Cows, Plows, and Things That Grow

Tough Times for Farmers in 2026

With spring planting and early cuttings of hay underway, Utah farmers are looking at their options in an otherwise difficult year. Irrigation water will be limited this year after a dry winter, and livestock will still need to be fed. Utah State University agronomist Earl Creech sizes up the situation, and Deputy Commissioner Troy Forrest looks at resources farmers can turn to from Utah Farm Bureau and others to handle this year's challenges.

Utah Farm Bureau Leadership Training

Three participants in Utah Farm Bureau's leadership training, Clayton Rindlisbacher from Nephi, Dustin Cox from Alton and Dot Jensen from Tremonton, talk about how it's prepared them to bring Farm Bureau's message to their communities. And Heather Thomson, winner of the 2025 Utah Farm Bureau Excellence in Agriculture Award, talks about her work with 4H and young people in Utah Coounty through the Utah State University Extension.

American Farm Bureau Convention in Anaheim

The American Farm Bureau Convention is a place where Utah's Farm Bureau leadership can make connections with national leaders and with farmers and agriculture specialists from across the country. In this episode of Cows, Plows and Things that Grow, we'll hear from American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall in a conversation with Utah Farm Bureau President ValJay Rigby. We'll also meet Kelly Pehrson, the Commissioner of the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, and from the team that represents the needs of Farm Bureau members to the Utah legislature. A group of young farmers and ranchers who'd recently won awards at Utah's state Farm Bureau convention also made the trip and competed with others who represent the future of farming in America. We'll hear their thoughts on the national convention

Safety on the Farm

There are many hazards that farm families and farm workers need to be aware of, and Utah Farm Bureau conducts training sessions with local farm bureaus around the state to make them aware of hazards and to build habits that will help avoid accidents. In this episode of Cows, Plows and Things that Grow, Dan Bammes talks with AJ Ferguson, Utah Farm Bureau's Vice President for Farm Safety and with Jason Christensen, a rancher from Sanpete County who's been a part of many safety trainings in his community.

Farm Bureau Campaign School

Political candidates from any party are welcome to attend the Utah Farm Bureau candidate school, where they can learn about messaging, fundraising, working with media and other important topics. In this edition of Cows, Plows and Things that Grow, we'll hear from Cody Lyon, who teaches campaign schools around the country for the American Farm Bureau Federation. We'll also hear from Utah State Senator Scott Sandall, who says campaign school was a great help for him before he ran for the legislature the first time.