Ranching

HOOPER -- At 28, rancher Nathan Fowers knows he's bucking a trend.

CROWNPOINT, N.M. -- The trial for two longtime Navajo Nation ranchers facing eviction has been reset to Jan. 28.

LAS VEGAS -- The U.S. Bureau of Land Management chief blasted critics of the federal government's periodic wild horse roundups on Tuesday, calling the practice rare and necessary as he spoke at a horse slaughter summit in Las Vegas.

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. -- Loretta and Raymond Morris have ranched the same 5,500 acres in northwestern New Mexico for more than 40 years, but their time there might be cut shorter than they hoped.

MINNEAPOLIS  -- The deep snow blanketing the Midwest prairie didn't bother the bison on Ed Eichten's ranch one bit. The hardy animals evolved to survive -- even thrive -- year-round on the open range, and with their big heads, they can plow right through drifts 5-feet tall or more.

The majestic beasts are a hot commodity these days, as consumer demand for healthy meat has sent prices soaring. But although bison are what one rancher calls "a self-care animal," most farmers are struggling to increase their herds and keep up with demand.

SANDY - Sand County Foundation, the Utah Farm Bureau Federation, the Utah Cattlemen's Association, and Western AgCredit were pleased to present the 2010 Leopold Conservation Award to the Tanner family of Box Elder County and their Della Ranches.

"The Tanner family's commitment to the health of the natural resources is truly exemplary," said Dr. Brent Haglund, Sand County Foundation President. "Perhaps more importantly, they are dedicated to sharing their land management approach within and beyond the agricultural community."

The Tanner family has ranched in the Grouse Creek area of Box Elder County for more than 130 years, with brothers Blaine, Brent and Jay currently ranching in Grouse Creek Valley. The ranch is comprised of private, state- and federally-owned lands totaling approximately 192,000 acres of grazing and farm land.

A group of Western U.S. lawmakers, including Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch, unveiled legislation Thursday that puts state governments in charge of managing wolf populations that lawmakers believe have become a threat to wildlife and livestock.