The impact of Mitch, James, and McKinley's ranching practices is visible in the field. Informed by their youth in the Wasatch Back, Mitch describes the changes they've brought to the ranchland. "There is more diversity in the birds, insects and plants in the field," he says. The land is healing, with bare spots disappearing as the slight disturbance caused by hooves allows natural steer-produced fertilizers to do their job. 'And the land has time, because we keep the animals moving,' Mitch adds, highlighting the positive effects of their approach.
"There isn't a handbook," he laughs about livestock and soil management. "We sometimes literally use duct tape and baling wire." He finds ranch life "regenerates the soul, watching the animals amid an ecosystem that is expanding with birds, insects and plants." With his family, he savors hiking, "especially Silver Spur," and volunteering with the Wasatch Community Gardens. "And traveling when the grass isn't growing," he laughs.
With 1,000 meat chickens and 22 cattle, the trio slaughters and processes their meat for sale locally. "Healthy meat, healthy life, healthy community," Mitch says.
"It is hard and often thankless work," he muses. “I pray not just for the food on the table but also for the places where it originated and the hands it has passed through."