young girls.

Bates would like to thank the American Legion for use of the building, the presenters for their willingness to teach, Karmen Sanone of Cedar O’Lomond Consulting for her hard work and assistance, Irondoor Smokehouse for providing the lunch, 4B Land & Livestock along with Marcia Stocks and the Oneida Crisis Center for the donations and support.

Western Wasatch - May 2019 7

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Protect your horses from EHV with a vaccine from Diamond K

BY ANGIE ERICKSON Western Wasatch Contributor

Diamond K Farrier and Animal Health Supply in Farr West is helping horse owners protect their horses from the recent EHV-1 and EHV-4 outbreak.

Their six-way vaccine is just $64.99 and comes with a free wormer. The vaccine protects against equine influenza, encephalomyelitis, rhinopneumonitis, west nile and tetanus toxoid.

“The best time to give the horse the vaccine and wormer is usually in the spring,” said Jaime Wilson, who owns Diamond K with her husband, Nate.

“Horse owners are concerned about the recent EHV-1 and EHV-4 outbreak and getting the vaccine is one easy, yet important, thing they can do to keep their horses safe and healthy.”

According to the American Association Equine Practioners, the best method of protection is always to maintain current vaccinations on all horses on your property and to follow correct biosecurity protocol when bringing new horses onto your premises or when traveling. EHV is spread from horse to horse through contact with nasal discharge or spread as aerosol droplets. Horses can also contract the virus

by coming into contact with contaminated surfaces such as stalls, water, feed, tack, and transport vehicles. Humans can spread the virus from horse to horse by contaminated hands and clothing.

Clinical signs of EHV -1 and EHV-4 include fever, nasal discharge, lethargy/depression, neonatal death, late term abortion and neurologic disease.

Diamond K is located at 1025 N 2000 W in Farr West. They specialize in cattle vaccines, horse vaccines, horse supplies and pretty much anything you need on the ranch or farm. Before purchasing the store four years ago, Nate was a horse farrier.

“We have a small town feel and pride ourselves on customer service. If we don’t have an item in stock, we can certainly get it,” said Wilson. “We’re a familyowned and operated business and our 21-year-old daughter, Ashton, manages the store.”

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Meet Rylee Russell, a cowgirl who loves to rodeo ANGIE ERICKSON Western Wasatch Contributor

Rodeo has taught 14-year-old Rylee Russell that you win some and you lose some. It has also taught her dedication and in order to succeed, you need to put in the work. Western Wasatch interviewed Russell about her participation in Utah Youth Rodeo Association (UYRA).

Western Wasatch: How old were you when you first started doing rodeos?

Russell: I was about 10 years old.

Western Wasatch: What was your first rodeo?

Russell: My first rodeo was at a junior rodeo in Ogden. It was a series of rodeos called the UYRA. Western Wasatch: What was that experience like?

Russell: It was very exciting. I was proud to be able to compete in front of a big audience.

Western Wasatch: What do you do now with youth rodeo?

Russell: I compete in Utah junior high rodeos and I also compete in a rodeo series called the Legacy Junior Rodeo Association.

Western Wasatch: What is your most memorable rodeo experience?

Russell: My most memorable experience was at Nationals in South Dakota.

Being able to compete at Nationals made me so proud because I was going against some of the best.

Western Wasatch: What do you hope for in the future?

Russell: I hope to make it to Nationals again this year and continue to do well in rodeo throughout my whole life.

Western Wasatch: Outside of rodeo, what do you like to do?

Russell: I like to be outside as much as I can, and I love going to jackpots with my brother and my dad. Jackpots are where they rope for money, just for fun. You enter so much a run and the winners get the pot.

Rylee made it to nationals in breakaway roping but her favorite is goat tying.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED Rylee wearing her first buckle.

UTAH YOUTH RODEO ASSOCIATION RODEO DATES & DEADLINES Rodeo

Entries Due

April 9, 2019 March 26, 2019 April 23, 2019 April 9, 2019 (April 23rd Rodeo serves as March Rodeo) May 14, 2019 April 30, 2019 May 28, 2019 May 14, 2019 (May 28th Rodeo serves as June Rodeo) July 9, 2019

June 25, 2019

FINALS Aug 6, 2019 @4pm

By Invitation Only All Rodeo's are held at the Golden Spike Arena, Ogden, Ut. 5:00 p.m.

Rylee has been participating in rodeos since the age of 10.

Western Wasatch - May 2019 9

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Emma Howell serves as JH Rodeo Queen Being the UJHSRA Queen has been one of the best opportunities of my life. I have learned and grown so much this year. I am amazed that in such a short amount of time I have had so many wonderful experiences and made so many friends.

Being able to represent the most amazing association, the best state and the greatest sport has been a dream come true.

I have had so many amazing experience as the UJHSRA Queen, but a few that really stand out are the Special Kids Rodeos I was able to participate and help at. They were associated with Ogden Pioneer Days and Morgan County Fair and Rodeo.

It was just the best feeling to see the kids faces light up with excitement as they were able to participate in rodeo activities and be able to ride

and pet horses.

My dad has had horses his whole life but never rodeoed, and my mom did not grow up with horses at all.

My two older brothers both rode horses for hunting and trail rides but chose to play baseball and basketball instead of rodeo. So I am sure that it came as quite a shock to my parents when I decided I wanted to be a Rodeo Queen and participate in other rodeo events. After my first Queen contest I became involved in 4-H and Jr Posse. Once I was in 7th grade I began Jr High Rodeo and learned so much about myself, my horses and what I would like to accomplish.

Currently I am in 9th grade at Rocky Mountain Jr High School and participating in High School Rodeo as part of the Spikers Club. This year

in school I have had to opportunity to serve as a 9th grade class officer and have loved all the opportunities I have had to serve and grow as a person.

I would encourage everyone that is considering it, to become members of the UJHSRA and the UHSRA. You will make friends and have experiences that you will not get anywhere else. If you are considering competing in the Queen Contests on the Jr High or High School level I would tell you to go for it. It is a lot of work but you will not regret the life long lessons you will learn from it. These two great associations are a place where all your hard work will pay off.

Emma Howell 2018 UJHSRA Queen

PHOTO SUBMITTED UJHSRA Queen Emma Howell

Junior high rodeo queen contest open to everyone

BY TAMMY BULLOCK

Any young girls that are aspiring to become a Rodeo Queen and you’re in 6th through 8th grade, I have just the queen contest for you.

The State Jr. High School Rodeo Queen Contest will be held on Thursday May 23, 2019, in Walls burg Utah beginning at 10:00 am. The contest is being held in conjunction with the State Jr. High Finals. Coronation will be Thursday prior to the rodeo starting.

Contestants will be competing in 8 categories: Horsemanship (pattern #2 no flag), Appearance, Personality, 2-minute Speech, Impromptu Question, Modeling, Personal Interviews and Written Test (study the Rules, By-Laws & Constitution NHSRA rule 10

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book) 25 questions (True or False, Multiply Choice and Fill-in the blank).

For more information on the contest go to UHSR.org, High School, Queen Information, Jr. High.

Get with your local secretaries for entry information. Secretaries can be found on the website.

Rodeo Queen competitions are great opportunity for every young lady that participates to find growth in their experience, when they challenge themselves to a competition. This is a very rewarding experience and will help them become successful in other life endeavors, it’s a great opportunity to prepare for High School Rodeo Queen Contests.

Please watch for more details on our Facebook page Utah High School Rodeo Queens.

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY TAMMY BULLOCK Utah Jr High State Queen Contest- UHSRA Jr. High Queen and royalty. Queen- Emma Howell, 1st runner-up- Dalli Holyoak, 2nd runner-up- Addison Redd, 3rd runner-upCharli Hamilton.

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Rodeo participants serve community

BY TANDIE WATTERSON

As a organization we hold events that promote this mission statement.

Some of our Annual State Finals Events include a yearly service project. The state youth officers for both Junior High and High School, work together to decide on providing a service project for the organization to donate or make something to help different groups and organizations.

This year our officers are taking donations and making glitter bottles to donate to the Wasatch Mental Health.

In the past we have supported Primary Children’s. Blankets and wish list needs Operation Adopt a Ghost. Sent care packages to the troops overseas JDR. Type 1 diabetes. Gathered monetary donations in honor of some of our members and their families.

Utah Foster Care. Purchased

much needed clothing and supplies Bikers against Child Abuse. Gathered donations for a local chapter Our organization is also very diligent in helping our members that fall on hard times whether it is a life changing accident, illness, or a tragic death we believe in serving those in need.

One of our members favorite events at State finals is our kids rodeo where we invite younger siblings, and

kids with special needs to enjoy being a cowboy and cowgirl for a few hours on Saturday afternoon.

Our members teach them how to ride and rope and we have stick horse races. So if you have children who want to be a cowboy or cowgirl bring them to Heber City June 8th at 2:00 pm. Wasatch County Events Center 415 Southfield Rd. Heber. and let them learn from our members.

You're invited to compete at the

UHSRA Kids Rodeo SATURDAY JUNE 8TH, 2:00PM Wasatch County Events Center Indoor Arena 415 Southfield RD. Heber City

Dummy Roping, Stickhorse Barrels, Bucking Machines, Real Rodeo Clowns & More Free Event for kids 12 & under.

No registration needed, just show up for the fun.

Western Wasatch - May 2019 11

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Rodeo Schedule CLUB

LOCATION

DATE

Bridgerland

Logan

May 3

HS

Bear River

Tremonton, UT

May 4

HS

Wasatch - Perf

Heber City, UT

May 10

HS

Morgan - Perf

Morgan, UT

May 11

HS

West Millard 1

Delta, UT

May 17

HS

West Millard 2

Delta, UT

May 18

HS

Jr. High Finals

Heber City

May 23-25

JR

High School Finals

Heber City

June 3-8

HS

Gabrielle Bethers

UHSRA member spotlight: Gabrielle Bethers My Fall rodeo season was a series of ups and downs. As you all know you have your good days and your bad days. I have competed in Light Rifle for 4 years, Poles for 3 years and started competing in Breakaway this past Fall.

Competing in light rifle last fall, I shot one of my all-time best scores, in Poles I was able to qualify for the first time for State Finals in 4 years and I’m very excited to be able to compete at State in 2 out of 3 events. Breakaway has brought new challenges for me and my horse, but I was able to catch my first calf at the last Dixie rodeo. I have made many new friends and I have been able to share their highs, their lows in competing in this tough sport of rodeo.

My friends and rodeo family have been there for me when I needed a shoulder to cry on or just there to give me a high 12

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five when I have done well in one of my events. I have also learned to listen to other people’s advice when I need help, and to be there if someone who needs a helping hand.

I’m very excited for state finals to come, I feel blessed to have the opportunity to compete at State Finals this summer. I know there will be a lot of hard work to get ready for State but I’m ready to work my hardest to do my best. My hopes for the spring season of rodeo are to qualify for State Finals in Breakaway, and to get more points on Poles and also Light Rifle. I would like to make it to nationals in shooting but it will take a lot of time and practice to get there but I’m willing to put in the time that it takes. I’m looking forward to the start of spring rodeo season and the opportunity it has for me.

RODEO

TRAILER TALK

By C&R Trailer Sales

First camping trip of the year

BY BJ AUSTIN & TRENT CARTER

After our long, cold, Utah winter; Spring is finally here. That means it’s time to camp! Let us help you avoid some of the issues we see every year.

It’s always a good idea to camp in your driveway one time before you tow your camp trailer across the country to your favorite camp site. Many issues can be discovered in your own driveway.

First and foremost; make sure that your trailer has power. This can be accomplished by plugging it in to your home to verify that your electrical systems are working. If your batteries are depleted, make sure that they charge for a minimum of 48 hours. Visually inspect your batteries for bulging or fluid loss. This is an indication that the batteries have been frozen over the winter. Frozen batteries will not charge and need to be replaced. Fill your fresh water tank with water and verify that the pump works properly and that there are no leaks. Test all other appliances (i.e. furnace, fridge, stove, water heater, and toilet) before leaving home. Be sure to check that your tires are properly inflated and not weather checked.

There’s nothing worse than getting to your campsite and realizing that your batteries are dead, furnace won’t light, or your fridge doesn’t get cold.

Procrastination is not your friend. Give yourself multiple days in advance to make sure your camp trailer is ready to go. Many RV Shops become very busy as soon as the weather breaks, so don’t delay in setting up an appointment if needed. Oh, and don’t forget to fill the propane bottles.

2019 CHAMPIONSHIP WEEK JR HIGH FINALS

May 23-25 HIGH SCHOOL FINALS

June 5-8 Wasatch County Events Center 415 Southfield RD Heber City

Join us as we crown 33 new State Champions and award over $120,000.00 in scholarships

For a complete schedule visit UHSRA.org Western Wasatch - May 2019 13

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UHSRA member spotlight: Aubrey Gourdin Rodeo has always been a family thing for me. Putting in endless hours in the arena with my older sisters, Jaylynn and Shayla, is a huge part of why I rodeo.

Watching and learning from them always made me want to better myself. They have taught me that it’s not always about winning, but the memories you make while you are competing. Getting to compete with Shayla for my first year of high school rodeo really shaped me. We got to go through the ups and downs of competition together. Although Jaylynn and I have not got to rodeo together yet, we still make memories practicing and helping one another.

One of the ways I have grown through rodeo is realizing you can’t take things for granted, especially in this sport. You never know when you are go-

ing to get hurt or lose your horse. Last year I had both of these things happen to me and it was really humbling. I was able to look at things from a different perspective and have bettered myself because of it. The members of UHSRA have also helped me to better myself and grow both inside and out of the arena.

I hope that my little brother, Kyson, and all the upcoming athletes get the same experience I have, and learn as many life lessons as they can competing in this amazing sport. I hope they will remember it isn’t always about winning, but growing and bettering each and every time you enter that arena. Treat everyone with respect, especially the equine athletes. We wouldn’t be where we are today without them.

