Sand County Foundation in partnership with the Western AgCredit, Utah Farm Bureau Federation, and the Utah Cattlemen’s Association are proud to name W.F. Goring and Son, Inc. as the recipient of the prestigious Utah Leopold Conservation Award. Bill and Sherie Goring, along with their son Blake, own and manage the sheep ranch in Deweyville.
Located on the west side of the Wellsville Mountains, the third generation sheep ranch has a rich history working the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and Farm Service Agency to help improve the health of the rangeland. The Gorings have implemented extensive water systems, installed fencing and revitalized their forest. The family also hosts several ranch tours for people who want to learn more about their management practices.
Being sensitive to the Greater Sage-Grouse population and upland game birds on their land, the Gorings burned and mechanically removed strips of forage brush on 1,800 acres so the natural forage can thrive. They also re-seeded these areas with grasses to benefit the birds and sheep. A portion of their property is now used as a pheasant hunting preserve, attracting youth groups and local civic leagues.
Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the Leopold Conservation Award recognizes extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. It inspires other landowners through these examples and provides a visible forum where farmers, ranchers and other private landowners are recognized as conservation leaders. In his influential 1949 book, A Sand County Almanac, Leopold called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage, which he called “an evolutionary possibility and an ecological necessity.”
The Leopold Conservation Award honors Utah landowner achievement in voluntary stewardship and management of natural resources. The Gorings will be presented with a crystal award and $10,000 at the Utah Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Convention in Layton.
“Western AgCredit is proud to be the principal financial sponsor of the Leopold Conservation Award in Utah. Conservation is a way of life for the Gorings. We appreciate their commitment to improving the environment in which we live,” said Dick Weathered, CEO of Western AgCredit.
“We are extremely proud of the Goring family and the pride they take in improving the landscape and natural resources in their care,” said Leland Hogan, President of the Utah Farm Bureau Federation. “The Gorings are an example of the conservation ethic found in Utah’s farmers and ranchers, and we salute them for their efforts.”
“We appreciate the Leopold Conservation Award program and sponsors for seeking out and rewarding landowners for their excellence of resource management. The Goring family is certainly deserving of this recognition for their generations of good land stewardship,” said Brent Tanner, Executive Vice President, Utah Cattlemen’s Association.
