In Young Ward, Utah, fourth-generation rancher Kyson Smith is working hard to preserve a legacy that began in 1918. He and his wife run JB Herefords, a 700-acre operation with 130 head of cattle and a new state-inspected butcher shop. From farm to freezer, they raise and process their beef locally and rely on USU Extension to help do it right. “Extension has been part of what I do since I was in school at Utah State,” Kyson says. “It’s the first place I turn when something goes wrong or when I just want to make something better.” In his first year on the ranch, cows were becoming sick. With his father-in-law out of town, Kyson called USU Extension. “The ag agent and the weed specialist came down, walked the land with me, and helped figure it out. They even looped in the county crops agent to test for possible toxins. It made a huge difference.” That hands-on, trusted relationship continues today. Recently, Kyson reached out to Extension again with a simple question: What’s the protein value of the grain I’m feeding my cows? “I know how to grow it, but I didn’t know how valuable it was,” he says. “I texted Justin Clawson, and he helped me get it tested. It’s not just having data, it’s having people you can call.” Kyson shares his story online to educate others about local beef and sells directly to consumers through his butcher shop. But the foundation of it all is relationships with the land, with his community, and with the Extension agents who help him keep it running. “Without Extension, we’d be guessing,” he says. “With them, I’m confident in the choices I make every day as a beef producer. It’s not just information. It’s knowing who to call when I’ve got a question, and knowing they’ll show up.” (fb)

Looking for a fun and free way to keep your kids active this summer? Join USU Extension as we run, walk, and play our way to better health. Track any kind of heart-pumping activity to complete one or more marathon's worth of movement. People of all ages and abilities are invited to participate - let's get moving! (fb)