Aubrey Gourdin

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Weber County Fairgrounds 2019 Schedule May st

1 - Rocky Mountain Barrel Racing Association Jackpot Riding Arena 2nd - Freed Team Roping Riding Arena 4th-5th - Ogden Spring Fling Futurity Bull Riding Golden Spike Arena 7th - Freed Team Roping Riding Arena 14th - Utah Youth Rodeo Golden Spike Arena/Riding Arena 15th - Rocky Mountain Barrel Racing Association Jackpot Riding Arena 17th-18th - Turn Pro Barrel Jackpots- How the West Was Run Riding Arena/Golden Spike Arena 19th - Utah Quarter Horse Racing Association- Weber Downs Utah Bred Derby- Trials Race Track 24th-25th - Wasatch Pony Club Chicken Cross Country Course/Race Track th 28 - Utah Youth Rodeo Riding Arena/Outdoor Stadium 29th - Rocky Mountain Barrel Racing Association Jackpot Riding Arena May 31st - June 2nd - Utah Quarter Horse Youth Association- Horse Shoe Show Riding Arena

June 4th- Freed Team Roping Riding Arena

5th- Rocky Mountain Barrel Racing Association Jackpot Riding Arena 11th- Golden Spike Dog Obedience Club/ Handler Training 15th-16th- Golden Spike Horse Trials 15th- WeeBeer Festival 18th- Golden Spike Dog Obedience Club/ Handler Training 20th- Freed Team Roping Riding Arena 25th- Golden Spike Dog Obedience Club/ Handler Training 28th-29th- Buck Wild Event

July 2nd- Golden Spike Dog Obedience Club/ Handler Training 9th- Utah Youth Rodeo 9th- Golden Spike Dog Obedience Club/ Handler Training 11th- Freed Team Roping Riding Arena 16th- Golden Spike Dog Obedience Club/ Handler Training 17th- Rocky Mountain Barrel Racing Association Jackpot Riding Arena 19th- Miss Rodeo Utah Horsemanship 23rd- Golden Spike Dog Obedience Club/ Handler Training 30th- Freed Team Roping Riding Arena 31st- Turn Pro Barrel Racing Jackpot Riding Arena

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Golden Spike Event Center Presents

BUCK WILD A salute to our Military and First Responders

June 28-29, 2019 7:30 PM | Gates open - 6:30 PM Tickets sold at Golden Spike Event Center & Smith’s Tix: Adult . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10/Advance Child (3-12) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5/Advance Family (2 Adults & up to 4 children) . . . . . . . $25/Advance Military/First Responder . . . . . .

$12/Day of $7/Day of $20/With Coupon (Family tickets only available at GSEC)

Buy 1 Get 1 Ticket of equal or lesser value (Free Excludes Family Tickets)

Fireworks will follow the performance each night.

Sponsored by Winco Fireworks.

Concessions Available

1000 N 1200 W, Ogden, UT 84404 • 801-399-8798

Thank you to our sponsors:

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Military, first responders & community members to be honored at Buck Wild ANGIE ERICKSON Western Wasatch Contributor

Kick off your Fourth of July celebrations at the third annual Red, White and Blue “Buck Wild” Rough Stock Challenge happening June 28 and 29 at the Golden Spike Event Center. See the best of the best compete in this saddle bronc, bareback and bull riding, while paying tribute to those who sacrifice everything to keep our nations and communities safe.

“Our purpose of Buck Wild is to honor our military and first responders,” said Ashton Wilson, Golden Spike Event Center event manager. “Each night we will have an honoree from each branch of military including police, fire fighters and EMTs. We also choose two to three people from the community who we feel have had an impact on our facility and the western lifestyle in general.”

Though the 2019 honorees have not yet been

chosen, Wilson said they will be included in the Golden Spike Hall of Fame located in the hallway of the Golden Spike Event Center and will receive dinner both nights.

The Golden Spike Event Center staff will choose the 2019 honorees.

Last year the Golden Spike Event Center staff also recognized a horse at the event.

“The horse, whose name is Billy the Kid, had an accident last year and had to be put down. He had a successful career and had been horse of the year many times,” said Wilson. “This was our first time recognizing an animal and it kind of had a cool component to it.”

The event takes place at the Golden Spike Event Center’s outdoor arena. Other activities happening in the courtyard include vendors, mechanical bulls, live music, food and a lot of fun. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the saddle bronc, bareback and bull riding starts at 7:30 p.m.. The night ends with a spectacular firework show.

IF YOU GO Visit goldenspikeeventcenter.com or on Facebook at Golden Spike Event Center.

EVENT DETAILS: What: Buck Wild Rough Stock Challenge When: June 28 & 29, 2019 Time: Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Event starts at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Golden Spike Event Center courtyard and outdoor arena 1000 N 1200 W Ogden, UT

2018 honorees, Larry and Lynette Sanders with Duncan Olsen

Jake Hannum with his sons and Duncan Olsen, Golden Spike Event Center General Manager. Jake is the son of 2018 honorees, Jack and Lynn Hannum.

Duncan Olsen and Ben German. Ben is the owner of Billy the Kid, the first animal honoree Western Wasatch - May 2019 17

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Box Elder County Fairgrounds 2019 Schedule May Utah High School Rodeo Sponsored by Bear River High Rodeo Club 4th Box Elder County Golden Spike 150th Hoe Down Celebration Featuring Rough Stock, dancing, food, and family fun 10th Box Elder County Golden Spike Reenactment viewing party at the Home Arts Bldg.

10-11th Monster Trucks 11th Western Premier Horse Sale 4th

Utah Reined Cow Horse Show 21st Utah Jr. Legacy Rodeo 23-25th Idaho High School Rodeo District 9 31-1st Utah Team Sorting 18th

June Utah Team Sorting Western Premier Horse Sale 15th Utah Reined Cow Horse Show 22nd Terrier Dog Show 28-29th Utah State 4-H Dog Show 29th Bucking Bull Futurity 1st 8th

Morgan County Fairgrounds 2019 Schedule 7th ATV Class 10th-13th 4H Summer Camp 2nd Horse 4H 10th Junior Teen and Horse 4H 6th Junior Teen and Horse 4H 13th Horse 4H 9th-11th Morgan High School 14th-15th Truck Pulls Rodeo 17th-20th 4H Summer Camp 13th Horse 4H 17th Horse 4H 16th Horse 4H 20th Teen Council & Horse 4H 20th Horse 4H 21st 22nd - MVM 23rd Horse 4H 24th-June 27th 4H Summer 27th Horse 4H Camp 30th Horse 4H 24th Horse 4H 31st Swine Jackpot 27th Horse 4H 29th 4H Spring Open Horse June Show 1st June Livestock July 3rd-6th 4H Summer Camp 3rd Junior Teen and Horse 4H 1st-3rd 4H Summer Camp 6th Horse 4H 1st Horse 4H

May

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Expires July 30, 2019

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Information about Turn Pro Jackpots

BY JESSICA CASPERSONSPIERS

- Formerly Best N West Barrel Racing Jackpots, now Turn Pro Jackpots.

- The Casperson’s and Speirs have owned the association since the 2017 season, it is a family business with Mother/Daughter running the office, and Father/ Son-in-law running the sponsorships and announcing.

- We strive to run the fastest and most professional races with a focus on our members and providing them with the best experience.

- When a racer signs up at one of Turn Pro Jackpot’s races, they know if they win a check it will be at least what they paid to enter.

- We have the best competitors and sponsors and appreciate all of their support.

2019 SCHEDULE Date Nov 17th, 2018 Jan 12th Feb 16th Feb 26th Mar 13th Mar 16th Mar 27th Apr 10th Apr 24th May 8th May 17-18 May 22nd Jun 12th Jun 26th Jul 10th Jul 25-27 Jul 31st Aug 2-3 Aug 14th Aug 28th Sep 4th Sep 18th Sept 25th

Day of the Week Saturday Saturday Saturday Tuesday Wednesday Saturday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Fri-Sat Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Thurs-Sat Wednesday Fri-Sat Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday

Race Name TPJ Jackpot TPJ Jackpot TPJ Jackpot Icebreaker - CO-SANCTIONED TPJ Jackpot TPJ Jackpot TPJ Jackpot TPJ Jackpot TPJ Jackpot TPJ Jackpot How the West Was Run TPJ Jackpot TPJ Jackpot TPJ Jackpot Western Wishes T BD TPJ Jackpot Tough Enough to Wear Pink TPJ Jackpot TPJ Jackpot TPJ Jackpot TPJ Jackpot TPJ Jackpot

Location Golden Spike Riding Arena Golden Spike Riding Arena Golden Spike Riding Arena Golden Spike Riding Arena Golden Spike Riding Arena Golden Spike Riding Arena Golden Spike Riding Arena Golden Spike Riding Arena Golden Spike Riding Arena Tremonton Arena Outdoor/Indoor TBD Golden Spike Rodeo Arena Tremonton Arena Outdoor/Indoor TBD Tremonton Outdoor Arena Tremonton Outdoor Arena Ogden Pioneer Stadium Golden Spike Rodeo Arena Golden Spike Riding Arena Tremonton Outdoor Arena Golden Spike Riding Arena Tremonton Outdoor Arena Golden Spike Riding Arena Tremonton Arena Outdoor/Indoor TBD Tremonton Arena Outdoor/Indoor TBD

Schedule is subject to change, please watch your emails, our website and social media for more information.

www.turnprojackpots.com

Turn Pro Barrel Racing Association highlights member Sue Hall My name is Sue Hall and I am from West Haven Utah. I am 56 years old and have been running barrels here in Ogden since we moved here in 2014. I have the most supportive husband named Barry and we are celebrating our 35th anniversary. I also am a proud mom to 2 adult kids.

I work for Ogden Clinic in the general surgery office.

My horse’s name is Ralphie and I became his person in the late fall of 2016. I retired my older horse Teddy that fall and purchased Ralphie to compete on starting the 2017 season. In January of 2017 I

was diagnosed with breast cancer and started treatment in February. I would say our biggest accomplishment together was continuing to compete that season. All thru my surgery, chemotherapy and radiation Ralphie took care of me and we had fun even on the days I didn’t feel very good. Now, looking back I don’t think I would have come thru my treatment nearly as well if I hadn’t had Ralphie to keep me going.

In December of 2018 Ralphie and I competed in the ‘All In” barrel race in Las Vegas which was a bucket list item for me. Even though

we did not win big we had great runs and held our own against some really tough competition. I can’t wait to run Ralphie and my new colt Whiz this year!

We Love running with Turn Pro Jackpots for many reasons. Everyone associated with Turn Pro are professional and so helpful. They are always happy to see you and boy do they run a organized and FAST race. If there is something we barrel racers love it’s a well run race that pays out great and posts results fast! I appreciate all they do.

COURTESY PHOTO Thanks so much for your time Turn pro barrel racing jackpot- Barrel Racer Sue Hall competes at a local barrel racing jackpot Sue Western Wasatch - May 2019 19

YOUTH ORGANIZATION

4H Summer Camp Testimonials

STEM Summer Workshops 2019 Come join in the fun during the summer 4-H STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Workshops!

• I really loved the drawstring backpack camp! It was so much fun to cut out my fabric and sew the bag! I even entered my backpack in the Weber County Fair.

Lily Woolsey

For youth in 3rd-12th grade SAY CHEESE! PHOTOGRAPHY 101

• My name is Kaereste Miller and I am in the 6th grade. I loving being a part of many different programs in the 4-H program. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the 4-H workshops that the county puts on over the summer. I took sewing workshops and cooking workshops over the summer and found that I really enjoy these topics. I told my mom I wanted to take more and she helped me get enrolled in a Sewing Club, and now I make many of my own projects like drawstring bags that show my personality. I made a minecraft pillow, and I made my own unique blanket in the shape of a fox using the Rag Quilt technic. I never would have found my love of sewing without the summer workshops.

• My name is Isaac Miller and I am in the 7th grade. I like meeting new people through the many 4-H clubs that I am a part of. I learned about the different clubs that were available by attending the Summer 4-H Workshops. During the summer I participated in the Sewing Workshop where we made Summer Beach towels that turned into a bag I used my towel all summer long. I did a workshop where we got to learn about what was in the soil and build a dam with planks. From these workshops I realized I had an interest in hands on work so I enrolled in Robotics were I have learned problem solving and how things work.

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SEWING IS A SNAP

THE MAGIC OF SCIENCE

June 5 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

June 19 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

June 26 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Learn the basics of digital photography and create a photo masterpiece to enter into the county fair. Participants must provide their own camera.

Learn how to create easy and decorative snap happy bags.

Abracadabra! Use science to create your own magic tricks!

$2 - 4-H Members $12 - Non-members

$2 - 4-H Members $12 - Non-members

$7 - 4-H Members $17 - Non-members

MUNCH AND BRUNCH

SPACE EXPLORERS

July 2 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

July 23 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Learn how to whip up some breakfast delights that you’ll love-both sweet and savory. Yum!

Come explore the mysteries of our universe in this stellar workshop.

$10 - 4-H Members $20 - Non-members

$5 - 4-H Members $15 - Non-members

REGISTRATION INFORMATION Registration is required one week in advance of each workshop. To register, please call the Weber County 4-H Office at 801-399-8202 or visit our website at www.webercounty4-H.org and click on 4-H Event registration.

Discover 4-H Cloverbud Activities   

For youth in Kindergarten—2nd Grade Held the third Tuesday of every month from 5:30 p.m.— 6:30 p.m. at the Weber USU Extension Office Only $20 to enroll in 4-H and participate in all activities for the year!

To learn more about Cloverbuds and other 4-H programs call 801-399-8202 or visit our website at https://webercounty4-h.org/featured-programs-old

webercounty4-h.org Utah State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution.

YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS

Is Agricultural Illiteracy a Problem?

When children and adults alike believe chocolate milk comes from a brown cow, from Smith’s, we have a problem. We might think this learning should take place at home. This isn’t necessarily so. In my opinion, agricultural literacy should be taught K-12.

Agricultural education teaches students about agriculture, food and natural resources. There are a wide variety of subjects and skills, including science, math, communications, leadership, management and technology.

Nebraska Sen. Kate Sullivan says agriculture is not only her state’s largest industry, it may also be one of the least understood. “[There is a] disconnect that people have about where their food comes from and the role of agriculture in their daily lives,” she notes, adding that “more children are growing up with no connection to farming and ranching.”

Concerns about this disconnect led her to introduce LB 884, a bill to create a state task force charged with seeking ways of incorporating agricultural literacy into the curriculum of Nebraska’s K-12 schools.

“The public’s response to the bill in the Agriculture Committee showed that it was an important topic,” says Sen. Tom Carlson, chair of the committee.

Rather than create the task force, he says, the Legislature’s first step will be an interim study on agricultural literacy.

One concern among lawmakers like Carlson and Sullivan is that a lack of understanding about agriculture — and its importance to the economy and people’s everyday lives.

According to a U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance survey, 72 percent of consumers reported knowing nothing or very little about farming or ranching.

