Unveiling Utah's Cultural Tapestry: Rodeos, Ranchers, And Pioneers

Soon, it will rodeo season in Utah and that means taking a good look at the locals who wrangle horses and cattle for a living.

There are a ton across the state and they are quite spectacular at what they do.

Utah has national-level cowboys in rodeos, a rich ranching history, and an even longer pioneer history. Locals gather for parades, fireworks, and BBQs every year on July 24 to celebrate the Utah Pioneers that settled here. Many Utah residents today have ancestors that can even be traced back to the days of Joseph Smith.

Though the state’s history isn’t always light-hearted or happy, it’s important to remember. However, the Utah Pioneers weren’t the only ones to make a historical dent in the area, Utah cowboys and ranchers played a big roll, and still do today.

Utah has quite a few cattle ranches (for beef) that have long family ties, the Utah Beef Council website said. Some of the current ranchers are even on the same land doing the same work their ancestors did in 1989. A real “old school” family business.

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food said that of Utah’s 29 counties, 25 report livestock as the main agriculture area of income.

So, that ground beef you're picking up from Harmon’s? You can thank your local Utah rancher.

Cowboys/ranchers have been an integral part of establishing Utah and growing the state, and the western United States. So, grabbing local foods, supporting local rodeos, and celebrating Utah cowboys are all just a part of celebrating being a Utahn.