Less than 2 percent of Americans are actively involved in food production, but University of Minnesota professor Allen Levine says this alone does not

FOCUSED ON YOUTH

Jo Egelund Ag educator & retired teacher

explain public disinterest or misunderstanding of agriculture. Another contributing factor, he says, has been U.S. agriculture’s success in helping provide a bountiful food system to the nation.

“Unfortunately, with more than two generations removed from the farm, a huge disconnect has been created between citizens and agriculture as we know it, Mac Malloy and last updated

by Jessie Jones.”

“So why the big issue? All citizens need to understand the economic, social, and environmental significance of agriculture. Food production is the basis of all civilization. We need a welleducated public to contribute to the success of a safe and affordable food system

that will attempt to feed the expected nine billion people in this world by 2050. Though only a small percentage of our population is actively producing our food, we all have a responsibility as voters that affect agricultural policy related to trade, employment, and environmental issues. We also need policy makers who are agriculturally literate to create responsible regulation that supports such an important industry in our global economy.”

Afterall, U.S. agriculture plays a major role in supporting the world population.

Society’s biggest challenge is determining how to continue to feed a growing population on less land and with less resources. Maybe it’s time we focus more on agricultural education in our school systems to create a more literate public to meet this challenge.

The National Academy of Science, Agricultural Education Committee, has stated that agriculture is too important a topic to be taught to only a small percentage of the population.

So my question to you, how important is agricultural literacy to all mankind?

You have the power to make changes.

Western Wasatch - May 2019 21

YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS

Meet Rylie Rowser, county & state 4-H ambassador ANGIE ERICKSON Western Wasatch Contributor

Being involved in 4-H has taught 18-year-old Rylie Rowser leadership, horsemanship skills, service and to cheer others on. Western Wasatch interviewed Rowser about her experience with 4-H. The interview has been edited for category and length.

Western Wasatch: How old were you when you first started doing 4-H? Rowser: I was nine years old.

Western Wasatch: What do you do in 4-H? Rowser: I show in the horse program. I am also a county and state ambassador for 4-H. Western Wasatch: What is the 4-H experience like?

Rowser: It is a great opportunity for learning leadership, service and so much more that I would have never thought I would have been able to do.

Western Wasatch: Why should someone join 4-H? Rowser: It would be a great experience to learn and grow, for not just a 4-H experience, but for real life.

Western Wasatch: What is your most memorable 4-H experience?

Rylie Rouser

Rowser: Qualifying for the state horse shows.

I didn’t make it every year but when I would it was something that I will never forget. I’m very competitive but I learned that I still can be but to help others and cheer them on. It’s a stressful show but working on my horsemanship skills and my people skills help not just me, but everyone around me. This past state show I was able to go as a state ambassador. I was able to speak in front of the 400ish exhibitors getting ready

for that show day and getting to put on activities for them.

Western Wasatch: What has being involved in 4-H taught you?

Rowser: It has taught me so much from my horsemanship skills and to my leadership skills. I not only was able to learn from other people but others got to learn from me.

Western Wasatch: What do you hope for in the future?

Rowser: In the future I plan to go to Utah State University and go into their animal science program.

I’d also like to be involved with their equestrian team and also be a 4-H leader in the horse program.

Western Wasatch: Outside of 4-H what do you like to do?

Rowser: I love to rodeo, it’s been a big part of my life for a long time. When I was eight I was kicked in the head by one of my horses. I didn’t do too much rodeo, but this year I’m doing high school rodeo. I’ve done a lot of barrel races on the side but 4-H is mostly what I have done these past eight years. This year will be my ninth and final year in 4-H.

Weber County youth compete at national level

BY ALI TEUSCHER

Each July 4-Her’s from across the state of Utah gather at Utah State University’s campus in Logan, Utah to compete at State Contests. Weber County 4-H Livestock Bowl team (Jaycee Bennett, Wyatt Clark, Cheyenne Breeding, Stetsen Steed, and Taylor Bennett )and Tate Flint with his Horse Demonstra-

tion won State Contest and qualified to compete at a national level at the Western National Roundup in Denver, Colorado held in January 2019.

Western National Roundup provides a place for youth to compete nationally while encouraging teamwork and self-confidence, and while focusing on the 4-H Mission Mandates: Science,

Engineering, Technology, Mathematics, Healthy Living and Citizenship.

We’d like to thank the community for their support through our fundraising efforts as well as our coaches.

Weber County 4-H would like to congratulate the following youth who competed in the Western National Roundup. We are so proud of your ac-

At left, 1st place Horse Demonstration winner Tate Flint

At Right, 4th Place Livestock Bowl winners: Jaycee Bennett, Wyatt Clark, Cheyenne Breeding, Stetsen Steed, Taylor Bennett

PHOTOS BY ALI TEUSCHER 4H EXTENSION EDUCATOR 22

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complishments!

1st place Horse Demonstration Tate Flint 4th Place Livestock Bowl Jaycee Bennett Wyatt Clark Cheyenne Breeding Stetsen Steed Taylor Bennett

YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS

Weber County Extension Junior Master Gardeners Summer 2019

Thursday, June 6th OR Wednesday, June 12th 9:30 am – 11:30 am Ogden Botanical Gardens 1750 Monroe Blvd, Ogden, UT 84401

•

• •

Class fee of $10/person covers all supplies needed (must register beforehand, see below) Meet in the Classroom (main building) @ 9:30 AM Pick up at Classroom @ 11:30 AM (teacher will stay with students until parents arrive)

Weber County USU Extension is offering a hands-on, in-the-dirt gardening workshop for kids K 8th Grade on two different dates.

Kids will enjoy gardening activities at the Ogden Botanical Garden, learn all about plants, soil and healthy living.

Participants will take home seeds for their own garden and we will be making salsa!

Everyone must be registered with 4-H to participate.

To sign up or for help registering for 4-H, call the 4-H office at (801) 399-8202.

Cost for current 4-H members is $10. There is an additional $10 fee for new 4-H members.

You may pay your fees by credit card by calling the 4-H office.

Cloverbuds are welcome in the club. For any questions call: (801) 399-8202.

Utah State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution.

EXTENSION.USU.EDU Western Wasatch - May 2019 23

YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS

Pecking Order Have you ever lost $2500 in one day? A friend of mine bought a beautiful grey kid-friendly gelding for her daughter to use in 4-H. This horse was kind, gentle, sweet around other animals, and a true people pleaser. After looking on the market for a few months, he was purchased and brought home to the excitement of her little girl! Within an hour his cannon bone was broken in half, and the bottom leg was hanging by a piece of one inch skin. Within minutes he was put down, money lost, and dreams vanished, her little girl sobbing in disbelief. My friend’s older “Alpha” mare had established her pecking order, and had kicked this gelding in just the wrong place! I was able to go say goodbye to this gelding, and the picture is forever established in my mind.

Pecking order (social hierarchy) is

common in all fowl, animals, sometimes humans, and is part of genetics and environment. Chickens would peck at the meekest in the flock, sometimes to the point of death, establishing who was the boss. In our herd of horses our smallest, kindest little bay mare, Naula, is the bully! All she has to do is squeal and pin her ears and the five other horses scatter!

A trainer and I went out to a horse breeding farm in Tremonton. We were looking at weanlings and two year olds for sale. The trainer asked to come while the horses were being fed. Right away you could immediately tell the fillies and colts’ personalities. The first ones to the hay tried to drive the others off, back and forth they would go to keep everyone away from eating. The “bold ones” kicked out and pinned their

2019 LIVE HORSE RACING Golden Spike Event Center April 27th May 18th - 19th June 1st 24

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Salt Lake Equestrian Fair Grounds June 14th, 28th

Kari Byington ears to establish dominance. After a minute or so, a few from the middle of the pack slowly came up to find a hole that had hay in it. The trainer called these the “patient ones”. The three fillies who were too intimidated by all of this waited, and waited, and waited until the others were full and had walked away.

They were left with the stems from the alfalfa, the leafy greens gone. These three were thinner and smaller than the others.

The trainer bought three young ones from the middle of the pack. He said these would be the most trainable. He also stated that sometimes you need a “bolder” more dominant horse in working cattle and other fields, but for him it wouldn’t work out as well! The three at the bottom of the pecking order would probably be a timid, more nervous ani-

4-H Leader

mal which would require more time to build confidence.

Steven Housely once showed me a group of 12 horses out at pasture, who at feeding time would come running, and lined up in front of paneled areas to be fed 1st through 12th place! Remember, for your safety and the safety of the horses, introduce new horses in slowly and between fence lines, until they can tolerate each other! I did not buy any horses that day (hubby was happy about that)…but the trainer turned to me with a grin before he left, and with a twinkle in his eye said, “Remember, remember when you do, the ‘Alpha Horse’ must be YOU!”

YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS

Weber County youth wins coveted FFA state office

BY HEIDI WAYMENT

Myka Wayment is the daughter of Cody and Heidi Wayment of Warren Utah. She will be graduating from Roy High school in May where she serves as the Royal FFA chapter president.

Along with being active in the FFA, Myka has been awarded student of the month at Roy, and has received high honor roll achievements her junior and senior years. Myka enjoys riding horses, raising and showing livestock in FFA, spending time outside, and being with family and friends.

On March 16, 2019, Myka was nominated as Utah State FFA Vice President for the 2019-2020 school year – an achievement she has been working towards for over a year. She was one of six chosen from 30 qualified candidates to represent Utah at the local and national level. Candi-

dates were put through a rigorous 2 ½ day process of interviews, testing, public speaking, and presenting.

When asked what it means to be elected as FFA Vice President Myka states: “It is a huge honor to be elected as vice president – a goal that I have worked very hard for. It still feels a little surreal, like it hasn’t fully sunk in yet. I am so very excited to not only represent my chapter and state for the next year, but to also work hard to empower members of the FFA association. I will have the opportunity over the next year to meet lots of students and members and I hope to be able to encourage them, excite them, challenge them, and stand by them. I realize that I may not be able to do that for every person, but I look forward to trying! Along with the responsibility that comes from being a state officer is the realization that I

PHOTO BY HEIDI WAYMENT Myka Wayment & her FFA Chapter and family.

always have room to learn and grow.

Accepting the challenge of this next year and giving it my all to make a positive difference is what this position means to me.”

Myka is the first FFA member to be elected to state office from Roy

High School in over 25 years. “If you can’t stop thinking about it, don’t stop working for it” she states. This is what has kept her going in difficult times.

“Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful”.

Western Wasatch - May 2019 25

SPECIAL FEATURE

Netflix’s ‘Walk. Ride. Rodeo.’ shares local barrel racer, Amberley Snyder’s, inspirational story ANGIE ERICKSON Western Wasatch Contributor

“You may not get to choose what obstacles you have in life, but you do get to choose how you will handle them” – Amberley Snyder On March 8, 2019, Netflix released the movie ‘Walk. Ride. Rodeo.’ It’s the incredible true story of Amberley Snyder – a world champion barrel racer, motivational speaker and a resident of Tremonton, Utah. She’s also a paraplegic.

Snyder was born to be a cowgirl.

She started riding horses at the age of three and started competing in rodeos at the age of seven. She has always loved being around horses and competing in rodeos. Rodeo was the first thing she thought of when she woke up in the morning, and the last thing she thought of before she went to bed.

“It’s not what I do, it’s who I am,” she said.

By the time she was 18, she was living her dream. It was 2009 and she was serving as Utah FFA State President, she qualified for the National High School Finals and won the National Little Britches Rodeo Association AllAround Cowgirl World Championship.

Life was really good for Snyder, little did she know her life was about to change.

On January 10, 2010, Snyder was driving by herself to the Denver Stock Show and Rodeo. Just after 10 a.m. she stopped at a gas station in Rawlins, Wyoming. When she got back in her truck her stomach wasn’t feeling well so she didn’t put her seatbelt back on.

Ten minutes later the unthinkable happened.

“I looked down quickly to check my map and when I looked up I was fading into another lane and was headed for 26

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PHOTOS SUBMITTED Amberley Snyder is the only paraplegic barrel racer in the United States.

a mile marker on the side of the road,” she said.

Going 75 miles per hour, Snyder tried to correct her truck and it went sliding across the highway. The truck rolled and she was ejected and slammed into a fence post. As she laid on the side of the road, she knew something was terribly wrong. She could not feel or move her legs.

Emergency crews arrived and rushed Snyder to the hospital. She went through five hours of emergency surgery and after the doctors told her the devastating news. She was paralyzed from the waist down.

How would she continue to be the FFA president? How would she ride her horses? How would she spend the rest of her life in a wheelchair? Though it

Amberley Snyder inspires others through social media and now Netflix.

SPECIAL FEATURE wasn’t going to be easy, she’d find a way. On her first day of therapy, her therapist asked her to come up with three goals. She immediately responded with walk, ride and rodeo.

Four months later she was back in the saddle.

“The first time I got back on my horse was a lot harder than the day they told me I’d never walk again,” she said. “It was that moment that I realized every part of my life was different.”

But she didn’t give up. With a seatbelt on her saddle, Velcro straps on her legs, her feet rubber banded in and nylon straps across her hip, she was ready to ride again. But not for long. A few months later she got frustrated and told her mom to sell her horses. She couldn’t do it anymore.

She took a break from riding and continued her schooling at Utah State University. That following spring she decided to give riding one more try. She wanted to compete and even though she was strapped to her saddle, she was determined to still run with the best out there. Snyder went on to become the only paralyzed barrel racer in the United States who inspires others every single day. She was also voted as the fan exemption contestant at the world’s richest one day rodeo, The American.

“I never thought there would be a movie about my life,” she said. “It has the same name as the children’s book I wrote – Walk, Ride, Rodeo.”

In the movie, Snyder is played by Spencer Locke. Both women have long, blonde hair and very similar features. The movie was filmed in New Mexico and Snyder was able to play the stunt double for the post-accident riding scenes. She also taught Locke a few things about rodeo and using a wheelchair.

In a recent Instagram post, Snyder wrote “There is so much that life has taught me. I am thankful this chair has allowed me to inspire, motivate and encourage those I cross paths with. I will tell you I have never woke up in the morning and said today I’ll be an inspiration. I wake up just like you and do my best to make the day count. You never know your strength, your life, your heart or even your existence is what someone else is leaning on. No matter where you are… don’t stop now.”

Watch Walk. Ride. Rodeo on Netflix and learn more about Snyder at amberleysnyder. org or follow her on Instagram at amberleysnyder.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED Above, Amberley enjoys living in Elk Ridge, Utah.

Left, Amberley and her mother pose with actresses Spencer Locke and Missi Pyle, from the movie Walk. Ride. Rodeo.

Western Wasatch - May 2019 27

ANIMAL CARE

The Farm Cat

Traditional Blacksmithing in the Historic Eden blacksmith shop, established 1895.

Commissions and Tours by Appointment.

AARON RICHARDSON Blacksmith

801.830.8370 2145 North 5500 East Eden, UT 84310 ragnarforge@gmail.com • www.ragnarforge.com

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They can be seen in every barn slinking in the corners, cleaning themselves on the top of the haystack, stalking mice or sunning themselves on the tractor seat. These companionable animals play a vital role in our farmsteads.

They control mice and other rodents while also providing a certain breed of comfort. Whether you care to admit it or not, you like cats. That relationship can range from devoted companionship and sharing space within your home to a more ethereal relationship spending hours together in your garden – you, planting diligently and he, eating spiders and knocking over your supplies.

All cats are great to have around in one capacity or the other, and my personal favorite are orange tabbies.

Cats are very self-reliant and seem to be healthy nearly all of the time. They age gracefully and then seem to quietly disappear. That is part of their charm but beneath their façade of health, they often carry diseases and can suffer a great deal without our notice. A few simple things can improve their quality of life. Even if you barely claim this cat as your own and see them only every once in a while when your trips in or out of the barn coincide, these steps can help them to be healthier, happier, and maybe out of gratitude they will strive even harder to catch rodents and other undesirables in your home, yard, and barn.

First, Vaccinations - there are many contagious diseases that are passed through cat populations. Some are passed as respiratory or intestinal diseases, others are transmitted through fighting or sexual contact. Many are completely preventable through vaccines.

Cats are typically given a combination shot that includes 4 upper respiratory pathogens and panleukopenia (feline distemper), they are given feline Leukemia vaccine and they receive Rabies vaccine.

These are recommended 2-3 times as a kitten and annually after that.

A VET’S ADVICE Dr. Jeff Bailey Owner, Farr West Animal Hospital

Second, spay/neuter - cats are prolific breeders. They can get pregnant several times a year producing large numbers of kittens. Reproduction is associated with most fighting, territorial marking, and the wonderful yowling that you hear under your windows all night. Spaying (females) and neutering (males) at 4-6 months of age eliminates these problems.

Third is parasite control - because of their diet of rodents and birds, cats acquire many intestinal parasites.

Some such as round worms can be contagious to people. At a minimum, cats should be dewormed twice a year.

There are several convenient products available now including topical products that do not require giving a pill (which is great seeing as convincing a cat to take a pill is neither easy or fun and can lead to bodily injury. Your body, not the cat’s). And finally, an annual exam - cats age about 5-7 times faster than people do so the annual examination is essential to checking on aging problems such as dental disease, eye problems, weight, etc.. This annual examination also qualifies you to get the prescription medications for parasites that are the most effective.

These four steps will bring you years of enjoyment with your cat. They will also prevent the most annoying things about cats like spraying your door, vomiting worms on your porch rug and fighting or yowling under your window at all hours of the night. Together they will bring your cat years of happiness with you, less suffering from common illness, a longer life, and a better quality of life.

ANIMAL CARE

When is my mare going to foal?

Spring time in a large animal vet clinic is always an exciting time. Veterinarians are asked about foaling almost daily by anxious and expectant mare owners.

The most common question is when is my mare going to foal? The mean gestation time for a horse is 341 days (but can range from 320 to 380 days). This large range causes hours of lost sleep and anxiety for mare owners as they are constantly getting up in the middle of the night to check mares. Some useful guidelines to help closer pinpoint foaling times are: udder development 2-4 weeks prior; tail-head muscles relax, and abdominal area drops down 1-4 weeks prior; teats fill with milk 2-7 days prior; waxing 1-4 days prior and milk turns from yellow to white within 48 hours of foaling. The important thing to remember is that individual mares may exhibit all, some or none of these signs which leaves most of us still checking mares in the middle of the night.

Once the big day (usually night) arrives, labor can be divided into 3 stages. Stage 1 begins with the onset of contractions as the mare positions

A VET’S ADVICE Dr. David Moss Large Animal Vet

the foal into the birth canal. During this stage the mare may act uncomfortable, and restless often getting up and down. This stage usually lasts 1-2 hours. Stage 2 is when the foal is born. In a normal delivery you should see both front feet followed by the nose of the foal. If the mare is actively trying to deliver the foal for more than 20 minutes with no progress call your veterinarian immediately. Stage 2 should take no more than 30 minutes. Stage 3 is when the afterbirth is expelled. If a mare still has not expelled her afterbirth within 3 hours, it is considered retained and your veterinarian should be contacted. Once expelled the afterbirth should be

checked to make sure none of it has been retained.

A normal foal will have a suckling reflex in 1-20 min; stand within 1 hour (ranging from 15 to 165 min.); and nurse within 2 hours. If a foal has not nursed by 3 hours, it should be considered potentially abnormal and your vet should be contacted.

Remember 95% of the time everything goes just fine but it is good to know what’s normal and when to be concerned. Good luck.

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AGRICULTURE

Acidic, Alkaline, or Neutral?

Your Garden’s Soil pH Matters

BY BARBARA PLEASANT Mother Earth News

To ensure that your garden crops make the most of the rich, organic soil you create, you need to understand your soil’s pH. The pH describes the relative acidity or alkalinity of your soil’s makeup, and it has important implications for plant health and growth. Soil pH impacts beneficial fungi and bacteria in the soil and influences whether essential minerals are available for uptake by plant roots.

What Is Soil pH? A solution’s pH is a numerical rating of acidity or alkalinity. All pH is measured on a logarithmic scale from zero (most acidic) to 14 (most alkaline, or basic); 7.0 is neutral. This scale is used to measure the concentration of reactive hydrogen ions in a solution.

Most food crops prefer a pH of 6.0 to 6.5, but you can have a productive food garden as long as your pH is about 5.5 to 7.5.

A difference of just 0.5 may not seem like much, but the pH scale is logarithmic, which means, for example, a pH of 7.0 is actually 10 times less acidic than a pH of 6.0.

Potatoes and most berries, which grow best in more acidic soil, are the main exceptions to the average preferred pH range.

A soil’s pH results from interactions among native rocks, plants, and weather conditions over many years, and it varies with climate and physical surroundings. In moist climates that support dense forests, such as those east of the 32

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Mississippi River and along the North Pacific Coast, soil tends to be acidic, with pH ratings usually between 4.0 and 5.5. The grasslands of the comparatively dry Midwest often have slightly acidic soil (6.0 to 6.5), while most arid regions, such as the Rocky Mountains, are dominated by alkaline soil (7.0 to 7.8). Differences in local rock can cause huge variations within these general patterns, however. Plus, soil is often severely disturbed during construction, and sometimes native topsoil is completely lost.

Some synthetic chemical fertilizers — mainly those high in ammonium or sulfur — can make soil more acidic, as can tillage methods that reduce soil’s levels of organic matter. Acid rain caused by air pollution from coal combustion began to acidify streams and soil during the late 1800s, and continues to push soil in some regions into the acidic range every time it rains.

In addition to outside influences, some types of organic matter, such as peat moss and pine needles, acidify naturally during decomposition.

Alkaline soil occurs naturally in places where soil is formed from limestone or other calcium-rich minerals, and high water-evaporation rates common in arid climates aggravate the problem by loading the topsoil with accumulated salts.

Many plants still thrive when grown in alkaline soil enriched with organic matter, which also improves the soil’s ability to retain water.

Mulches slow the buildup of salts in plants’ root zones by reducing

the amount of surface evaporation.

How to Test Soil pH If your crops are thriving, then you probably don’t need to worry much about your pH. But if you find that plants just don’t seem to be growing as well for you as they do for your neighbors, then the problem could be related to pH and you should probably have your soil checked with a pH test.

The cost for basic soil evaluation done by a state soil-testing lab ranges from free to $25, depending on the state in which you live, and typically includes a pH test along with results for major and sometimes minor nutrients. Soiltest kits with detailed instructions are usually available at extension service offices, or you can order them by mail.

If one bed or small section of your garden goes wonky, you might try a home pH test kit rather than waiting on lab results. When a team of Missouri extension experts submitted soil samples to 82 soiltesting laboratories and compared the lab’s results with those from do-it-yourself pH-measuring kits, the $18 La Motte Soil pH Test Kit (available at goo.gl/VmfwWT ) earned high accuracy ratings.

Start by Adding Compost Raising the organic matter content of soil will usually move the pH of both acidic and alkaline soils toward the neutral range. This is because organic matter plays a buffering role, protecting soil from becoming overly acidic or alkaline. Finished compost usually has a near-neutral pH, so regular

AGRICULTURE infusions of compost should be the primary method to improve soil with extreme pH issues.

Raising the pH The standard intervention for overly acidic soil is to amend it with lime, an inexpensive soil amendment made from ground limestone that slowly raises the pH over a period of months. Products labeled “dolomitic lime” are preferred because they contain both calcium and magnesium. But if you have dense soil and a soil test indicates excess magnesium (which can tie up nitrogen), use low-magnesium, calcium-rich powdered crab or oyster shells as your liming material. Read and follow the label, because products differ in application rates, which, in turn, vary with soil type. You can’t apply a correct amount of lime unless you know your soil’s pH first, and if you apply too much, it will be difficult to correct. Err on the cautious side by applying too little lime at first.

After the pH of acidic soil is raised above 6.0 using organic amendments and dolomitic lime, it can be maintained with a light, yearly application of alkaline woodstove ashes. In addition to containing enough calcium and magnesium to have a liming effect, wood ashes contain an array of micronutrients, too. The key

is to use them sparingly, in small, dispersed amounts, and to never add wood ashes or lime to soil with a pH higher than 6.5. A quart of wood ashes (1 pound) is about right for 50 square feet of cultivated space.

When you have a lot of ashes to spread, apply no more than 20 pounds of ashes per 1,000 square feet of garden bed.

If you are not using acidic chemical fertilizers, a normally acidic soil may not require liming again for several years, if ever. Then again, if your soil is porous sand in a high-rainfall area, pH testing may show a need for liming every other year. Never apply lime unless a pH test shows it is needed, and never use it where you are growing plants that prefer acidic soil conditions, such as blueberries and azaleas.

Lowering the pH If you have exceptionally alkaline, high-pH soil, tame it by adding organic matter and powdered sulfur.

However, sulfur may do little good in alkaline soil rich in free lime, also known as calcium carbonate. Test for free lime by covering a soil sample with vinegar; if it bubbles, you have free lime and should consider gardening in beds filled with non-native soil.

Extension experts in places where alkaline soil pre-

dominates emphasize that most plants will grow well in organically improved soil with a pH as high as 7.5, and improving soil quality with organic matter — rather than lowering the pH — should be your primary goal. Alkaline soil can be stubborn about releasing its valuable phosphorus to plants, so amend it every chance you get with composted manure, which has been found to solve problems associated with high pH levels. The humic acids in both composted manure and vermicompost help make phosphorus available to plants grown in alkaline soil, as does the presence of rotted plant tissues from both regular compost and cover crops.

Acidic mulches, such as pine needles, can help lower soil pH slightly, but other mulches, such as bark or wood chips, have little effect on soil pH. In my own garden, soil pH tests show a near-neutral pH. My newer beds that have tight clay, on the other hand, test acidic. Monitoring the soil pH helps me gauge how well I’m improving the soil, reducing the effects of acid rain, and maximizing the soil’s microbial activity.

These steps all add up to growing a better garden.

Excerpted from Mother Earth Living. To read more articles from Mother Earth Living, please visit www.motherearthliving. com or call 800-456-6018 to subscribe. Copyright 2018 by Ogden Publications Inc.

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AGRICULTURE

Hay 2019 Alfalfa prices remained relatively stable through January and February with a state average $185/ton. Other hay types were reported at $140/ ton.

Milk Class III milk prices have slightly rebounded from a small dip in February. March’s average price was

$15.26 per hundred weight and is trending upward.

$131.00 per hundredweight.

Cattle Overall sales of livestock has picked up during the past couple of months as spring approaches. For the month of March, the average price for a steer between 300 – 900 lbs. was $153.00 per hundredweight. The average price for a heifer between 300 – 900 lbs. was

Wheat Utah wheat prices have remained stable over the past 3 months with the price of soft white wheat averaging at $4.49 per bushel, hard red winter averaging at $4.78 per bushel, hard red spring (DNS) averaging at $5.08 per bushel, and hard white averaging at $5.16.

The Railroad and Utah Agriculture

BY ANDY PIERUCCI Utah Department of Food and Agriculture

On May 10th, 1869, President Ulysses S. Grant brought the Union Pacific and Central Pacific Railroads together in Promontory, Utah. The Transcontinental Railroad was the culmination of decades of American ingenuity and grit. For many observers, the railroad was the embodiment of the American dream.

A quarter century before the golden spike was driven in the ground, Ralph Waldo Emerson envisioned what the railroad might mean for American life.

He described railroads as “a magician’s rod, in its power to evoke the sleeping energies of land and water.”

With the strike of President Grant’s hammer, quiet little farm towns throughout Utah were instantly connected to global markets. The truth of Emerson’s words are evidenced by the 34

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monumental changes Utah’s agriculture and food industry experienced.

With the newly completed railroad, it became profitable to move factories nearer raw materials and stimulated food manufacturing activity throughout the state. Where once Utah’s farmers and ranchers sold their goods locally, they now could access a variety of markets and receive higher prices for their products.

The railroad took products grown and manufactured in Utah to consumers across the country and around

the world. Utah wheat was shipped either as grain or as flour to California and the southern states. Sugar beets were shipped to processing facilities throughout the state on rail lines built exclusively for that purpose. The finished sugar was then shipped to the Midwest and Pacific Northwest on railcars.

Utah’s dairymen saw immense profits as they sold condensed milk and other dairy products to consumers in railroad towns throughout the U.S. beef, pork, and lamb raised and

processed in Utah could now be found on dinner tables across the country.

Most of Utah’s vegetables and some of its fruits were grown to support the state’s burgeoning canning industry, centered mostly in Weber, Davis, and other counties along the Wasatch Front.

It is not an exaggeration to say that Utah’s agriculture and food industry has been living the American dream for the last 150 years in large part due to the monumental changes brought about by The Transcontinental Railroad.

AGRICULTURE

Container gardening with vegetables, herbs

BY BARBARA PLEASANT Mother Earth News

The most personal way to forge a connection with delicious food crops — from arugula to garlic to tomatoes — is to grow them up close in containers. You’ll need special methods to produce highquality food crops in containers, as most vegetables and herbs grow best when planted in the ground. Stable soil temperatures and constant access to water, nutrients, and microscopic soil allies give in-ground crops a clear advantage.

But if growing edibles in the ground isn’t an option because of insufficient space, destructive pets, or homeowners association rules, then raising some crops in containers on your porch, patio, or fire escape may be the perfect standin. Container gardening may also allow you to sidestep some of these problems with your site or soil: • Shade from buildings and trees can be minimized by moving vegetables in pots to your sunniest spots, which change with the seasons.

• Soil pH barriers can be overcome by using custom soil mixes to grow plants that need soil conditions different from those common in your area. For example, containers are a good way to grow acid-loving strawberries or potatoes if your soil is naturally neutral or alkaline.

• Protection from soilborne pests — from nematodes to voles — and a reduction in weed problems are natural benefits of container gardening.

• Contaminated soil from toxic lead in old paint, termite pesticides applied to your home’s foundation, chemicals that have leached from treated wood, or other hazardous substances shouldn’t be a problem as long as you use quality soil mix.

One big difference between inground and container-grown vegetables is root temperature. In summer, high daytime temperatures will cause roots in containers to warm up by 15 degrees Fahrenheit or more (this never happens

4 inches below ground). Dark containers also accumulate solar heat, which intensifies this effect. Warm roots can be your enemy or your friend, depending on the season and the crop. Eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes love warm roots, while onions and celery need cooler feet. You can’t control the weather, but minimize soil temperature swings by opting for the largest containers possible and choosing light-colored pots when appropriate.

Plants grown in containers will be totally dependent on you for water, feeding, and adequate accommodations for their roots.

By midsummer, herbs and vegetables in containers may need water twice a day and liquid fertilizer twice a week.

Container Culture Any pot or planter with a drainage hole in the bottom can be put to work growing vegetables. Bigger is better, as large containers house more soil, roots, and water, which help the plants produce a larger and healthier crop. Two of the most popular pots for vegetables are plastic buckets and storage bins refashioned into self-watering containers.

(Though commonly called “self-watering” containers, you’ll still have to provide the water.) Thanks to a water reservoir area under the soil, these planters can hold a lot more water than regular planters. The plants’ roots grow down and tap the reservoir as needed.

One of the simplest, the double bucket, consists of one bucket or 5-gallon pail nested inside another. The bottom bucket is watertight except for a drainage hole drilled in its side just below

the bottom of the top bucket when the two are nested together. Several roomy drainage holes are made in the bottom of the top bucket, which serves as the planter. Roots eventually grow through these holes and into the reservoir in the bottom bucket. The reservoir reduces watering chores and gives your plants a safety margin on hot, dry days.

Turn a single plastic storage bin into a roomy self-watering container by trimming the lid until it fits down inside the bin, about 2 inches from the bottom.

Use lightweight spacers, such as empty soup cans, to keep this floor (with drainage holes poked in it) from collapsing when the bin becomes heavy with soil and roots. Add a side hole so you can check the water level in the reservoir and fill as needed.

Match the depth of the container to the root depth of the crop you want to grow. Even wooden drawers with drainage holes drilled in the bottom are fine for growing shallow-rooted lettuce, bok choy, and other leafy greens. Plants with deeper roots, such as celery and tomatoes, need more spacious accommodations in self-watering, 5-gallon pails or storage bins.

Two inert substances made from expanded rock — perlite and vermiculite — help give container mixes a light texture and enhance the way the mixtures handle water. The first time you fill your planting containers, use a packaged potting soil that has an abundance of either material or some of both. This will be a one-time investment.

At the end of the season, recover much of the potting mix by dumping your containers onto a tarp or into a wheelbarrow, pulling out clumps of roots, and returning the used soil to a garbage can where you can store it until spring. Before using it for replanting, mix in 1 part cured compost to 3 parts used potting soil and add a dose of starter fertilizer.

You can make excellent potting soil without perlite or vermiculite, but you’ll need a quantity of composted sawdust or chipped bark instead. If rotted until black, both materials become wonderful growing mediums with excellent structure. Two parts rotted sawdust or chipped bark to 1 part compost usually makes a good container mix.

Vegetables in containers are best fed by mixing compost and a balanced organic fertilizer into the potting mix each time you replant, followed by a liquid fertilizer regimen when roots have begun to fill the container. Most name-brand potting soils already contain starter fertilizer, and organic potting soils have nutrients from the compost used to make them, so you don’t typically need to mix in dry fertilizer the first year. Thereafter, you can buy organic fertilizer or make your own. A half-filled, medium-sized wheelbarrow contains about 40 quarts of soil, a suitable amount for 1 cup of most blended organic fertilizers. In the book The Vegetable Gardener’s Container Bible, author Edward C. Smith recommends this organic fertilizer mix:

1/3 cup blood meal (for nitrogen) 1/3 cup colloidal phosphate (for phosphorus) 1/3 cup greensand (for potassium and trace elements) Even if you use the greatest potting soil in the world amended with excellent fertilizer, after a month or so, start feeding your plants with liquid fertilizers.

Fish emulsion/kelp mixtures are popular among organic gardeners, or concoct your own liquid fertilizers. Whenever a container-grown vegetable looks unhappy, try drenching it with a diluted liquid fertilizer as the first remedy. From midsummer on, I feed my container vegetables every other time I water.

Excerpted from Mother Earth Living. To read more articles from Mother Earth Living, please visit www.motherearthliving.com or call 800-456-6018 to subscribe. Copyright 2018 by Ogden Publications Inc. Western Wasatch - May 2019 35

AGRICULTURE

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY NIKII WESTON Pictured left to right: Allie Wallentine, Tennyson Miller, Makenna Luce.

Meet the 2019 Utah Beef Ambassadors

BY NIKKI WESTON Utah Cattlewomen’s Association

My name is Makenna Luce and I am a 20-year-old sophomore at Utah State University. I was born and raised in Northern California in an agriculture community of mostly orchards and rice fields. I am studying Agriculture Education and plan on teaching high school students once I graduate. Cattle ranches have a large impact on the 36

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Utah agriculture industry and cattle have a huge economic impact in our global economy. I would love to learn more on both of these subjects, which is why I applied to be a beef ambassador. I am also very excited to go around and teach people about our beef industry. I’m grateful to have an opportunity to expand my knowledge and then hopefully pass that onto the future generations as a beef ambassador.

My name is Tennyson Miller, and I grew up in Deer Lodge, Montana where I got the opportunity to raise and show my own cattle. I am currently studying agribusiness and animal science at Utah State University. I am very passionate about the beef industry, and I am eager to talk to people about how cattle are raised and the many benefits we receive from them.

My name is Allie Wallentine, and my interest with the beef industry

stems from a lifetime of raising beef cattle beside my family. Not only do I have an interest for cattle and the industry in its entirety, but also I deeply care for it and see it as a part of myself and who I am. From a young age, I have been surrounded by the industry in all forms. I am excited to be a Utah Beef Ambassador because I see it as a great opportunity to teach others about beef cattle, and all forms of agriculture.

AGRICULTURE

Utah Conservation Districts

BY LORALIE COX Resource Coodinator, Utah Conservation Districts

Conservation District boards provide citizens the opportunity for local direction of federal and state natural resource conservation programs as they impact private and public lands. For 70 years CDs have helped establish conservation practices that have protected and improved Utah’s basic natural resources. The soil conservation movement grew out of the Dust Bowl days in the early 1930’s, when soil erosion created an unprecedented ecological disaster. President Franklin D. Roosevelt recommended that all states pass legislation allowing the creation of soil conservation district. Utah passed the state’s Soil Conservation District Act in March 1937.

Conservation districts are unique, limited purpose, local government entities and political

subdivision of the state with authority from Utah laws. They are governed by a board of five citizens elected by their peers in a special election conducted by mail. Board members serve a four-year term of office.

Until recently these Boards were called Soil Conservation Districts, but the Soils part has been dropped to reflect their ability to deal with all programs relating to land, soil, and water conservation and protection.

Thirty eight Conservation District boards in the state are independent from county government, while some receive minimal support from their counties.

Utah’s Conservation districts identify local resource needs and provide support in obtaining the resources to address those needs. Districts work in partnership with state and federal land management

and conservation agencies to obtain educational technical, and financial resources to plan and complete conservation projects. These projects implement practices to improve resource condition and management in a range of areas, from protecting soil and water quality to enhancing fish and wildlife habitat to reducing the impacts of municipal storm water.

Available government programs often provide incentives, such as technical and cost-sharing assistance, to implement projects. Conservation planning, engineering and GIS/GPS services are available from the conservation districts. Districts promote and fund education activities for children including fairs, field days, and in-classroom presentations. They also offer scholarships to local high school students and sponsor teams participating in the annual Utah Envirothon.

Sustainable agriculture in the state of Utah

BY LORALIE COX

In the Envision Utah study completed in early 2015, sustainable agriculture within the state was listed as one of the primary needs for the future of Utah. The Envision Utah study estimates Utah’s population will continue to explode and reach five million people by 2050. If the state is going to continue to produce food for its doubling population, farmers and ranchers must continue to increase production on the same amount of land, or less, but with fewer resources and less waste.

The State of Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, federal agencies and local Conservation Districts have similar goals to conserve soil and water, as well as increase yields, improve water quality, prevent flooding, conserve and improve wildlife habitat, and other conservation practices. To assist in achieving these goals, the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) administers the Agriculture Resource Development Loan (ARDL) program. This program was established in 1976 to help rural farmers and ranchers with loans to purchase equipment and install conservation practices, and to provide technical assistance from local Conservation Districts. Farmers and ranchers whose projects are funded by these loans incorporate conservation on their own farms.

Low interest funds through the ARDL loan program

Spring gardening

can be combined with grants and/or other sources from federal or private entities for maximum benefit.

If you are a farmer or rancher and interested in this

program, please contact Loralie Cox, representing your local Conservation District, at (801) 440-1869 for more information.

Western Wasatch - May 2019 37

AGRICULTURE

Utah Envirothon connects environment and youth

BY LORALIE COX Resource Coodinator, Utah Conservation Districts

Utah Envirothon is an annual environmentally themed academic competition for high school aged students sponsored by Utah Conservation Districts.

Envirothon combines in-class and hands-on environmental education in a competition setting which involves a problem-solving presentation as well as written field tests. The competition tests students on five core subjects- aquatic ecology, forestry, soils and land use, wildlife- along with a fifth annually-changing subtopic which focuses on relevant environmental issues.

During the competition, each team must complete

five written field tests, each dealing with a different topic. These tests consist of various question types, including identifications and hands-on assessments.

Each team must also prepare an oral presentation on the current issue topic, which the team presents to a panel of judges.

An important element of the competition is the understanding that each topic is interrelated, and understanding human effects on the environment and how human activities connect with ecosystem functions. The team with the highest cumulative total of points at the end of the scoring is the winning team and is invited to attend an international competition.

Recognition is also given to teams with the highest scoring in each of the five categories.

States and provinces across the United States and Canada each have their own local competitions from which the winning high school team earns the privilege of representing their state/ province at the NCF-Envirothon competition, held each summer in a different U.S. state or Canadian province.

NCF-Envirothon is sponsored by the National Conservation Foundation, the National Association of Conservation Districts, the United States Forest Service, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Individual state and provincial teams are often sponsored by school clubs or classes, local businesses and governments, or 4H and other non-scholastic organizations.

Photos of Utah Envirothon participants submitted by Loralie Cox. 38

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DIVISION OF WILDLIFE RESOURCES

Deer survival is good statewide SALT LAKE CITY — While winters with heavy snow can be hard on deer and other big game animals, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources biologists said that adult deer survival is currently at 92% statewide.

Adult deer survival is currently at 92% statewide.

Biologists typically track deer survival rates from Dec. 1 to Nov. 30. And while they are currently only about a third of the way through their survival monitoring year, the majority of deer deaths occur during the winter. They are happy that the survival rate is at 92%, according to DWR big game projects coordinator Kent Hersey. The highest survival rates are in southern Utah, with average rates in central and southeastern Utah. Northern Utah has below-average survival rates, with the highest mortality rates in the Cache and Kamas/Chalk Creek areas.

“This is an above-average mortality year for the northern third of the state, but we have had worse,” Hersey said. “For the Cache County area, we have had much worse adult survival, but the Cache fawn mortality rates are well above average. For the area around Echo Reservoir, adult mortality appears quite high and this is concerning.”

While the majority of deer deaths occur during the winter when it’s hard for them to find food, winter-related deaths can still occur through April, Hersey said. However, as the temperatures increase, the snow melts and vegetation starts growing, the deaths start to decline.

Why doesn’t DWR feed deer during winters with a lot of snow?

While providing feed to deer and other big game animals may seem like a good solution for preventing deer deaths, it can actually cause more harm than good. Feeding with alfalfa hay or other feed can be damaging to

the natural habitat, due to the large number of deer that congregate to one small area, according to DWR big game coordinator Covy Jones. It can also increase disease concerns, and suddenly introducing a higher-nutrient feed when the deer have adjusted to a low-nutrient feed during the winter can kill them.

“A changing diet can be hard on deer,” Jones said. “They are ruminants and have a bacteria in their gut that digests the feed. Because of that, it can take weeks for them to adjust from a diet of low-nutrient woody vegetation to high-nutrition forbs and grasses.

When a diet change occurs too quickly, some deer can die in the process.”

Overall, feeding deer isn’t good

for populations. When deer are being brought feed to their location during the winter, it causes them to congregate into a small area, and they end up kicking the fawns out of the herd, which increases their mortality rates.

“We balance what is best for the deer populations, what is best for the habitat and what is best for the other animals that depend on deer for food,” Jones said.

DWR does have a policy to provide feed for big game animals during extreme winters, but the specific criteria necessitating feeding wasn’t met this past winter.

What should I do if I see a dead deer in nature?

If you are hiking or camping and see a dead deer, leave it alone. If it is a buck deer, note that it is illegal to harvest the antlers if they are still attached to the deer — even when the animal is already dead.

If you see evidence that suggests the deer was illegally killed, get a GPS coordinate if possible and report it to the UTiP Hotline at 1-800-662-3337 as soon as you can. Try to avoid disturbing the carcass as evidence may be present that could lead to the identification of those responsible.

“Be a good witness. Leave the area undisturbed and contact the UTiP Hotline at your earliest opportunity,” said Lt. Wyatt Bubak with DWR law enforcement.

Western Wasatch - May 2019 39

DIVISION OF WILDLIFE RESOURCES

Don’t let dogs chase wildlife

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah wildlife often struggles to find food during winters that have heavy snow. By spring, many animals are vulnerable and weak.

So if you are planning to take your dog on hikes this spring and summer, make sure your pet doesn’t chase or harass any wildlife.

Wildlife is often unpredictable and may injure or kill a dog seen as threatening.

Dogs that are off-leash in nature may act on their instincts to chase deer and other big game animals they see.

However, that is harmful for the deer because by the end of winter, they are usually in survival mode.

“If they get chased, it uses up their energy and they might not survive the winter,” according to KJ Pollock, 40

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the public affairs specialist for the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest.

“These animals are often starving, and they can’t afford to waste energy from any actions that cause them to move away from where they are trying to feed.”

Deer and other big game animals typically move to lower elevations in search of feed during the snowy winter months, which often brings them closer to roads and other populated urban areas where people and pets may be.

While there are many areas throughout the state where dogs aren’t required to stay on a leash, we ask that pet owners not let their dogs chase deer, elk, moose or other wild animals. It can be harmful not only for the

wildlife, but also can be dangerous for your pet.

“Wildlife is often unpredictable and may injure or kill a dog seen as threatening,” Covy Jones, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources big game coordinator, said.

Dogs that are off leash can also disturb nesting ground birds and can chase, injure or kill small mammals, deer, elk or moose.

Here are some tips from Wild Aware Utah about keeping your dogs safe around wildlife: • Keep your dog’s vaccinations up to date.

• Moose can be especially aggressive towards dogs.

• Always supervise pets when outdoors, particularly at dawn and dusk.

• Avoid going near den sites and thick vegetation.

• If you find an animal carcass, leave the area — it could be a kill that a cougar is guarding or will be returning to.

• Make noise while hiking.

• Do not allow dogs to play with or chase wildlife. It is against Utah law to allow dogs to chase or harass wildlife.

It is also in your best interest to not allow your pet to chase wildlife, because Utah law states that a person may kill or injure a dog that is «attacking, chasing or worrying any species of hoofed protected wildlife.»

“Pets allowed to run at large also are at risk from vehicles and predators,” Pollock said. “If you care about your pets, it’s in their best interest to keep them secured.”

DIVISION OF WILDLIFE RESOURCES

Almost $3M raised for habitat projects SALT LAKE CITY — Several big wildlife conservation and habitat projects have been funded after almost $3 million was designated toward the projects during the annual conservation permit project funding meeting on April 3.

The Utah Conservation Permit Program was launched in 1980 in an effort to increase funding for conservation projects throughout the state.

The Utah Conservation Permit Program was launched in 1980 in an effort to increase funding for conservation projects throughout Utah. Each year, the Utah Wildlife Board designates a small percentage of limited-entry hunting permits as “conservation and expo permits.”

Conservation permits The conservation permits are offered to conservation and sportsman’s groups who then auction them at banquets, fundraisers and other events. The conservation groups provide 90% of the money raised from these permit sales toward conservation and research projects like habitat enhancement, wildlife transplants, aerial surveys and provide deer survival studies. The remaining 10% of the proceeds are retained by the conservation group to help cover administrative costs.

Expo permits The expo permits are not auctioned, but rather, are offered once each year though a drawing held at the Western Hunting and Conservation Expo in Salt Lake City. Utahns and non-residents who attend the expo can apply for these permits. There is a $5 application fee and part of that fee goes to the sportsman’s groups hosting the expo to help pay for costs associated with hosting and running the draw for the permits. The other portion of the application fee is used for conservation efforts.

Conservation projects The conservation projects that are funded by these special permits are proposed to the Utah Watershed Restoration Initiative, coordinated by the Utah Department of Natural Resources and Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. Proposals for the projects are due around the first week of January each year, and anyone can submit a proposal.

After reviewing all the proposals, DWR and WRI committees decide which habitat and conservation projects are of the highest priority and then give the conservation groups an opportunity to review all the projects, according to Tyler Thompson, Utah Department of Natural Resources watershed program direc-

tor. Those groups can then decide which projects to put their auction money toward.

“These funds help improve wildlife habitat and watershed health throughout the state, leading to healthier and more abundant wildlife populations and increased opportunity for the hunting public,” Thompson said.

At the recent annual conservation permit project funding meeting, 91 projects were presented and the seven conservation groups in attendance were able to pick which projects they wanted to support.

The project that received the most support from the groups is a WRI habitat restoration effort that will use prescribed fire and mechanical treatments to improve big game habitat and reduce the risk of wildfires in the Burnt Fork and Beaver Creek watershed areas in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Groups provided a collective $250,000 to this project.

The second highest-funded project received almost $216,000 from conservation groups. That project involves capturing and relocating bighorn sheep to help improve populations on the Oak Creek, Potash and San Rafael units.

Most of these projects take about one year to plan and complete, Thompson said. Funding for these projects becomes available July 1, but many of the seeding and habitat projects are conducted in the fall, during prime planting season.

The conservation groups that participated in the meeting include: Mule Deer Foundation National Wild Turkey Federation Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Safari Club International Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife Utah Archery Association Utah Wild Sheep Foundation How do these permits benefit Utah hunters?

In 2018, the Utah Conservation Permit Program generated almost $4.6 million. If not for the revenue from these permits, Utah would have to substantially raise hunting permit fees for residents or offer a larger percentage of high-cost permits to non-residents. The DWR currently issues more than 90% of Utah’s limited-entry permits to Utah hunters through its hunt drawings.

Western Wasatch - May 2019 41

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DIVISION OF WILDLIFE RESOURCES

Antelope Island bison safety tips SALT LAKE CITY — At this point in the year, most Utahns are counting down to warmer weather. And with the warmer weather comes a host of outdoor recreational activities, which can often lead to encounters with wildlife.

Review these tips to stay safe while viewing bison at Antelope Island.

Antelope Island State Park is a popular recreational destination for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, camping, bird-watching and boating on the Great Salt Lake. The island is also home to many wildlife species, including mule deer, pronghorn and bison. A recent news report showed video of a trail runner being chased by a bison at Antelope Island.

Due to the large population of bison living on the island, it is quite common to see one of the animals. Jeremy Shaw, park manager at Antelope Island State Park, said in the winter months there are about 515 bison on the island, and after the female bison have their calves in the spring, it brings the total to about 750.

However, Shaw said during his eight years as park manager there, he has only received reports of three incidents where a bison was aggressive toward a visitor and called the recent incident, “very rare.”

“People get too close,” Shaw said.

“They always want to get closer and closer and closer for photos or whatever. But ultimately, any time there is an interaction with wildlife, it’s because the people got too close.”

Shaw gave a few tips for how to avoid making a bison aggressive if you encounter one at the island: If you see a bison and it stops what it is doing and starts paying attention to you, you are too close and should slowly back away.

If a bison is in the middle of the road, wait for it to pass. Do not get out of your vehicle.

If a bison is on the side of the road, feel free to slowly drive past it. But again, stay inside your vehicle.

If you see a bison in the distance, do not walk across the rangeland to get closer to it. Take your photos from a safe distance.

If you are hiking and a bison is close to or on the trail, you should either back away and return the way you came, or leave the trail and give the animal a very wide berth when passing it. Shaw said it is OK to go off the trail if your safety is at risk.

“We’ve got trail restrictions on Antelope Island in the backcountry, but safety trumps those rules,” Shaw said.

“If you are in the backcountry hiking and you come across any wildlife that’s in your path, we urge you to travel around it. However close you think you should be (to the wildlife), double it.

That’s how far back you should stay.”

These safety tips also apply to other species of wildlife. For specifics on what to do when encountering different types of animals in the wild, visit the Wild Aware Utah website.

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WILDLIFE REHABILITATION CENETER

The Wildlife Rehabiliation Center celebrates 10th Anniversary

BY BUZ MARCHALER Chairman/Co-founder WRC

The Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Northern Utah (WRCNU) is the only licensed wildlife rehabilitation center in northern Utah.

Each year, we take in over 2,500 animals, including all native species of birds and most small mammals. Our goal is to rehabilitate these animals and set them free back in their natural homes. Over 80% of the injuries we see are a direct result of human impact, including window strikes, car hits, attacks by domestic animals such as cats, poisoning, electrocution, and even pruning trees and bushes at the wrong time of year. Therefore, in addition to rehabilitation, it is our mission to educate and empower our community to become better stewards of our environment.

In fact, it is only due to continued community support that we are able to do what we do. WRCNU receives no state or federal funding, and we rely almost entirely on volunteers to complete the daily tasks of rehabilitation, education, and everything that goes into growing a nonprofit.

We are proud and grateful to celebrate WRCNU’s 10th anniversary this year! You can help support us by marking your calendars for our Annual Wildlife Baby Shower, which will be held at our facility, April 26, 27, and 28th. We are located near the mouth of Ogden Canyon at 1490 Park Blvd. in Ogden. This is our largest fundraiser of the year, and we are working hard to make this event particularly exciting. We will have an enticing variety of silent auction items, tasty refreshments, entertaining children’s crafts and activities, and our magnificent education birds on display. Please stop by; you do not want to miss out!

Please check out our website at www. wrcnu.org and follow us on Facebook at “Wildlife Rehabilitation center of Northern Utah”.

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Oscar Meet “Oscar” the River Otter. Oscar was an injured orphan found on the side of a road and Mom was nowhere to be seen. Due to being a single baby and his young age, Oscar did not have the skills required to live in the wild and therefore we found him a home in a legal sanctuary/zoo. Oscar is now living with “Suzie” a female Otter at the Alameda Park Zoo in NM. Oscar is AMAZINGLY smart and will make a great Education Ambassador.

Aquila This is “Aquila” a Bald Eagle suffering from a broken coracoid (collarbone); he was later successfully released (see photo below). Aquila was released in fall of 2016.

Great Blue Heron Great Blue Heron Released at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge

“Nipper” the American Beaver Kit Nipper is shown here during one of his final meals before his release after almost 2 years at WRCNU. Did you know that the survival rate of an orphaned Beaver in the wild, that is under the age of two, is “zero”? Nipper was released with all the knowledge and skills he needs to survive in the wild--released June 2017

Western Wasatch - May 2019 45

HUNTING & FISHING

Get hooked on fishing

Reeling in a wholesome family activity As I look back on my life, some of my most pleasant memories center around time on a sky blue lake or clear chattering stream fishing with my family. As a child, life gave me the good fortune of having two brothers-in-law who spent their weekends on the water and often took me along with them.

One loved stream fishing and the other chose to drift along on a boat.

Coming from a family of eight siblings with five older sisters and two younger brothers, we were kept busy working on the farm, helping to support the family. Dad didn’t have time for recreation and the special moments provided by my brothers-in-law were something I looked forward to with great anticipation.

Dean would place me on his back and walk me down the middle of East Canyon Creek with a fly pole in one hand and my leg securely attached to the other hand. He taught me how to work the bait or spinner along the ripples and into the head of a deep hole. Over time I was able to walk along the bank on my own and use a small spinning rod to snatch a brown or cutthroat out from under him while his set astride the cool, flowing water originating in the reservoir above us.

Butch on the other hand would drag me along with his scout troop to Flaming Gorge to set atop a bank and wait for a healthy rainbow to gulp down the night crawler dangling from my line and hook. Later, when he could afford a small boat, we would troll with pop gear and a worm or with a flat fish wriggling just under the surface.

Under their tutelage, I became rather proficient at both stream and lake fishing. Eventually, I saved enough money from hauling hay for family and neighbors, to buy my own equipment. As a 46

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ALL THINGS OUTDOORS

Ken Adams teenager my friends and I hit the water as often as we could and maybe even took a little time off from school to rest our minds and refresh our spirits in the pursuit of trout.

During the college years, I was fortunate enough to marry a wonderful young lady and we began a family of our own. As lucky would have it, four boys came our way followed by a beautiful and petite daughter. Following in the steps of my early trainers, as each child came along, I set them atop of my shoulders and went fishing! At times, I even convinced Dad to come along for some fun.

Imagine what it was like sitting on the bank of a lake, baiting hooks, pulling snags, and replacing lost hooks for four young boys! It reminded me of attempting to herd angle worms arrayed atop the ground into a can using a willow stick! It didn’t take long however, for each boy to gain the necessary skills to cast their lure and maneuver in their own fish.

As the years passed we were able to afford a small boat and then a larger pontoon boat. Many a pleasant hour has been savored fishing East Canyon, Lost Creek, Echo, Rockport, Willard Bay, Strawberry, and Flaming Gorge. On occasion we have been blessed to fish a stretch of private stream or try our luck on a landowner pond. We have photo albums filled with shots of the boys and their sister hauling in a nice Kokanee, fighting a huge brown trout, or grinning

Boy with blue gill - You can’t beat the smile on a kids face when he catches a fish regardless of the size.

with a mile-wide smile as one of them releases a colorful cutthroat.

Today I can sit back, relax with pole in hand, and grin as my sons teach their own children the skills of angling.

When necessary, I will lend a hand as a thousand flashbacks of past times meander through my mind. I’m certain out there somewhere on the shelf of a research library is a study suggesting time fishing increases the lifespan of a gray haired grandpa enjoying the experience of being on the water with his children and grandchildren fishing…

If you would like start creating fishing memories of your own, June 8, 2019, would be the perfect time to begin the adventure. That’s the day the Division of Wildlife Resources has set aside as Free Fishing Day in Utah. On June 8, you will not have to purchase a fishing license before hitting the water.

And the equipment you’ll need such as a pole and reel combo, hooks, lures and bait—can be purchased at a chain

store or a fishing specialty shop for a minimal cost.

If you can’t afford the equipment, or if you need someone to teach you the basics, just ask your neighbors or friends for assistance. You may be surprised to learn at how many of them enjoy getting out and fishing. There are also plenty of videos and websites online that will teach you the basics Before you head out, you’re encouraged to check the state’s fishing regulations in the 2019 Utah Fishing Guidebook. The free guidebook is available at www. wildlife.utah.gov/fishingin-utah/guidebooks.html and at your local sporting goods store. Even though you don’t need a license to fish on June 8, all of the other fishing regulations in Utah will be in place that day.

What have you got to lose? Get out there and get hooked on fishing. It will provide your family with a wholesome recreational activity and create a new family tradition that will last a lifetime.

HUNTING & FISHING

Utah Wildlife Calendar Thursday, May 2 9:00 a.m. Wildlife Board Meeting Tuesday, May 14 6:30 p.m. Central Region RAC Meeting Wednesday, May 15 6:00 p.m. Northern Region RAC Meeting Tuesday, May 21 7:00 p.m. Southern Region RAC Meeting Wednesday, May 22 6:30 p.m. Southeastern Region RAC Meeting Thursday, May 23 Northeastern Region RAC Meeting

Friday, May 31 Last day to purchase spring general-season turkey permits Black Bear Spring Limited-entry Season Ends Black Bear Spring Pursuit Season Ends Cougar Pursuit Season Ends Harvest-objective Split-unit Cougar Hunts End Limited-entry Cougar Hunts End Thursday, June 6 9:00am Wildlife Board Meeting Friday, June 28 Black Bear Summer Limited-entry Season Ends Wednesday, July 3 Black Bear Summer Pursuit Season Begins

Saturday, May 25 Black Bear Summer Limited-entry Season Begins Monday, July 8 Black Bear Early Summer Permit Thursday, May 30 Big Game Drawing Results Available

Western Wasatch - May 2019 47

HUNTING & FISHING

2019 Stocking Reports Water name

County

Species

Quantity

Average length

Date stocked

PAROWAN POND UTAH L ADAMS RESERVOIR KIDNEY POND RAINBOW RES RIVERFRONT POND RIVERTON POND SANDY COMMUNITY FISHERY SMITH FAMILY PARK POND SPANISH OAKS P SUNSET POND VERNON CR RES WILLOW PARK PND ADAMS RESERVOIR BARTHOLOMEW PARK POND BOUNTIFUL POND COVE POND FAIRMONT PARK P HIGHLAND GLEN PARK P LOGAN R LOGAN R LOGAN R MANILA CREEK PARK POND PALISADE RES SMITH FAMILY PARK POND KIDNEY POND KOOSHAREM RES BLANDING RES NO 3 BLANDING RES NO 4 KIDNEY POND MILLSITE RES RIVERFRONT POND WASATCH MTN STATE PARK P CLINTON POND GLASSMANS POND GOOD SKI LAKE (21ST PO) HOLMES CR RES JENSEN NATURE PARK POND MAYBEY POND MEADOW CRK P SALEM POND STEED POND WILLOW PARK PND BAKER SP BAR M SP COVE POND FARMINGTON CITY RES HIGHLAND GLEN PARK P Harrisville City Pond KAYSVILLE STAKE POND LLOYDS L

IRON UTAH DAVIS SALT LAKE TOOELE SALT LAKE SALT LAKE SALT LAKE WEBER UTAH SALT LAKE TOOELE SALT LAKE DAVIS UTAH DAVIS SALT LAKE SALT LAKE UTAH CACHE CACHE CACHE UTAH SANPETE WEBER SALT LAKE SEVIER SAN JUAN SAN JUAN SALT LAKE EMERY SALT LAKE WASATCH DAVIS WEBER WEBER DAVIS DAVIS DAVIS WEBER UTAH DAVIS SALT LAKE BOX ELDER BOX ELDER SALT LAKE DAVIS UTAH WEBER DAVIS SAN JUAN

RAINBOW SUCKER JUNE RAINBOW RAINBOW RAINBOW RAINBOW RAINBOW RAINBOW RAINBOW RAINBOW RAINBOW RAINBOW RAINBOW RAINBOW RAINBOW RAINBOW RAINBOW RAINBOW RAINBOW RAINBOW RAINBOW RAINBOW RAINBOW RAINBOW RAINBOW CUTTHROAT CUTTHROAT RAINBOW RAINBOW RAINBOW RAINBOW RAINBOW RAINBOW RAINBOW RAINBOW RAINBOW RAINBOW RAINBOW RAINBOW RAINBOW RAINBOW RAINBOW RAINBOW RAINBOW RAINBOW RAINBOW RAINBOW RAINBOW RAINBOW RAINBOW RAINBOW

308 1179 216 250 700 250 763 679 216 452 348 1400 917 500 601 1500 388 250 292 1040 1165 920 400 1760 700 98 6750 1519 1755 250 1058 250 608 501 501 1900 1770 501 200 501 72 501 72 1000 1000 388 500 291 200 1000 3467

9.33 10.78 19.08 10.14 9.12 10.14 10.14 10.14 19.08 10.14 10.14 8.22 10.14 10.77 9.16 10.77 10.77 9.16 10.77 12.44 9.61 9.6 10.77 8.28 10.77 15.98 5.96 10.35 10.35 11.6 10.35 11.6 8.7 11.6 11.6 8.7 10.77 11.6 11.6 11.6 19.08 11.6 19.08 9.38 9.38 10.96 8.55 11.6 8.55 8.55 10.46

04/18/2019 04/18/2019 04/16/2019 04/16/2019 04/16/2019 04/16/2019 04/16/2019 04/16/2019 04/16/2019 04/16/2019 04/16/2019 04/16/2019 04/16/2019 04/15/2019 04/15/2019 04/15/2019 04/15/2019 04/15/2019 04/15/2019 04/15/2019 04/15/2019 04/15/2019 04/15/2019 04/15/2019 04/15/2019 04/12/2019 04/11/2019 04/10/2019 04/10/2019 04/10/2019 04/10/2019 04/10/2019 04/10/2019 04/09/2019 04/09/2019 04/09/2019 04/09/2019 04/09/2019 04/09/2019 04/09/2019 04/09/2019 04/09/2019 04/09/2019 04/08/2019 04/08/2019 04/08/2019 04/08/2019 04/08/2019 04/08/2019 04/08/2019 04/08/2019

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DIVISION OF WILDLIFE RESOURCES

Bigger fish to be stocked this year SALT LAKE CITY — If you like fishing for large fish, this is your year. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) will be stocking fewer fish in some Utah waterbodies this year, but the fish will be larger.

Reducing the number of fish that are raised in a hatchery allows the focus to be on producing higher quality fish that survive better.

Fish stocking numbers in Utah have been pretty consistent since 2014.

However, research has shown that reducing the numbers of fish that are raised and then stocked allows hatcheries to focus on producing higher quality fish that survive better after being stocked, according to DWR sportfish coordinator Randy Oplinger. As a result, fish stocking numbers will be reduced by about 3% this year, another 6% next year and another 7.8% in 2021. The total number of fish stocked each year will remain constant after that, Oplinger said.

“Idaho made a similar switch about five years ago and found that after they started stocking fewer fish, their hatcheries started producing larger, better quality fish, and anglers started catching more fish,” Oplinger said. “We expect the same here in Utah. So, we will stock fewer fish, but doing this will actually make fishing better.”

While overall there will be fewer total fish stocked, not all lakes and reservoirs will see changes in their stocking numbers. All the waterbodies that are traditionally stocked were evaluated, and only select lakes will receive fewer fish this year, Oplinger said.

“Some waters will receive no reduction, and the reduction might be up to 50% in other waters,” he said.

About 90% of the fish stocked by DWR are rainbow trout. And biologists anticipate that the fish stocked in the reduced waterbodies this year will be

cutline? about 2 inches longer than in previous years.

DWR Springville Hatchery manager Richard Hartman said 14 community ponds located in Utah, Salt Lake and Davis counties will be stocked with rainbow trout next week. The majority of the community ponds along the Wasatch Front are stocked with fish raised at the Springville Hatchery.

Here are the three ponds that will receive the most fish during next week’s

stockings: Bountiful Lake: This community fishery will be stocked with 1,500 rainbow trout. It is located at W. 1600 North in Woods Cross. It is open daily from sunrise to 10 p.m.

Smith Family Pond: It will be stocked with 700 rainbow trout and is located at 2500 W. 4000 North St. in Farr West.

Adams Reservoir: This reservoir will be stocked with 500 rainbow trout.

It is located at 1799 E. 1000 North in

Layton.

Anglers should note that while these fisheries will be receiving the most fish during next week’s stockings, Bountiful Lake and Adams Reservoir are larger community ponds (both at 50 acres) and so the stocking density is lower.

For anyone taking kids fishing, Smith Family Pond will offer better opportunities to catch fish because it is smaller (7 acres) and the stocking density is higher.

Western Wasatch - May 2019 49

DIVISION OF WILDLIFE RESOURCES

Utah Cutthroat Slam turns three SALT LAKE CITY — Anglers across Utah and the country have embraced a program created by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and Trout Unlimited to educate people about the value of native fish and encourage them to explore new waters across the state, while also supporting cutthroat trout conservation efforts.

The Utah Cutthroat Slam launched in 2016 at the Wasatch Intermountain Fly Tying and Fly Fishing Expo. Now during the third anniversary of the fishing challenge, representatives from Trout Unlimited and the Division of Wildlife will be back at the expo April 12-13 to answer questions about how to participate in the Slam.

Utah is home to four cutthroat trout species, the only native sport fish in the state. The goal of the Slam is to catch each of the four native Utah cutthroat trout–Bonneville, Colorado River, Bear River and Yellowstone — in their historic range.

There is no time limit requirement to complete the Slam. Anglers have a day, a month, a year or a lifetime to catch each of the fish. However, participants must register for the Slam before they start their attempt. Registration costs $20 for adults and $10 for youth, and anglers can register on the DWR website. All but $1 of the registration cost is dedicated to conservation projects throughout the state.

Anglers are required to submit pictures of each of the fish they caught during their adventure and report the date and location of the place the trout was landed. A list of some of the best places to catch each species, and a map showing their native range, is available at www.utahcutthroatslam.org. Pictures of every fish caught for the completion are also available on the site.

Anglers who successfully catch all four of Utah’s native trout will receive a medallion, donated by the Utah State

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PHOTO BY ANDREW COX A bonneville cutthroat trout, one of Utah’s four native species.

Council of Trout Unlimited, and TU chapters across Utah. Participants who finish the Slam will also receive a certificate of completion.

As of April 1, 1,648 people have registered for the Slam, and 377 medallions have been sent to anglers who completed the challenge. People from 40 states, including Hawaii, have registered for the Slam. Anglers ranging in age from 3 to 84 years old have earned their completion certificate.

“We are really proud of the response. By all accounts, it has been wildly successful,” said Paul Burnett, Trout Unlimited’s Utah Water and Habitat lead. “Anglers should also be proud

of the contributions they have made.

Just by signing up, they have helped raise more than $30,000 to help fund native cutthroat trout conservation.”

More than a dozen conservation or education projects have received funding so far, benefitting all four varieties of cutthroat in Utah–including Bonneville cutthroat trout, the state fish.

“We have enjoyed seeing Utahns and anglers who visit the state get excited about the Cutthroat Slam over the years,” said Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Director Mike Fowlks.

“While fishing is always a good chance to get out and enjoy Utah’s beautiful outdoors, having a goal and receiving

some recognition after reaching that goal can definitely add to the fishing experience. We hope anglers continue to have fun with this challenge year after year.”

Along with registering for the fishing challenge, people can also follow the Utah Cutthroat Slam on social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, to see other people’s catches.

The Intermountain Fly Tying and Fly Fishing Expo is being held April 12-13 at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy. Tickets are $10 at the door.

Youth 14 and under are free with a paying adult.

DIVISION OF WILDLIFE RESOURCES

Five big lakes for great spring fishing SALT LAKE CITY — If you are getting excited to take your fishing boat out for the first time this season, these five Utah lakes and reservoirs are a good place to start.

These larger waterbodies will give you plenty of opportunities to troll for a variety of fish species, and you will find ample space — with little to no crowding — if you are fishing from shore.

While these lakes and reservoirs are ideal for boat fishing, April is actually a great time to fish from the shore because many fish species are spawning and searching for food after the ice melts. Flaming Gorge and Otter Creek, in particular, are excellent for targeting rainbow trout from the shore right now.

Flaming Gorge Reservoir Flaming Gorge is a popular fishing area, due to its large trophy-sized lake trout and excellent kokanee salmon fishing. Several agencies are hosting a fishing tournamenttargeting small lake trout at the end of April, so it’s a good month to visit and join in the action.

While lake trout and kokanee salmon get a lot of the attention, Flaming Gorge is also a great place to fish for rainbow trout. Anglers can catch a lot of fish quickly, so get excited for fast action. Because of that, now would be a good time to introduce a new angler to the sport.

Anglers should note that the reservoir is still covered with ice down to the dam, with patches of open water near Dutch John Draw and the stateline, according to the latest fishing report. All the launch ramps are currently inaccessible due to ice.

Location: About 1 hour 30 minutes from Vernal, Uintah County Size: Almost 66 square miles Lake Powell Lake Powell is the second-largest lake in Utah (after the Great Salt Lake) and offers a unique fishing experience. Because it’s in the southern part of the state, it gets warm sooner and spring arrives earlier, making it one of the first waters to get really hot fishing.

“Lake Powell has a diverse warmwater fish community, and temperatures in April and early May should hit points where the fishing is really good,” said Randy Oplinger, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources sport fisheries program coordinator. “Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and crappie will begin spawn-

Otter Creek is known for having football-sized rainbow trout that offer hot fishing in April.

ing, and the spawn can be a great time to catch these species.”

Location: About an hour from Kanab, Kane County Size: 254 square miles Otter Creek Reservoir Located between Fishlake National Forest and Capitol Reef National Park, Otter Creek Reservoir is a hidden gem for fishing. While it is the smallest on this list of lakes, it is known for having football-sized rainbow trout that offer hot fishing in April.

Biologists recently finished surveying the reservoir’s fish populations and found healthy rainbow trout that generally ranged from 2 to 4 pounds — with the largest coming in at 6 pounds. The biologists also netted some wipers that weighed up to 8 pounds, according to the latest fishing report. One angler reported that the rainbow trout are close to the shore currently and recommended fishing in the earlymorning hours.

Otter Creek is also a state park and offers other amenities, including a boat ramp, tent and RV camping, a day-use area, restrooms, showers and a fishcleaning station (for all those rainbow trout you catch).

Location: About an hour from Richfield Size: About 4 square miles Utah Lake Utah Lake is the third-largest waterbody in the state, but you don’t need a boat or expensive gear to have success at this fishery, Oplinger said. Anglers

of all ages and skill levels can be successful using a variety of techniques. The lake offers channel catfish, walleye, white bass, black bass and several different species of panfish. Along with fishing, it is a great place for power boating, sailing, canoeing or kayaking and also provides camping and day-use facilities.

According to recent fishing reports, the ice is melted and boaters can launch from all marinas.

Location: Provo, Orem, Lindon, American Fork, Saratoga Springs Size: 148 square miles Bear Lake This Blue Ribbon fishery is the fourth-largest lake in Utah and is a great place to catch good-sized cutthroat trout, some of which reach trophy size. The lake currently has open water, but there are still a few chunks of floating ice, so boaters should be cautious, according to the most recent fishing report.

“Bear Lake is unique because it’s the only body of water in the world that has Bear Lake whitefish, Bonneville whitefish, Bonneville cisco and Bear Lake sculpin,” Oplinger said. “The two whitefish species are caught readily by anglers. The cisco is mainly caught by anglers using nets when it spawns in late January through early February, and the sculpin isn’t caught very frequently by anglers, but is an important prey fish that feeds other fish in the lake.”

Location: About an hour from Logan Size: 109 square miles Western Wasatch - May 2019 51

WESTERN FASHION

Western fashion report from Dallas Market In our last issue I talked about Denver Market and since I just got back from the Dallas World Market where they featured a Western Market at the end of March I wanted to share about what we saw there! One of the biggest trends that have been happening for a while are the Western T-shirt! I have never seen so many styles and colors of western t-shirts since working in the industry! If you are like me, you think this is wonderful! My favorite accessory to wear for every day…..the t-shirt! I guarantee you could have a different western tee for every day of the year! You have your more detailed T-shirt for more of a boutique look, your fun sayings which include many classic country stars…..the Willie, Waylon, Merle or Dolly sayings or meme’s. The vintage t-shirts, classic photos such as cattle, cactus, Indian headdress, flowers, dreamcatchers, horses and cow skulls. The patriotic tees. The bright, bold, colors, tie dye tees with prints, serape or southwest prints and so much more! Most average 25.00 to 45.00. I did see some designer tees going for much higher.

Now that you have some cute new T-shirts what do you wear with them? I saw them tucked in or left out with a great belt, tied up with a knot or the knot accessorized PHOTO BY RUSTIC RANCH BOUTIQUE with a piece of jewelry. . They are being worn with fringe vests, long or short, with long flowy sheer vests with prints Rustic Ranch Boutique fashions. such as cactus, flowers or a cattle skull with horns on them or with plaid western shirts over them. I saw many with the serape jacket or blazer made by Silverado and even ladies wearing vintage jackets in velvet or leather over them. Some great jewelry, scarf and hat and a great pair of jeans or many had the serape pants (bell bottoms) on with them. It is fun to see the individual personalities and styles come out!

Don’t forget the guys! There were also many great prints and sayings for them too! Wearing a vest or plaid shirt with them was very popular. There are so many companies making these I could not possibly mention them all but some of my favorites were XOXO, Southern Bliss, Ali Dee, Rodeo Quincy, J Forks designs, Cry Baby T’s., Mason Jar Label, and Dale Brisby (I’m kind of fond of him…..he’s so fun to visit with at Market!)

My favorite jacket or vest? Silverado’s serape jackets, blazers, vests, long coats in so many prints and colors are amazing! For leather and fringe, I fell in love with Scully!

For some of the fringe or sheer vests you can’t beat Crazy Train or Rodeo Quincy! Again, there are many more just look up the Western T-shirt online and you will have many to choose from! Locally we have Smith & Edwards, IFA, Cal-Ranch, Boot Barn, Reams and many other wonderPHOTO BY BECKY HOUGAARD PHOTO BY BECKY HOUGAARD Lots of denim with fringe shown on the Dallas Market Western Fashion Designers with 2019 Miss Rodeo ful small boutiques that you will find online and at shows!

Runways. This jacket made by Scully.

America Taylor McNair.

Go to the local barrel races, rodeo’s and horse shows for 52

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WESTERN FASION some great vendors too!

I also saw a lot more bell bottoms!

The torn jeans everywhere even though it’s not a favorite of mine it is popular!

Rolled up jeans to show off short boots and shooties, western shoes, heels and sandals with leather tooling and fringe!

The southwest print is popular in jackets, pants, vests, and purses. Great to always see fringe as a mainstay staple in western fashion! The best part is everyone showing how fun their individuality is with their Western Wear! There are so many options now! Have fun shopping and if you have any questions or input please feel free to ask! Happy Trails!

Becky Hougaard Owner, Rockin’ Double H Sales Rep. Wyoming Traders

WESTERN FASHION

Crazy Train T-Shirts.

Photo by Crazy Train

Becky Hougaard

PHOTO BY BECKY HOUGAARD Silverado Tammy Taylor Designs.

PHOTO BY RUSTIC RANCH BOUTIQUE Rustic Ranch Silverado Roja Blazer and mustard metallic cheetah bells.

PHOTO BY CRAZY TRAIN Crazy train fringe jacket with t-shirts.

Western Wasatch - May 2019 53

ENTERTAINMENT

Young cowboy poet, Colt Blankman, honors the cowboy way of life ANGIE ERICKSON Western Wasatch Contributor

While most 12-year-old boys are busy playing video games, Colt Blankman is writing and performing cowboy poetry. In fact, the young cowboy from Avon, has his own CD titled “Pullin That Trigger.” In 2018 his CD of cowboy poetry was #9 on the most played poetry albums on the Western Charts for the first quarter.

“I entered a kids poetry contest at the Cache Valley Rendezvous when I was eight,” he said. “I didn’t win that year. They told me that I would have received more points if my poem had been original. So, the next year I wrote a poem called ‘Pullin That Trigger’ and won the contest.”

Blankman, who turns 13 in May, has been performing cowboy poetry ever since.

So, what is cowboy poetry? During the long cattle drives of the old days cowboys had a lot of time to think. They would write stories and poems about their different experiences. They would share those poems around the campfires at night. Many of those poems became songs that we still hear today.

It’s a way to connect to the past and honor the cowboy way of life. For Colt, cowboy poetry is something he loves to do.

“I love teaching people about the cowboys and horses that helped settle and shape our country. I don’t want it to die,” he said. “There aren’t many young people involved in this genre. We need to keep it alive. It’s a vital part of our history.”

Blankman feels very to lucky to be invited to so many amazing venues. This past year he performed at the Cache Valley Cowboy Rendezvous, he was 54

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The Buckle

by Colt Blankman An old timer walked thru a county museum to reminisce of days gone by, When a case of tarnished buckles, sparked a memory, and caught his eye.

He stopped and paused and for a moment he thought he remembered something right then, Of a long ago 4H group who rode together, growin’ and tryin’ to become men.

They were learnin’ about cattle, horses and livin’ the cowboy ways, His eyes seemed to cloud as his mind drifted back to those forgotten days.

He was just a lad and his excitement was grand as he thought about his good luck, He climbed the fence, his heart ‘bout to burst, as he got ready to mount Ole Buck.

That old buckskin was keen and ready to run, his days were not up just yet, He’d take care of the boy and teach him to ride, he wasn’t just any backyard pet.

Oh, the things that they saw, the work that they did, and the miles that they shared, The boy and his pard, chasin’ cattle and dreams, for they couldn’t have been better paired.

He thought of the pledge and the words that they’d say together every week, Head, heart, hands and health, the 4H’s soon became something he’d seek.

He worked and practiced and he did his best to learn all that he should, ‘Bout ranchin’ and ropin’ and doctorin’ too, sometimes wonderin’ if he could.

Then one day the boss had some news, at the end of the summer there’d be a big day, A competition of sorts, to show off all their skills and a shiny buckle would be the pay.

That night he couldn’t sleep, his yearnin’ was real as the buckle was unlike any other kind, He’d give it his all and lay it all on the line to win the buckle that was on his mind.

His eyes brightened up, and a thought came to him as he asked to open the case, He picked up the buckle, turned it over in his hand, as a smile crept over his face.

And there on the back of the first place award was an inscription written just for him, Congratulations from Ole Buck and Dad, on your very first buckle win!

A weathered hand trembled as he held this memory and thought, “It made me who I am!”

Learnin’ to cowboy with 4H’s, a loop and a hoss, is how I became a man.

ENTERTAINMENT invited to the Dakota Heritage Festival in Pierre South Dakota, the Durango Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Durango, Colorado and several events held in Utah.

“It has changed our lives literally,” said his mother, Kris Blankman. “He was on the road and so busy last year that we decided to do homeschool so he could take advantage of the opportunities that are given to him. Colt is a great kid. He is an old soul.”

In January, he was selected as the recipient of the Rod McQuery and Sue Wallis Scholarship and invited to perform at the National Cowboy Poetry Gather in Elko, Nevada. He also goes into schools to promote and encourage other kids to give cowboy poetry a chance.

“As a family we have tried to make the most of every opportunity,” said his mother. “He tells people he was born 150 years late. I tell

people I am not Davy Crockett’s mother. But in reality, I am pretty sure I am.”

Aside from cowboy poetry, this “old soul” runs his own trap line in the winter. He loves to hunt and ride. He shoots competitively in archery, .22, shotgun and muzzleloader in the Utah Youth Hunter Education Program and is also a shooter on the Wasatch Junior High School Rodeo Team.

Blankman will be performing over Memorial Day at the Western Legends event held at Antelope Island. He’ll also be part of the 150th anniversary of the Golden Spike.

“There is a wagon train that will travel from Brigham City to Kelton over five days in May,” he said. “At night we will have concerts around the campfires. I’m looking forward to getting to share a couple poems.”

To learn more about this talented, young cowboy visit cbcowboypoet.blogspot.com/.

Submit your Cowboy Poetry to be featured in this Magazine. Send submissions to Kendal Parker, multi-media executive, at kparker@standard.net

Blankman’s mom, Kris, says he’s an “old soul.”

Western Wasatch - May 2019 55

ENTERTAINMENT

WMA provides local entertainment

BY CHRIS MORTENSEN

The restaurant was filling quickly with patrons clad in western boots and cowboy hats. Warm greetings and hugs abounded as the eager audience waited for the performance to begin.

The night was January 25, 2019.

The venue was Bonneville Brewery (restaurant) in Tooele, Utah. The annual Western Songwriter’s Series was about to begin; Friday night was the first installment of the Youth Showcase.

MC Thatch Elmer, who at 15 has performed cowboy poetry for roughly half of his life, deftly handled his host duties with confidence and skill honed with the experience of countless performances. Next, Vanessa Carpenter, another 15 year old phenom fired up the crowd with her strong and adept singing and guitar playing. A relative newcomer, she gets better and more confident with every performance. The other featured performer that night was Colton Blankman, not yet 13, but also a very professional purveyor of his craft, cowboy poetry. Like Thatch, Colt is a skilled writer and reciter of poems, serious and humorous. What all three of these youth performers share is a life steeped in the traditions of the western lifestyle and the cowboy culture, a lifestyle and culture that they are helping to perpetuate.

And true to the cowboy way, these three young talents were supported by many of their mentors that night. Enthusiastic audience members included Dave Stamey and Trinity Seely, two well known and award winning performers headlining the main event at the Western Songwriter’s Series on Saturday night.

What all of these performers have in common, besides the lifestyle, culture, and heritage of the west, is membership in an organization that encourages 56

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Thatch Elmer

and supports the preservation, performance, and composition of historic, traditional, and contemporary music and poetry of the American West: The International Western Music Association. Formed and Founded in 1989, with headquarters in Coppell, Texas, the IWMA added a Utah Chapter a few years later. Now numbering more than 70 members, residing in several states, the Utah Chapter of the IWMA is thriving and growing.

Recently the Utah Chapter sponsored and sanctioned the Cache Valley Cowboy Rendezvous in Hyrum Utah.

Thatch, Colt, and Vanessa performed, along with many other quality musicians and poets from the surrounding region.

Headliners included Ned LeDoux, Kristyn Harris, Stephanie Davis, the High Country Cowboys, Gary Allegretto, Ed Peekeekoot, Clive Romney, Sam

Trinity Seely and Vanessa Carpenter

DeLeeuw, Doris Daley and Doc Mehl.

For the second time, Ned LeDoux sold out and played to an overflow crowd.

Most of the aforementioned performers belong to the IWMA, and Kristyn Harris and Sam DeLeeuw have won top awards several years running from the IWMA. The next big event for the Utah Chapter will be Cowboy Legends at Antelope Island, held annually at the Fielding Garr Ranch on the east shore of Antelope Island during the entire Memorial Day weekend. Three stages will feature poets and musicians in a rotation format during the day, plus night dinner shows. A non-denominational Cowboy Church will be held on Sunday morning. Performers will showcase their patriotic songs and poems during a special program on Monday afternoon. Western vendors will display and

sell their art, clothing, tack, and food creations. This event continues to grow in popularity each year.

The Utah Chapter of the Western Music Association welcomes new members to our organization. Poets, musicians, fans, and volunteers are all welcome. We hold bi-monthly meetings, with a pot luck meal, followed by a jam session where members are encouraged to share their new original songs and poems. You can find International Western Music Association, Utah Chapter on Facebook, or contact one of the following officers by email.

President, Brian Arnold, saddlestrings@live.com Vice President, Chris Mortensen, cwmort61@gmail.com Secretary, Ann Mortensen, annmortensen7@gmail.com

ENTERTAINMENT

Musings of a cowboy Sam Lively Rodeo Cowboy

A Breath of Fresh Air As the days grow longer as well as the grass, We begin to feel restless; itching for an escape from the four walls that have confined us since December. Craving nothing more than a breath of fresh air, the simple joy of stepping outside to feel the sunshine tingle on your faces and bare arms.

For the past hundred years, cowboys have been singing songs of the joyous wonders that always accompany the changing of the season. Whether it›s the longer warmer days you›ve been missing, or the simple fact that you no longer have to drain the hose after watering horses, I feel it’s safe to say we’ve all been anticipating this time of year.

Personally, it›s the change of pace that I enjoy most about springtime. Rather than enduring the “seemingly” endless chore of feeding every morning, we turn our horses out to pasture, and hauling them up to the fairgrounds to ride becomes a thing of the past when you can simply just ride at the shedding critters at the local arena.

Yes, it is a fact that life gets a lot more hectic with all the spring chores and projects we›ve had a whole winter to scheme on, but there’s no denying that we leap at the opportunity to get outside and move around, enjoying the scents of fresh grass and dirt as we break a sweat.

Spring has sprung! Soon the air will be fill with the aroma of blossoms and burning ditches as we drive past the 4-H and Junior Posse kids that ride about. The winter ranges will all be gathered for the branding season and the farmers will be planting and plowing for another year’s crop. Springtime is a time for new beginnings, another opportunity to do things better than we did last year. So, enjoy it, before you know it, it’ll be 90°F and the constant battle of irrigating will set in, but that’s a tale for another day.

PHOTOS BY MISTY WOODARD KELLY The Kelly children relish the spring weather while doing chores.

PHOTOS BY MISTY WOODARD KELLY Horses munch on spring grasses.

Western Wasatch - May 2019 57

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